After every big storm, it happens. Yard signs pop up all over Jacksonville, Durbin Crossing, and St. Johns, and there’s a knock on the door from a roofing company you’ve never heard of. Some of them are great. Some of them won’t be around next year when you need them to honor a warranty.

A new roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, so it’s worth taking an extra day to pick the right company. Here’s what to look for.

1. Make Sure They’re Licensed in Florida

Roofing contractors in Florida have to be licensed by the state. You can look up any contractor’s license for free on the Florida DBPR website at myfloridalicense.com. It takes about a minute. If a company can’t give you a license number, keep looking.

2. Ask for Proof of Insurance

A legitimate roofer should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. If someone gets hurt on your roof and the contractor isn’t covered, you don’t want that landing on you. Ask for a certificate of insurance.

3. Look for Manufacturer Certifications

Shingle manufacturers like GAF certify contractors who meet their standards for training, licensing, and reputation. Only a small percentage of contractors earn these certifications, and certified contractors can often offer stronger warranty options than a standard installer. We’re proud to be GAF Certified Plus.

4. Read the Reviews (the Recent Ones)

Check their Google reviews, and pay attention to how recent they are and what people actually say. Look for comments about communication, cleanup, and how the company handled problems. Every company has the occasional hiccup. What matters is how they make it right.

5. Choose Someone Local

A local company knows Northeast Florida weather, building codes, and permitting. More importantly, they’ll still be here in five years if you need something. Ask how long they’ve been in the area and whether they have a local office and phone number.

6. Get Everything in Writing

A good estimate should spell out:

• The shingle brand, product line, and color
• Tear-off and disposal of the old roof
• How rotted decking will be handled and priced
• Underlayment, flashing, and ventilation details
• Permits and inspections
• Warranty coverage on both the materials and the workmanship
• Payment schedule

If you’re wondering what a fair price looks like, our roof replacement cost guide breaks it down.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Pressure to sign the same day, especially right after a storm
• Asking for full payment before any work starts
• Offers to “cover your deductible” (that’s insurance fraud in Florida)
• No license number, no physical address, or an out of state phone number
• A price way lower than everyone else’s, which usually means corners are being cut
• Telling you that you need a whole new roof without showing you photos of why

Frequently Asked Questions

How many roofing quotes should I get?

Two or three is a good number. That gives you a feel for fair pricing and lets you compare how each company communicates and what’s included.

How do I check if a roofer is licensed in Florida?

Search the contractor’s name or license number at myfloridalicense.com, the state’s official licensing site. You’ll see whether the license is active and if there are any complaints.

What does GAF Certified mean?

It means the roofing company has met GAF’s requirements for licensing, insurance, and reputation. Certified contractors can offer GAF warranty options that aren’t available through every installer.

Meet the Team Behind Coastal Edge Roofing

We’re a family-owned roofing company, local to Northeast Florida for over 20 years. We’d rather earn your trust than make a quick sale, and we’ll show you exactly what we see on your roof. Book a free roof inspection, learn about our roof replacement services, or contact us at (904) 910-3121.