Homeowner Guide · April 2026

15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer in Florida

The right questions protect you from bad contractors, hidden costs, and shoddy work. Ask every one of these before signing anything. A roofing project is one of the largest investments you'll make in your home, and the contractor you choose matters just as much as the materials on your roof. Whether you need a full roof replacement or a targeted repair, these 15 questions will help you separate the professionals from the pretenders.

1. What Is Your Florida Roofing License Number?

This is the single most important question. In Florida, roofing contractors must hold a CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor) or CRC (Registered Roofing Contractor) license. A general contractor license is not enough — Florida law requires a specific roofing license to perform roofing work. Ask for the number and verify it yourself on myfloridalicense.com. If the contractor can't produce a valid CCC or CRC number, walk away immediately. Learn more about avoiding roofing scams in Florida.

2. Do You Carry General Liability AND Workers’ Comp Insurance?

Both are essential. General liability protects your property if the crew causes damage. Workers’ compensation protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your roof. Ask for a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify it’s active — don’t just take their word for it. Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to confirm the policy hasn’t lapsed. If the contractor doesn’t carry workers’ comp, you could be held financially responsible for on-the-job injuries.

3. Will You Pull the Building Permit?

The answer must be yes. In Florida, a building permit is required for roof replacements and most major repairs. The licensed contractor should pull the permit under their own license — never agree to pull the permit yourself. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit, that’s a major red flag: it often means they aren’t properly licensed, and it shifts legal liability onto you. Permits also ensure the work is inspected to meet Florida Building Code. For more on this process, read our Florida roofing permits guide.

4. How Long Have You Been Roofing in Polk County / This Area?

Local experience matters. A roofer who has worked in your area for years knows the local building department requirements, common roof types in your neighborhood, and the specific weather patterns that affect roofing materials in Central Florida. Out-of-area contractors — especially storm chasers who appear after hurricanes — may not understand local code requirements and often disappear when warranty issues arise. Look for a contractor with a verifiable track record in your county.

5. Can I See Proof of Manufacturer Certification?

Manufacturer certifications from companies like GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed mean the contractor has been trained and approved by the shingle manufacturer to install their products. Why does this matter? Certified installers can offer enhanced warranty options that uncertified contractors cannot. A GAF-certified contractor, for example, can offer GAF’s System Plus or Golden Pledge warranty, which covers both materials and workmanship for up to 25 years. An uncertified installer can only offer the standard manufacturer material warranty. Read more about the differences in our roof warranty types guide.

6. What Is Your Workmanship Warranty?

The manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves, but the workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation. If the contractor installs the shingles incorrectly and a leak develops three years later, only the workmanship warranty protects you. Insist on a minimum 5-year workmanship warranty, and prefer contractors who offer 10 years or more. Get the warranty terms in writing before signing any contract. Be wary of lifetime workmanship warranties from companies that have only been in business for two years — a warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it.

7. What Brand and Product Line of Shingles / Materials Will You Use?

Don’t accept vague answers like “30-year shingles” or “standard architectural.” You need a specific product name: for example, GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, or CertainTeed Landmark Pro. Every shingle line has different wind ratings, algae resistance, and warranty terms. Knowing the exact product lets you research the material independently and compare estimates fairly. If a contractor can’t tell you exactly what they plan to put on your roof, they haven’t thought through the job.

8. Will You Tear Off the Existing Roof or Go Over It?

A full tear-off down to the roof deck is the proper way to do a roof replacement. It allows the crew to inspect the decking for rot, water damage, and structural issues. It also ensures proper installation of underlayment and ice-and-water shield. Laying new shingles over old ones (a “layover” or “nail-over”) is a shortcut that hides problems, adds weight to the structure, voids most manufacturer warranties, and rarely meets current Florida Building Code requirements. Florida code generally allows a maximum of two layers, but a tear-off is always the superior approach.

9. How Do You Handle Decking Damage?

Once the old roof is torn off, the crew will inspect the plywood or OSB decking underneath. It’s common to find some rotted or water-damaged sheets, especially around valleys, vents, and flashing points. Ask the contractor upfront how they handle this. The cost for replacing damaged decking should either be included in the scope of work or priced per sheet (typically $50–$100 per 4x8 sheet of plywood, installed). Get this pricing in writing before work begins so there are no surprises when they call you mid-job saying they found damage.

10. What Is Included in the Written Estimate?

A professional estimate should clearly itemize everything included in the price. At minimum, you should see: materials (with specific product names), labor, building permit fees, tear-off and disposal of the old roof, new flashing at walls and penetrations, pipe boots, ridge vent or other ventilation, underlayment, drip edge, and cleanup. If the estimate is a single lump-sum number with no breakdown, ask for an itemized version. You need to know what you’re paying for in order to compare estimates from different contractors. Read more about what goes into pricing in our Polk County roof cost guide.

11. What’s NOT Included?

This question is just as important as asking what’s included. Common exclusions that catch homeowners off guard: structural repairs (damaged trusses or rafters), code upgrades required by the building inspector, gutter replacement or re-attachment, interior ceiling or drywall repair, exterior painting where flashing meets walls, and landscaping damage from debris. A trustworthy contractor will be upfront about what falls outside the scope of their estimate.

12. How Many Crews Do You Run?

This question tells you a lot about the contractor’s capacity and whether they’ll actually show up when promised. A one-crew company may do excellent work but could leave you waiting weeks if they get behind schedule or take on too many jobs. A company with multiple crews can usually start sooner and has backup labor if needed. It also reveals whether the company subcontracts work — if they run zero crews and sub everything out, you should know who will actually be on your roof.

13. Who Is the Project Supervisor and How Do I Reach Them?

You should have a named point of contact — not just “call the office.” Ask for the name and direct phone number of the person who will oversee your project. This is the person responsible for quality control, crew management, and answering your questions during the job. If the contractor can’t name a specific supervisor, it suggests a disorganized operation. During the project, your supervisor should be reachable by phone and should visit the job site at least once per day.

14. What Happens If It Rains During the Job?

In Florida, afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily occurrence from June through September. Any roofer working in this state should have a clear rain plan. Ask specifically: Do they tarp the open roof at the first sign of weather? How quickly can they get the tarp down? Do they leave tarps and materials staged on-site overnight? What is the timeline for resuming work the next day? A professional contractor will have an emergency tarping protocol and won’t leave your home exposed to the elements. If they seem caught off guard by this question, that’s a warning sign.

15. Do You Offer Financing?

A new roof is a significant expense, and many reputable roofing contractors partner with lending companies to offer financing options. Ask whether they offer financing, what the terms look like (interest rate, repayment period, minimum credit score), and whether there are any zero-interest promotional periods. Financing can make the difference between replacing a failing roof now versus waiting until it causes interior water damage that costs even more to fix. Just be sure to read the fine print and understand all terms before signing a financing agreement.

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Even one of these should make you think twice. Multiple red flags together mean you should find a different contractor:

• No Florida roofing license — or they can’t produce a CCC/CRC number on the spot.
• Won’t pull the building permit — or asks you to pull it yourself.
• Demands a large deposit upfront — never pay more than 10–20% before work begins. Any contractor asking for 50% or more upfront is a major risk.
• No written contract — if it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist. Every detail should be documented before work starts.
• Pressure to sign same day — “this price is only good today” is a high-pressure sales tactic, not a legitimate business practice. A reputable contractor will give you time to compare estimates and make an informed decision.

For a deeper dive into contractor selection, read our complete guide to choosing a roofing contractor in Florida. And if you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, our Florida roofing scams guide covers the most common schemes and how to protect yourself.

Get a Free Estimate from a Licensed Roofer

American Roofing FL is a Florida Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC1334393), fully insured, BBB A+ accredited, and GAF Certified. We welcome every question on this list — and we’ll answer them all before you sign anything. Contact us for a free estimate or call (863) 360-6804 to schedule a free roof inspection at your home.