Roofing Contractor Fraud in Florida: How to Protect Yourself (2026)

Florida leads the nation in roofing contractor fraud complaints. The combination of frequent hurricanes, a large elderly population, high insurance premiums, and a booming construction market creates the perfect environment for scam artists. After every major storm that hits Pinellas County, the Florida Attorney General's office receives a surge of complaints about fraudulent roofing contractors.

The good news is that most roofing fraud follows predictable patterns. By understanding the common scams and knowing the warning signs, you can protect yourself and your property. This guide covers every major type of roofing fraud in Florida, the laws that protect you, and exactly what to do if you have been victimized.

The Scale of Roofing Fraud in Florida

To understand why roofing fraud is such a significant problem in Florida, consider these facts:

• The DBPR receives thousands of complaints about roofing contractors annually
• Unlicensed contracting is one of the most prosecuted construction crimes in the state
• After Hurricane Ian in 2022, roofing fraud complaints in Southwest and Central Florida increased by over 300%
• The National Insurance Crime Bureau consistently ranks Florida among the top states for roofing-related insurance fraud
• Pinellas County, with its mix of older homes, coastal exposure, and frequent storms, is a prime target area

Roofing fraud costs Florida homeowners, insurers, and taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. It also harms legitimate roofing contractors who compete against fraudulent operators willing to cut every corner.

Common Roofing Scam Patterns in Pinellas County

Storm Chasing

Storm chasing is the most visible form of roofing fraud in Florida. Within hours of a hurricane or major storm, out-of-state contractors begin flooding into the affected area, going door-to-door to solicit roofing work. While not every storm chaser is a scammer (some are legitimate contractors responding to demand), the practice is associated with significant risks:

• They often operate under another contractor's license or no license at all
• They demand large upfront payments, then either disappear or perform substandard work
• They use high-pressure sales tactics, creating urgency to sign immediately
• They are gone from the area before problems with the work surface
• Warranty claims are impossible to enforce against a company from another state
• They may not understand or comply with the Florida Building Code and local Pinellas County requirements

A classic storm chaser scenario: someone knocks on your door the day after a storm, says they can see damage from the street, offers a "free inspection," then pressures you to sign a contract on the spot. They collect a large deposit, do quick or incomplete work, and are in the next storm-hit city before you realize the problems.

Phantom Damage and Insurance Fraud

Phantom damage fraud involves a contractor claiming storm damage exists when it does not, or dramatically exaggerating minor damage to inflate an insurance claim. This scam typically works like this:

1. The contractor offers a "free roof inspection" after a storm
2. They climb on your roof and claim to find serious damage (sometimes they actually create the damage themselves)
3. They offer to "handle everything" with your insurance company
4. They file an inflated claim, sometimes manufacturing evidence of damage
5. They pressure you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) giving them control of your claim
6. They collect the insurance payout, perform minimal work, and pocket the difference

This scam harms everyone: the homeowner gets substandard work, the insurer pays fraudulent claims (which raises premiums for all policyholders), and the homeowner may face legal consequences if they are seen as participating in the fraud, even unknowingly.

Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Abuse

An Assignment of Benefits is a legal document that transfers your insurance claim rights to a third party (typically the contractor). While AOBs have legitimate uses, they have been widely abused in Florida's roofing industry:

• The contractor gains complete control over your insurance claim
• They can inflate the claim amount far beyond the actual repair cost
• They can sue your insurance company on your behalf (using your policy rights)
• You lose the ability to negotiate directly with your insurer
• If the contractor does substandard work, resolving the situation becomes much more complex

Florida has enacted significant AOB reform legislation in recent years, including requiring written notice to the insurer, limiting the scope of AOB agreements, and changing attorney fee structures. However, AOB abuse remains a concern. As a general rule, think very carefully before signing an AOB, and never sign one under pressure.

Permit Fraud

Permit fraud takes several forms in Pinellas County:

• Not pulling a permit at all (performing the work illegally)
• Using another contractor's license to pull permits (called "qualifying" and is illegal)
• Pulling a permit but not scheduling required inspections
• Asking the homeowner to pull the permit as an "owner-builder" (illegal for licensed work)

Permit fraud is dangerous because uninspected work may not meet the Florida Building Code, which can compromise the structural integrity of your roof during a hurricane. It can also create problems with your homeowner's insurance (some policies require work to be properly permitted) and cause issues when you sell your home (title searches may reveal unpermitted work).

Bait and Switch

In a bait-and-switch scam, the contractor quotes one thing and delivers another:

• Quoting premium materials (like GAF Timberline HDZ) but installing cheaper products
• Quoting a complete tear-off but doing an overlay instead
• Quoting synthetic underlayment but installing basic felt paper
• Advertising a specific warranty but not registering the installation with the manufacturer
• Quoting a price for full scope work but then adding charges for items that should have been included

This scam can be difficult to detect because most homeowners do not climb on their roof to verify materials. This is why a detailed roofing contract specifying exact products and a thorough final inspection are critical.

The Disappearing Contractor

This is the most straightforward scam: the contractor collects a large deposit (often 50% or more of the total) and then disappears. They may give a string of excuses about material delays or scheduling conflicts before eventually becoming unreachable. By the time you realize what has happened, the contractor has moved on to the next victim.

Disappearing contractors often operate under fake business names, use temporary phone numbers, and have no verifiable business address. They target homeowners who are desperate for repairs after a storm and less likely to thoroughly vet the contractor before signing.

Red Flags Checklist: Warning Signs of Roofing Fraud

Use this checklist to evaluate any roofing contractor before signing a contract or making a payment. Any single red flag warrants caution. Multiple red flags should end the conversation.

Florida Laws That Protect Homeowners

Florida has enacted multiple statutes specifically targeting roofing and contractor fraud. Understanding these laws helps you know your rights and hold bad actors accountable.

How to Verify a Roofing Contractor in Pinellas County

Before hiring any roofing contractor, take these verification steps:

Step 1: License Verification

Visit myfloridalicense.com and search for the contractor by name or license number. Verify:

• The license is current and active (not expired, suspended, or revoked)
• The license type is appropriate (CCC for Certified Roofing Contractor or RC for Registered)
• The name matches the person or company you are dealing with
• Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints on file

Step 2: Insurance Verification

Request a current Certificate of Insurance showing:

• General liability coverage (minimum $300,000, $1 million preferred)
• Workers' compensation coverage (required if they have employees)
• Call the insurance company directly to verify the certificate is valid and current

Step 3: Local Verification

• Check with the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board
• Search for the business on the Florida Division of Corporations (sunbiz.org) to verify registration
• Check Better Business Bureau rating and complaint history
• Search Google reviews and other online review platforms
• Ask for references from recent Pinellas County projects and actually call them

Step 4: Background Research

• Search the contractor's name in the Pinellas County Clerk of Court records for lawsuits or judgments
• Check the Florida Attorney General's complaint database
• Search local news for any fraud reports involving the contractor
• Verify the physical business address exists (drive by it or check Google Street View)

The DBPR Complaint Process

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the primary state agency responsible for regulating contractors. Here is how to file a complaint:

Filing a Complaint

1. Visit myfloridalicense.com and navigate to the complaint section
2. You can file online, by mail, or by calling 850-487-1395
3. Provide your name, address, and contact information
4. Identify the contractor (name, license number, business name)
5. Describe the issue in detail with dates, amounts, and specifics
6. Attach supporting documents (contract, photos, communications, payment records)

What Happens After You File

• The DBPR assigns an investigator to review your complaint
• The contractor is notified and given an opportunity to respond
• The investigator may contact you for additional information
• If the investigation finds probable cause, the case goes to the Construction Industry Licensing Board
• The Board can impose fines, require restitution, place the contractor on probation, or revoke their license

Important: the DBPR process addresses the contractor's license and professional conduct. It does not directly resolve your financial dispute. For money recovery, you may need to pursue civil remedies (see below).

Additional Resources for Fraud Victims

Florida Attorney General

The Florida Attorney General's office investigates consumer fraud complaints and can take legal action against fraudulent contractors. File a complaint at myfloridalegal.com or call 1-866-9NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).

Construction Industry Recovery Fund

Florida maintains the Construction Industry Recovery Fund to help homeowners who have suffered financial loss due to a licensed contractor's violation. If you paid a licensed contractor who abandoned the job, performed grossly substandard work, or diverted your funds, you may be eligible for recovery of up to $50,000 per claim. Contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board for eligibility details and application procedures.

Pinellas County Consumer Protection

The Pinellas County government offers consumer protection resources including complaint mediation services. Contact the Pinellas County Consumer Protection office for assistance with local contractor disputes.

Legal Aid and Attorney Resources

If you cannot afford an attorney, contact:

• Gulfcoast Legal Services (serving Pinellas County): provides free legal assistance to qualifying individuals
• The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-342-8011
• Pinellas County Small Claims Court: for disputes under $8,000

What to Do If You Have Been Scammed

If you believe you have been the victim of roofing contractor fraud in Pinellas County, take these steps immediately:

Step 1: Stop All Payments

Do not make any additional payments to the contractor. If you paid by credit card, contact your credit card company immediately to dispute the charge. If you paid by check, contact your bank about stopping payment if the check has not yet been cashed.

Step 2: Document Everything

Gather and organize all evidence:

• The signed contract (if one exists)
• All payment records (canceled checks, credit card statements, receipts)
• Photographs of any work performed (or not performed)
• All communications (texts, emails, voicemails, letters)
• Names and contact information of any witnesses
• Business cards, flyers, or advertising materials from the contractor
• Your notes about conversations, promises, and timelines

Step 3: File a Police Report

If the contractor has taken your money and disappeared, or if you believe criminal fraud has occurred, file a police report with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office or your local police department. A police report creates an official record and may be needed for insurance claims or civil lawsuits.

Step 4: File Regulatory Complaints

File complaints with all applicable agencies:

• DBPR (for licensed contractor violations)
• Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (for unlicensed contracting)
• Florida Attorney General (for consumer fraud)
• Better Business Bureau (for public record)
• Federal Trade Commission (for interstate fraud)

Step 5: Consult an Attorney

A Florida construction attorney can advise you on:

• Whether you have grounds for a civil lawsuit
• How to recover your financial losses
• Whether you qualify for the Construction Industry Recovery Fund
• Protecting yourself from construction liens filed by unpaid subcontractors
• Your rights under the contract (if one exists)

Step 6: Protect Your Property

If the contractor left your roof in a damaged or partially completed state:

• Take emergency measures to prevent water damage (tarping exposed areas)
• Do not let another contractor begin work until you understand the legal and insurance implications
• Document the current condition thoroughly with photos and video
• Contact your homeowner's insurance company to report the situation

Protecting Yourself: A Prevention Checklist

Prevention is always better than recovery. Use this checklist for every roofing project:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common roofing scams in Florida?

The most common roofing scams in Florida include storm chasing (out-of-state contractors going door-to-door after hurricanes), demanding large upfront payments then disappearing, performing substandard work with cheap materials, phantom damage claims (fabricating or exaggerating storm damage for insurance fraud), permit fraud (not pulling permits or using someone else's license), AOB abuse (inflating claims after taking over your insurance rights), and bait-and-switch tactics (quoting one material then installing lower quality).

How do I verify a Florida roofing contractor is legitimate?

Verify any roofing contractor at myfloridalicense.com by searching their name or license number. A legitimate Florida roofing contractor will have a current CCC or RC license, workers' compensation and general liability insurance, a physical business address, verifiable references from recent local projects, and no unresolved complaints with the DBPR. In Pinellas County, also check for local business registration with the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board.

What is storm chasing and why is it dangerous?

Storm chasing refers to roofing contractors (often from out of state) who travel to hurricane or storm-affected areas to solicit business door-to-door. The practice is associated with high-pressure sales, inflated pricing, substandard work, and contractors who leave the area before problems are discovered. They may use a local contractor's license illegally, skip permits, use inferior materials, and be impossible to reach for warranty claims. Always hire a contractor with an established local presence in Pinellas County.

How do I file a complaint against a roofing contractor in Florida?

File a complaint with the Florida DBPR online at myfloridalicense.com or by calling 850-487-1395. You can also file with the Florida Attorney General at myfloridalegal.com, the Pinellas County Consumer Protection office, and the Better Business Bureau. For unlicensed contracting, contact the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board. Gather all documentation including contracts, photos, communications, and payment records before filing.

What Florida laws protect homeowners from roofing fraud?

Florida has multiple laws protecting homeowners from roofing fraud. FL Statute 489.127 makes unlicensed contracting a criminal offense (felony for repeat offenses). FL Statute 489.126 criminalizes contractor diversion of funds. FL Statute 501.031 provides the 3-day right of rescission for door-to-door sales. FL Statute 817.234 prohibits insurance fraud. FL Statute 489.1425 requires written contracts for work over $2,500. Recent reforms have also limited AOB practices and strengthened penalties for contractor fraud across Florida.

What should I do if I have been scammed by a roofing contractor?

If you have been scammed, stop all payments immediately and document everything including photos, contracts, communications, and receipts. File a police report if the contractor has disappeared with your money. File complaints with the DBPR, Florida Attorney General, and local consumer protection agencies. Contact your bank or credit card company about reversing payments. Consult a Florida construction attorney about your legal options, and contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board about the Florida Homeowner Construction Recovery Fund, which may reimburse losses of up to $50,000 from licensed contractors.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Protected

Roofing contractor fraud is a serious and ongoing problem in Pinellas County, but it is also largely preventable. The contractors who perpetrate these scams rely on urgency, fear, and lack of information to succeed. By educating yourself about the warning signs, verifying credentials before signing anything, and knowing your legal rights, you take away the scammer's greatest advantage.

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. A legitimate roofing contractor will never pressure you to make an immediate decision, demand large upfront payments, or discourage you from getting other quotes. Take your time, do your research, and choose a contractor with an established reputation in the Pinellas County community. Your roof is too important to leave to chance.