01. Verify the license
Florida roofing contractors need a state-issued license (CCC prefix for roofing). RoofX’s license: #CCC1330839. You can verify any contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com. Don’t skip this. Unlicensed roofers can void your homeowner’s insurance. And have no formal accountability when work goes wrong.
How to verify: search the contractor’s license number at MyFloridaLicense.com. Confirm it’s active, in the contractor’s actual name, and matches the company name on the contract.
02. Confirm insurance
Two types matter:
- General liabilityprotects your property if a roofer’s mistake damages your home
- Workers’ compensation protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property
Ask for current Certificates of Insurance (COIs). Reputable contractors provide them on request.
03. Check the right kind of reviews
Google reviews are usually most credible. Google won’t let businesses easily delete them. Look for:
- Volume (50+ reviews minimum)
- Recency (reviews from this year)
- Specifics (real names, real project details. Not generic)
- Response patterns (does the company respond professionally to negative reviews?)
04. Understand the two warranties that matter
A roof has two distinct warranties. Most contractors only mention one.
- Manufacturer material warranty covers the shingles, underlayment, flashing. Usually 25 years to lifetime.
- Workmanship warranty covers the installation labor. Usually 1–10 years. Wide variation across contractors.
Red flag: a contractor offers a “lifetime warranty” without specifying material vs workmanship. We break it down in detail on our Warranties page.
05. Recognize storm-chaser red flags
After hurricanes, out-of-state crews flood Tampa. Common patterns to walk away from:
- Door-to-door pitch immediately after a storm
- Pressure to sign "today only" deals
- Asks you to assign your insurance claim to them
- Vehicle has out-of-state plates
- No physical Tampa address
- Won't show licensing on demand
06. Questions to ask before signing
Print this list. Bring it to every quote. We welcome these questions - if a roofer dodges them, that’s your answer.
- 1.Are you licensed in Florida? Can I see the license?
- 2.Are you insured? Can I see your COI?
- 3.Do you have a physical Tampa address?
- 4.How long is your workmanship warranty?
- 5.Which manufacturer's enhanced warranty do you offer?
- 6.Do you handle insurance claims?
- 7.Will my crew be your employees or subcontractors?
- 8.What's your timeline from contract to install?
- 9.What happens if it rains during the install?
- 10.Do you pull the permits?
- 11.Will I have a single point of contact?
- 12.Can I see 3 recent local references?
07. Why local Tampa beats national franchise
Local roofers are accountable to the community. They show up to neighborhood Facebook groups. They run into former customers at the grocery store. National franchises and out-of-state crews have no such accountability. And tend to disappear when the storm season ends.
RoofX is family-owned, headquartered in Tampa, and isn’t going anywhere.
Ready
You’ve done your homework.
Now get the free inspection. We’ll bring our license, our COI, and answers to every question above.