TL;DR: Verify Florida contractor licenses at myfloridalicense.com. Look for CCC (roofing) or CBC (general contractor) license with “Current, Active” status. Always verify before signing any contract.
Quick Answer
To verify a Florida contractor’s license, visit myfloridalicense.com, click “Verify a License,” enter the contractor’s name or license number, and confirm their license status is “Current, Active.” Always verify before signing any contract. Rain Right Roofing’s license number is CCC1331672 & CBC1260879.
Why Verify Contractor Licenses in Florida?
Florida leads the nation in contractor fraud complaints. Unlicensed contractors cost Florida homeowners millions of dollars annually through:
- Substandard work requiring costly repairs
- Abandoned projects mid-construction
- Voided manufacturer warranties
- Failed building inspections
- No recourse for disputes
- Insurance claim denials
Florida Law Requirements
Under Florida Statute 489, roofing contractors must hold a valid state license to:
- Advertise roofing services
- Submit bids or estimates
- Perform roofing work
- Pull building permits
Penalty for hiring unlicensed contractors: Homeowners may face fines, be required to remove unpermitted work, and lose insurance coverage.
How to Look Up a Florida Contractor License
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Go to myfloridalicense.com
Step 2: Click “Verify a License” or “Licensee Search”
Step 3: Enter search criteria:
- License Number (most reliable), OR
- Business Name, OR
- Individual Name
Step 4: Review the license details:
| Field | What to Check |
|---|---|
| License Status | Must say “Current, Active” |
| License Type | Should be CCC (Certified) or CRC (Registered) for roofing |
| Expiration Date | Must be in the future |
| Business Name | Should match company you’re hiring |
Step 5: Verify insurance and workers’ compensation coverage
Understanding License Types
| License Code | Type | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| CCC | Certified Roofing Contractor | Can work anywhere in Florida |
| CRC | Registered Roofing Contractor | Limited to specific counties |
| CGC | General Contractor | Can perform roofing as part of larger projects |
| CBC | Building Contractor | Limited roofing work on buildings they construct |
Recommendation: For roofing projects, hire a CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor) for maximum protection and expertise.
Rain Right Roofing License Information
| Credential | Number/Details |
|---|---|
| State License | CCC1331672 & CBC1260879 |
| License Type | Certified Roofing Contractor |
| Status | Current, Active |
| Coverage | All Florida Counties |
| Workers’ Comp | Fully Insured |
| Liability Insurance | $2 Million Coverage |
You can verify our license anytime at myfloridalicense.com.
Red Flags for Unlicensed Contractors
Warning Signs to Watch For
1. No License Number on Materials
- Legitimate contractors display their license number on:
- Business cards
- Estimates and contracts
- Vehicles
- Advertisements
- Website
2. Cash-Only Demands
- Insistence on cash payments
- No written contract
- No receipts provided
- “Discount for cash” offers
3. Door-to-Door Storm Chasers
- Appear immediately after storms
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Offer to “cover your deductible”
- Request large upfront deposits
4. Reluctance to Pull Permits
- Claims permits aren’t needed
- Offers to do work “off the books”
- Can’t explain permit process
5. No Physical Address
- P.O. Box only
- No local office
- Out-of-state phone numbers
- Can’t be found online
6. Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing
- Significantly below other bids
- No detailed written estimate
- Vague scope of work
Common Excuses Unlicensed Contractors Use
| Excuse | Reality |
|---|---|
| ”I work under another contractor’s license” | Illegal in Florida—each company needs its own license |
| ”I don’t need a license for repairs under $X” | False—all roofing work requires licensing in Florida |
| ”My license is being renewed” | Should have temporary documentation; verify online |
| ”Licenses are just bureaucracy” | Licenses protect homeowners and ensure competency |
| ”I’m bonded and insured, that’s enough” | Bonding doesn’t replace licensing requirements |
Additional Verification Steps
Beyond the License Lookup
1. Verify Insurance Coverage
- Request Certificate of Insurance
- Call insurance company to confirm active policy
- Ensure workers’ compensation coverage
- Minimum recommended: $1 million liability
2. Check BBB Rating
- Visit bbb.org
- Look for complaint history
- Review resolution of complaints
3. Search for Complaints
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Local building department
- County consumer protection office
4. Review Online Presence
- Google reviews
- Facebook recommendations
- Yelp ratings
- Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
5. Request References
- Recent local projects
- Similar scope to your project
- Actually call the references
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
| Question | Expected Answer |
|---|---|
| What is your license number? | Specific number readily provided |
| Will you pull the building permit? | Yes, absolutely |
| Do you have workers’ compensation? | Yes, with proof available |
| How long have you been in business? | Specific years, verifiable history |
| Can you provide references? | Yes, with contact information |
| What warranty do you offer? | Clear workmanship warranty terms |
What to Do If You Suspect an Unlicensed Contractor
Before Work Begins
- Do not sign any contract
- Do not provide any deposit
- Request license documentation
- Verify independently online
- Report to DBPR if concerns persist
If Work Has Already Started
- Document everything with photos
- Stop additional payments
- Contact local building department
- File complaint with DBPR
- Consult with attorney if significant funds involved
How to Report Unlicensed Activity
Florida DBPR
- Online: myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/
- Phone: (850) 487-1395
- Required information:
- Contractor/company name
- Location of work
- Description of activity
- Any documentation
Permit Requirements in Tampa Bay
When Permits Are Required
In Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, permits are required for:
- Full roof replacement
- Structural repairs
- New roof installations
- Re-roofing over existing materials
- Major repairs affecting structure
Permit Process Overview
| Step | Who Handles | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Licensed contractor | Day 1 |
| Plan Review | Building department | 1-5 days |
| Permit Issued | Building department | Upon approval |
| Work Performed | Licensed contractor | Varies |
| Inspection | Building inspector | Within 24-48 hours of request |
| Final Approval | Building inspector | Upon passing inspection |
Important: Only licensed contractors can pull permits in Florida. If a contractor asks you to pull your own permit, this is a major red flag.
FAQs
Can a handyman do roofing work in Florida?
No. Florida law requires a licensed roofing contractor for any roofing work, regardless of project size. Handyman exemptions do not apply to roofing.
What if a contractor’s license is “inactive”?
An inactive license means they cannot legally perform roofing work. Only hire contractors with “Current, Active” status.
Do out-of-state contractors need Florida licenses?
Yes. All contractors performing work in Florida must hold valid Florida licenses, regardless of where their business is based.
How can I verify workers’ compensation insurance?
Request a Certificate of Insurance and call the insurance company directly to verify coverage is active. Your state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation may also have verification tools.
What’s the difference between certified and registered contractors?
Certified contractors (CCC) passed state exams and can work anywhere in Florida. Registered contractors (CRC) work under local jurisdiction requirements and are limited to specific counties.
Can I check a contractor’s complaint history?
Yes. The DBPR website shows disciplinary actions and license history. You can also check the Better Business Bureau and local consumer protection offices.
Protect Your Investment with a Licensed Contractor
Choosing a licensed, insured roofing contractor is the most important decision you’ll make for your roofing project. Rain Right Roofing is fully licensed (CCC1331672 & CBC1260879), insured, and committed to quality workmanship.
Call us today at (727) 914-9145 or contact us online for a free estimate from a contractor you can trust.
We’re happy to provide:
- Proof of licensing and insurance
- References from recent projects
- Detailed written estimates
- Clear warranty information
Related Resources
- How to Extend Your Roof’s Life in Florida
- Impact Resistant Shingles in Florida
- Roof Financing Options
Our Roofing Services
Service Areas
Rain Right Roofing is licensed to serve all of Florida, with a focus on the Tampa Bay area: