What the law prohibits
Section 489.147 of the Florida Statutes, created in 2021 and amended several times since, bars contractors from:
- Offering a rebate, gift, gift card, cash, coupon, waiver of any insurance deductible, or anything else of value in exchange for a roof inspection or for filing an insurance claim.
- Soliciting with ads that leave out required warnings that you are responsible for your deductible and that a false claim or deductible waiver is insurance fraud.
- Interpreting your policy or adjusting your claim unless they hold a public adjuster license.
- Accepting payment for referring you to other services paid by insurance.
- Starting insurance-paid repairs without giving you an itemized, detailed estimate.
There is no small-gift exception. Violations can bring fines of up to $10,000 per violation, and unlicensed people who break the rule are treated as unlicensed contractors.
Red flags at your door
- “We can get you a free roof.”
- “We’ll take care of your deductible.”
- A gift card for letting them inspect the roof.
- A request to sign papers that let them talk to your insurer or receive your claim money.
- Pressure to sign the same day, especially right after a storm.
How to report a violation
Report unlicensed contractors to the DBPR Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440 or ULA@myfloridalicense.com. You can look up any contractor’s license at MyFloridaLicense.com or in our roofing company directory.
Get an honest number first
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Frequently asked questions
Can a roofer pay my deductible in Florida?
No. Section 489.147, F.S. bars contractors from offering a waiver of any insurance deductible, and the required warnings describe a deductible waiver as insurance fraud.
Can a roofer give me a gift card for an inspection in Florida?
No. The law bans offering a gift, gift card, cash, coupon or anything of value in exchange for a roof inspection or for filing a claim.