How to Choose a Licensed Roofer in Orlando, FL

Understanding Florida's roofing license types

Florida issues two main license types relevant to roofing: the CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor), which allows the holder to perform roofing work anywhere in the state, and the CGC (Certified General Contractor), a broader license covering general construction including roofing. Both are certified statewide licenses issued and regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. There's also a registered license type, RC (Registered Roofing Contractor), which only permits work within the specific local jurisdiction where it was issued, so a roofer with only a registered license in another county technically can't legally pull permits in Orange County.

Any of these license types should be listed on your written estimate and contract; Florida law requires contractors to include their license number on contracts, advertising, and permit applications.

How to verify a license before signing anything

Go to the Florida DBPR's online license search and enter the contractor's name or license number. The results show the license type, current status (active, expired, delinquent, or revoked), the issue and expiration dates, and any disciplinary actions or complaints on file. This takes about two minutes and is the single highest-value step in vetting an Orlando roofer.

Also confirm the business itself carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, since Florida law requires most roofing contractors to carry both; ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as the certificate holder, not just a verbal assurance.

Permits: the paperwork that protects you

Any roof replacement inside city limits needs a permit pulled through the City of Orlando Permitting Services Division; addresses in unincorporated Orange County pull permits through Orange County Building Safety. A legitimate contractor pulls this permit under their own license number, not yours, and should give you the permit number so you can track inspection status online.

Be wary of any contractor who suggests skipping the permit to save time or money, or who asks you to pull the permit yourself as an owner-builder while they do the work. Unpermitted roof work can create problems when you sell the home, and it usually voids manufacturer warranties on the roofing materials.

Red flags common to storm-chasing crews

Door-to-door solicitation immediately after a storm, pressure to sign a contract same-day, requests for large upfront deposits before any material has been ordered, and reluctance to provide a license number are all common red flags in the post-storm Orlando market. Legitimate local roofers, even busy ones after a major storm, can typically produce a license number and local references without hesitation.

It's also worth checking whether the company has a permanent local address and has been operating in the Orlando area for more than a season or two, since some storm-chasing operations set up temporary offices and leave the area once storm-related work dries up.

Getting comparable quotes

Ask each roofer for a written scope specifying material type and brand, underlayment type, whether flashing and drip edge are being replaced, warranty terms (both manufacturer and workmanship), and the permit jurisdiction they'll pull under. Quotes that vary widely for the same scope are worth questioning, since a legitimate lowball price sometimes means shortcuts on underlayment or fastening that won't show up until the next hurricane season.

Typical cost ranges

Ranges are general estimates gathered from homeowner-reported quotes, not an offer or a quote for your project.

Common questions

More on this market

Local cost ranges, seasons, permits and licensing for this city live on the market page.

Sources

• Florida DBPR License Search
• City of Orlando Permitting Services Division
• Orange County Building Safety Division

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