Sarasota County Permits and Florida CILB Roofing Licensing: How to Verify a Roofer
Hiring an unlicensed or unpermitted roofer in Sarasota is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make, since it can void insurance coverage, leave the homeowner liable for injuries, and create problems when the home is later sold. This guide walks through exactly how to verify a roofer's license and confirm the right permit is pulled before work begins.
By Jason Green · Roofing & Gutters · Published August 13, 2026 · 9 min read
How Florida roofing licensing works
Roofing contractors in Sarasota must hold a state-issued license from the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), administered under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, most commonly as a Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) or Certified General Contractor (CGC).
A certified license allows the contractor to work anywhere in Florida, unlike a registered license which restricts them to specific local jurisdictions, so Sarasota homeowners should specifically confirm whether a contractor's license covers Sarasota County if it's a registered rather than certified license.
Step-by-step license verification
Go to myfloridalicense.com and use the licensee search tool to look up the contractor by name or license number, which returns the license status (active, delinquent, or revoked), the license type, and the primary qualifying agent's name.
Check the disciplinary action tab on the same page for any prior complaints, fines, or license suspensions, and confirm the business name on the license matches the name on the contract and any marketing materials exactly.
Which permit office to use
Homeowners within Sarasota city limits pull roofing permits through the City of Sarasota Development Services Department, while homeowners in unincorporated Sarasota County, including much of Siesta Key and Palmer Ranch, pull permits through Sarasota County Building & Development Services.
A legitimate roofing contractor pulls the permit themselves under their own license before work starts, and homeowners can verify an active permit exists by checking the relevant jurisdiction's online permit portal using the property address.
Red flags of unlicensed or storm-chaser contractors
Door-to-door solicitation immediately after a storm, requests for full payment upfront in cash, and an inability or refusal to provide a license number are the clearest warning signs of an unlicensed or out-of-state storm-chaser crew working Sarasota temporarily.
A legitimate contractor will have a permanent local address, an active CILB license verifiable online, and won't rush a homeowner into signing a contract or an assignment of benefits on the same visit.
What happens if you skip verification
Work performed by an unlicensed contractor can void the manufacturer's roofing material warranty and may not be covered by the homeowner's liability insurance if a worker is injured on the property.
Unpermitted roofing work also surfaces during a home sale, when a buyer's inspector or the title company flags the missing permit, sometimes forcing the seller to get retroactive permits and inspections before closing, which can delay or derail a sale.
Typical cost ranges
| License verification (self-service, free) | $0 |
| Permit fee, residential reroof | $150 - $450 |
| Retroactive permit for unpermitted past work | $300 - $1,000+ |
| Standard roofing contractor liability insurance minimum | varies by contractor, verify certificate |
Ranges are general estimates gathered from homeowner-reported quotes, not an offer or a quote for your project.
Common questions
How do I check if a Sarasota roofer is licensed?
Search their name or license number at myfloridalicense.com, the Florida DBPR's official licensee lookup, to confirm active status and check for disciplinary history.
Which office issues roofing permits in Sarasota?
The City of Sarasota Development Services Department handles permits within city limits, while Sarasota County Building & Development Services handles unincorporated areas.
What happens if my roof was installed without a permit?
It can void manufacturer warranties, complicate insurance claims, and require retroactive permitting and inspection before you can sell the home.
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