Direct answer
Compare roofers on the same written scope—not a star rating or price alone. Confirm the business identity and applicable Florida license through the official source, verify who pulls permits and schedules inspections, require the roof system and materials to be identified, separate repair from replacement assumptions, and put payment milestones, cleanup, warranties, change orders, and exclusions in writing.
Pause the hiring process when
- Pressure to sign immediately because of a storm, insurance deadline, or one-day discount.
- A request for a large cash payment before materials, permits, or a written scope are established.
- A business identity, license holder, address, or contract name that does not match the official record.
- A promise to absorb, waive, or manipulate an insurance deductible without a clear lawful written basis.
Comparison sequence
- Write one problem statement and ask each roofer to estimate the same repair or replacement scope.
- Look up the exact contracting entity and license holder through Florida DBPR.
- Ask who is responsible for permit, product approval, inspection, debris, protection, and final documentation.
- Compare materials, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, deck assumptions, warranty terms, exclusions, and payment milestones line by line.
Decision path
Do the proposals describe materially different roof systems or damage assumptions?
If yes: Ask each roofer to explain the difference and obtain a written diagnostic basis before comparing totals.
If no: Compare quantities, products, labor, permit duties, warranty, schedule, and payment timing on the common scope.
Is the proposal tied to an insurance claim?
If yes: Keep contractor selection separate from claim coverage and require every deductible, supplement, authorization, and payment obligation in writing.
If no: Still require a complete written scope and do not let financing obscure the project price or cancellation terms.
Documents and facts to collect
- Legal business name, license holder, license number, and official lookup result.
- Written scope, material manufacturer/product, quantities, permit responsibility, and anticipated inspections.
- Proof of insurance relevant to the work, with current dates and the named insured.
- Workmanship and manufacturer warranty terms, exclusions, transfer rules, and claim process.
- Payment schedule, financing terms, cancellation language, change-order method, and lien-release plan.
Questions to ask before authorizing work
- What evidence supports repair versus replacement, and what deck or hidden-damage assumptions are included?
- Which exact roof system, underlayment, flashing, fasteners, ventilation, and product approvals are proposed?
- Who pulls the permit, schedules inspections, protects the property, removes debris, and provides closeout documents?
- What can change the price, who authorizes a change order, and when is each payment due?
- Which warranties come from the contractor and manufacturer, and how is a claim made?
South Florida considerations
- South Florida wind, rain, and hurricane exposure make approved assemblies, flashing details, temporary protection, and documentation important comparison points.
- Municipal or county permitting authority can vary by address; verify the current official process rather than relying on a directory statement.
- A contractor-supplied license number or warranty claim remains supplied information until checked against the relevant source.
Avoid these selection mistakes
- Choosing from rating, price, or urgency language without comparing the written scope.
- Signing blank forms, broad claim authorizations, or assignments you do not understand.
- Paying in cash without receipts, milestones, and a clear relationship to completed work or delivered materials.
- Assuming directory inclusion, sponsorship, or an estimate visit means THP verification.
Frequently asked questions
Does the lowest roofing estimate usually represent the same job?
Not necessarily. Material systems, deck assumptions, flashing, ventilation, permits, disposal, warranty, and exclusions can make two totals describe different work.
Should I verify a roofing license myself?
Yes. Use the current official Florida source and compare the entity and qualifier to the contract rather than relying only on a displayed number.
Does THP recommend every roofer shown in the directory?
No. A listing is not a permanent endorsement. Read the profile evidence states and use the same independent comparison process.
Sources
- How to avoid a home-improvement scam — U.S. Federal Trade Commission; checked 2026-07-28.
- Florida professional-license lookup — Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation; checked 2026-07-28.
- Building permits and inspections — City of Sunrise; checked 2026-07-28.
- Broward County Building Code — Broward County; checked 2026-07-28.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-28. Source review: THP editorial review against the official pages linked above. No independent medical, engineering, legal, or trade-expert review is claimed.