South Florida Roofing Pros- Roofing Directory

When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor in South Florida, making the right choice is crucial for both your home’s safety and your wallet. Here’s what to look for:

• Florida Law requires roofers to be licensed with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).
   
• Ensure they carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance.
   
• Ask for proof — any reputable roofer will provide it gladly.
   

• South Florida’s humidity, hurricane risk, and salt air demand specialized knowledge.
   
• Choose contractors who understand Miami-Dade HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zone) codes and regional materials.
   

• Check platforms like Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Angi.
   
• Ask for references or photos of recent work — especially jobs in your area.
   
• Watch for red flags: too many bad reviews, no online presence, or vague answers.
   

• Get at least three estimates.
   
• Be cautious of quotes that are too low — they may cut corners on materials or labor.
   
• Review what's included: warranties, tear-off/disposal, inspection, permits.
   

• Ensure the contract includes:
   
  • Scope of work
     
  • Timeline & payment schedule
     
  • Warranty details
     
  • Permit responsibilities
     
• Never sign if there are blank spaces or unclear terms.
   

• Can they offer hurricane straps, impact-resistant materials, or post-storm inspections?
   
• Roofers with storm restoration experience can help with insurance claims and emergency tarping if needed.
   

• After a hurricane or tropical storm, beware of out-of-town or unlicensed contractors.
   
• Only hire established local businesses.
   

Look for roofers who are certified by manufacturers (like GAF or CertainTeed) — this often means extended warranties and better-trained crews.

 What Homeowners Need to Know

Whether you're replacing a roof or just doing repairs, understanding Florida’s roofing permits and building codes is essential — especially in South Florida, where weather and wind zones require stricter standards.

Yes. In most cases, a permit is required for any roof replacement, re-roofing, or major repair.
Local municipalities enforce Florida Building Code (FBC) regulations and issue permits through city or county building departments.

• Full roof replacement
   
• Structural repairs
   
• Re-roofing over existing shingles (if allowed)
   
• New roof installations on new builds
   

South Florida counties like Miami-Dade and Broward are in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, which means:

• Roofing systems must pass impact testing (for windborne debris).
   
• Materials must be Florida Product Approved or NOA (Notice of Acceptance) certified.
   
• Fasteners, underlayment's, and installation methods are strictly regulated.
   

• Typically, your licensed roofing contractor is responsible for pulling the permit.
   
• You can check permit status on your local city or county’s building department website.
   

   Once a permit is issued:

1. Work begins (must follow approved plans).
    
2. A mid-roof or in-progress inspection may be required.
    
3. A final inspection ensures everything meets code before approval.
    

• Fines and penalties from the city or county
   
• Insurance may deny coverage for unpermitted work
   
• You may face issues selling your home if work wasn’t permitted or inspected
   

• Always confirm your roofer pulled a permit before work starts
   
• Ask for a copy of the permit and inspection reports
   
• Verify license & insurance through myfloridalicense.com
   

• Miami-Dade Roofing Code: miamidade.gov/building
   
• Broward County Permits: broward.org/Permits
   
• Palm Beach Permits: discover.pbcgov.org

Protecting Your Roof & Home Before the Storm Hits

South Florida’s tropical beauty comes with a price: hurricane season (June 1 – November 30). Here's how to protect your roof, home, and family before, during, and after a storm.

1. Get a Roof Inspection

• Schedule a professional roofing inspection (especially if your roof is 10+ years old).
   
• Look for:
   
  • Loose or missing shingles/tiles
     
  • Rusted flashing
     
  • Damaged sealants
     
  • Signs of leaks
     

2. Check Your Roof’s Wind Rating

• South Florida is in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ).
   
• Ensure your roof materials are Florida Product Approved and installed to code.
   

3. Secure Roof Attachments

• Make sure vents, antennas, and solar panels are tightly fastened.
   
• Consider adding hurricane straps or clips for extra reinforcement.
   

4. Trim Surrounding Trees

• Cut back limbs near your roof.
   
• Remove dead or weak branches that could become flying debris.
   

• Roof tarp or heavy-duty plastic sheeting
   
• Duct tape / roofing nails
   
• Sandbags for flood-prone areas
   
• Flashlights, batteries, and portable chargers
   
• Water & non-perishable food (3+ days)
   
• First aid kit & prescription meds
   
• Generator & fuel (stored safely)
   
• Copies of insurance, IDs, and important documents (in waterproof bag)
   

1. Clean Gutters & Downspouts

• Prevent water buildup and roof overflow.
   

2. Tarp Vulnerable Roof Areas

• If you have active leaks or temporary repairs, cover them securely.
   

3. Bring In or Secure Outdoor Items

• Patio furniture, planters, grills — anything that can become a projectile.
   

4. Document Your Roof & Home

• Take photos/videos of your roof and property (for insurance claims).
   

1. Inspect Roof from the Ground

• Look for missing shingles, visible damage, or leaks.
   

2. Avoid Climbing on the Roof

• Let professionals assess the damage — it can be unsafe.
   

3. Contact Your Roofer & Insurance

• Use your pre-storm photos to support claims.
   
• Ask about emergency tarp services if needed.
   

4. Be Aware of Storm Chasers

• Only hire licensed, local roofing contractors.
   
• Verify license at myfloridalicense.com
   

Add your roofer’s contact info to your phone now — don’t wait until everyone’s calling them at once after a storm.

How to Handle Roofing Damage After a Storm in South Florida

Dealing with storm damage can be stressful — but knowing how to file an insurance claim for your roof can save time, money, and frustration. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

• Inspect your roof from the ground after the storm — look for missing shingles, torn flashing, or debris.
   
• Check ceilings, attic, and walls for signs of leaks or water intrusion.
   
• If safe, take photos and videos of damage from all angles.
   

• Call a licensed, local roofer to inspect the damage and provide a detailed report or estimate.
   
• Many roofers offer free storm damage inspections and can help with the insurance process.
   

💡 Tip: Avoid out-of-town "storm chasers" who offer quick fixes without proper licensing.
 

• Check your coverage for:
   
  • Wind/hurricane damage
     
  • Roof replacement vs. repair
     
  • Deductibles (South Florida may have a separate hurricane deductible)
     
  • Exclusions (e.g., cosmetic damage or poor maintenance)
     

• Contact your insurer ASAP — most companies require claims to be filed within a certain timeframe (e.g., 30 days).
   
• Provide:
   
  • Photos/videos
     
  • Roofer’s damage report
     
  • Date and cause of damage
     
  • Policy number and contact info
     

🧾 Ask for a claim number and keep a log of all communications.
 

• The insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage.
   
• Have your roofer present if possible — they can advocate for needed repairs.
   
• Make sure all damage (visible and hidden) is documented.
   

• The insurer will send you an estimate with a settlement offer.
   
• If it’s too low or missing items, your roofer can help you submit a supplement.
   

🛠️ DO NOT begin work until the claim is approved unless emergency repairs are needed to prevent further damage.
 

• Once approved, choose a licensed, insured, and reputable roofing contractor.
   
• Confirm that they’ll:
   
  • Pull necessary permits
     
  • Comply with South Florida codes (HVHZ if applicable)
     
  • Provide a workmanship warranty
     

• After the job is complete:
   
  • The roofer may submit a Certificate of Completion to the insurance company
     
  • You’ll receive the final insurance check
     
  • Pay your deductible directly (never upfront in full)
     

• Signing an "Assignment of Benefits" (AOB) without understanding the risks
   
• Unlicensed or cash-only contractors
   
• Starting work before the claim is approved (unless for emergency tarping)
   

Keep a roof maintenance log — regular upkeep strengthens your claim if future damage occurs.

Your Roof Maintenance Checklist PDF is ready! You can download it here:

📄 South_Florida_Roof_Maintenance_Checklist_Final.pdf