States / Florida / Roofer
2026 data Public-data reference. official source

Roofer License in Florida — Bond $10,000

Open-data reference.

Installs and repairs roofs using shingles, metal, or other materials

✓ License Required in Florida

License Type

Roofing Contractor License

High consumer complaint rates drive strict licensing in more states.

Requirements at a Glance

Exam Required

No Exam Required

⏱️

Experience Required

2 years minimum

🛡️

Surety Bond

$10,000 required

🏦

Liability Insurance

Minimum $500K coverage

📚

Continuing Education

No continuing education required

💰

License Fee

$100-$300

How to Apply

  1. 1 Document at least 2 years of relevant work experience
  2. 0
  3. 2 Obtain a surety bond for $10,000 from a licensed bonding company
  4. 3 Purchase general liability insurance with at least $500K coverage
  5. Submit application and pay the license fee ($100-$300) to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Compare Roofer Requirements Across States

28 of 51 states require a roofer license. See how Florida compares.

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What the Florida Roofer Record Shows

Florida requires roofer contractors to hold a Roofing Contractor License before performing licensed work. Of 28 US states that license roofer work, Florida's regime applies a partial screen, combining some but not all of the exam, bond, and insurance requirements seen in peer states. Licensing is administered through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which issues the credential, maintains the public license roster, and adjudicates consumer complaints.

The specific entry requirements for roofer contractors in Florida are: no exam mandate, 2 years of documented work experience, a surety bond of $10,000, liability insurance with at least $500K in coverage, and no continuing-education mandate. License fees in this classification run $100-$300. Additional notes from the licensing board: High consumer complaint rates drive strict licensing in more states.

For homeowners in Florida, verification is straightforward: use Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)'s official license lookup to confirm the license number is active, matches the contractor's legal business name, and has no disciplinary history attached. Ask for a copy of the license and the certificate of insurance before signing a contract, and request the surety bond provider if bonding is required. If defective work or non-performance occurs, the state complaint process is the formal path to recovery — file promptly, document everything, and retain copies of contracts, invoices, and correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a licensed and unlicensed contractor?

A licensed contractor has met state-specific requirements including education, experience, exams, and background checks. They carry required insurance and bonds. An unlicensed contractor has met none of these requirements. Hiring an unlicensed contractor may void your homeowner's insurance, expose you to liability if a worker is injured, and leave you with no legal recourse for defective work.

Does a license guarantee quality work?

No. A license means the contractor met minimum standards at the time of licensing. Always check reviews, ask for references, and see past project photos. However, a licensed contractor provides legal protections that an unlicensed contractor does not.

What is a contractor bond and why does it matter?

A contractor bond (surety bond) is a three-party agreement between the contractor, a bonding company, and you. If the contractor fails to complete a job or causes damage, you can make a claim against the bond. Bonds typically have limits ($5K-$100K) — they are a baseline protection, not comprehensive coverage.

What is contractor liability insurance?

General liability insurance covers property damage and bodily injury caused by the contractor. Always ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing at least $500,000-$1,000,000 in general liability coverage.

What is workers compensation and why do I care?

Workers' compensation covers contractors and their employees if injured on your property. Without it, an injured worker could potentially sue you as the property owner. Always verify workers' comp coverage before work begins.

Can I hire an unlicensed contractor to save money?

The risks are significant: work may not pass inspection, homeowner's insurance may deny claims, you could be liable for injuries, and you have limited legal recourse. Where contractor licensing is required by law, hiring unlicensed is also illegal.

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Disclaimer: Requirements shown are from state licensing boards and NCSL. Always verify current requirements directly with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Related

Data sourced from official state contractor licensing board records. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainHireCheck Editorial