How To Find A Legitimate Roofer in The Villages

The worst thing after experiencing damage to your roof is a shady or suspicious roofer knocking on your door. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon today that a named storm rolls through the area and a brand-new roofing company pops up overnight, targeting stressed homeowners to make a quick buck

How do you know which roofers are legitimate? How do you know which roofing companies to trust? We’ll walk you through the current scams and tactics fly-by-night contractors use so you can make the most informed decisions about your roof in The Villages. Don’t let a storm chaser take advantage! Rely on a local roofing company like Secured Restoration & Roofing.

How To Tell If A Roofer Is Legitimate?

To tell if a roofer is legitimate, verify that the contractor holds the proper Florida roofing license and carries insurance. You can verify the contractor’s status through Florida’s DBPR License Search.

You’ll also want to check their business address. Secured Roofing & Restoration serves homeowners in The Villages and is based in Altamonte Springs at 483 Montgomery Pl Suite 104, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.

Florida also offers two types of contracting licenses: Certified and Registered. Our Certified Roofing Contractor license number is #CCC1331427. Beyond certifications and registrations, it’s also a good idea to look for local reviews and references, and a current, professional website.

Scam tactics predatory roofers may use include:

• Demanding huge upfront payments before work begins,
• Showing up right after a storm saying you need a new roof,
• Using high-pressure tactics to get you to sign paperwork on the spot,
• Giving vague estimates or refusing to provide a contract in writing,
• Or even starting the work and disappearing before the job is completed.

When are homeowners most vulnerable to roofing scams?

Central Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Peak summer months like July and August are generally the wettest months for the state. This is usually when out-of-town contractors will target Florida communities like The Villages.

How can homeowners in The Villages avoid roofing scams?

Predatory roofers may act as “storm chasers.” They will knock on doors, offering free roof inspections while promising to get your insurance to pay for a full roof replacement right after a storm or hurricane. The salesperson may even claim that they can see damage to your roof from the street in hopes that they’ll be able to get an insurance claim started for you.

Watch out for those who insist that you file a claim immediately, or before you’ve received a professional roof inspection. Sometimes damage from the storm is very minor or even nonexistent.

What if they offer to cover my insurance deductible?

If a roofing contractor says, “We’ll cover your deductible” or “You won’t have to pay anything,” this is a warning sign. Homeowners are generally responsible for their insurance deductibles, and deductible waivers are usually a sign of insurance fraud.

What if they offer a free roof inspection?

Some roofing companies will offer a free inspection, just like we do. However, if they come with an urgent warning, this is a red flag. For example, if the salesperson says you only have a few days to get an inspection for free, or that you need to sign today to lock in pricing, don’t sign it. Free inspections are common and legitimate, but urgency like this is not necessary for credible companies.

What if the roofing contractor asks for a deposit?

Be cautious if someone asks for a very large cash deposit before work begins. Florida law limits how much contractors can collect upfront for certain home repair projects. Reputable roofers will typically structure their payments around the materials and the completion of the project.

What if the contractor wants me to sign an Assignment of Benefits?

Under Florida law, you cannot assign your insurance policy rights to a contractor. If a roofing company asks you to sign an Assignment of Benefits, or an agreement that transfers the rights of your claim to them, they are in violation of state law.

Some out-of-town contractors try to bypass these rules by having homeowners sign a “Direction of Payment” instead. They will usually present this document casually, claiming it simply instructs the insurance company to send the check directly to the roofer for your convenience.

While a DTP is legal and common, it does not give the contractor the power to negotiate your claim or sue your insurance provider on your behalf. In 2023, Florida appellate courts (including a landmark case involving a homeowner right here in The Villages) ruled against this tactic.

The court determined that a Direction of Payment does not transfer your claim rights, nor does it allow contractors to legally step into your shoes and sue your insurer.

Be Sure To Read Your Contracts Carefully

Before signing any roofing contract, take the time to read every page. A reputable roofing company should be willing to explain the agreement and provide copies of all documents before work begins.

Roof replacements in Florida also generally require permits and inspections. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save money or speed up the project, this should be considered a red flag. Permits confirm that the work meets local building code and protects you if problems arise later.

You should also verify exactly what materials are being installed. In some cases, a contract may mention one brand or product, while lower-cost materials are substituted in during installation.

Always ask your roofer for:

• Manufacturer names
• Product lines and specifications
• Warranty information
• Permit details
• A written payment schedule

How do I report a suspicious roofing company?

If you believe a contractor is operating without a license, using deceptive sales tactics, or violating Florida contracting laws, you may report your concerns to The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or The Florida Attorney General’s Office.

You can also reach out to your local building department and your insurance company if you suspect insurance fraud. Keep copies of contracts, estimates, text messages, business cards, and photographs if you believe you have encountered a fraudulent contractor.

Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Roofer

A reputable roofing company should be comfortable answering these questions and providing documentation when requested. Before signing any new contract, ask these:

1. Are you licensed and insured in Florida?
2. How long have you been serving The Villages and Central Florida?
3. Will you obtain all required permits?
4. Do you use subcontractors or in-house employees?
5. How will you protect my property and landscaping?
6. What manufacturer warranties are included?
7. Can you provide local references or show me recent projects?

These will help you weed out unreliable contractors and protect yourself from liability if an accident occurs on your property.

Ready To Start Your Roofing Project?

Secured Roofing & Restoration is here for homeowners through the Villages. Our owner, Chad Fortson, is a fourth-generation local roofing contractor, and our team is here to walk you through insurance claims, roof replacements and installations, and peace of mind about your investment. Call us today at 407-439-1200 or reach out to our team here. We look forward to serving you!