Contractor or “CON”-tractor? Spot the Difference

Roofing scams in Florida often start with promises that sound too good to be true, including “free roofs” or waived insurance deductibles. Waived deductibles and “free roof” offers may sound appealing, but in Florida these practices are illegal and can put homeowners at serious risk.

Some roofing contractors use creative wording to imply they can absorb, rebate, or “take care of” your insurance deductible. While it may sound helpful, this practice violates Florida law and can expose homeowners to insurance fraud, denied claims, and long-term consequences.

This article explains why these schemes are dangerous, how dishonest contractors operate, and how you can protect yourself and your home.

Florida homeowners need to understand one critical fact: Roofing contractors cannot waive, absorb, or rebate an insurance deductible under any circumstances.

If a contractor suggests they can “work it into the job,” offer referral rebates, or handle the deductible through any “creative” solution, walk away immediately.

These practices are illegal for contractors and can also expose homeowners to serious consequences. Submitting false or misleading documentation to avoid paying a deductible may be considered insurance fraud, which carries civil and criminal penalties.

Legitimate companies offer lawful options instead, such as financing programs, to help homeowners manage project costs without risking legal trouble. If you believe a contractor has approached you with an illegal deductible offer, you can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-435-7352.

Under Florida Statute 817.234(7)(d), a contractor—or anyone acting on their behalf—may not knowingly or willfully pay, waive, or rebate any part of a homeowner’s insurance deductible. Violations are classified as a third-degree felony under Florida law.

Despite this, some contractors continue to entice homeowners with promises of “free roofs,” deductible forgiveness, or referral-based rebates to offset the deductible. These tactics often lead to inflated invoices, fraudulent claims, and poor workmanship.

In many cases, these companies disappear after filing claims or performing substandard work. When insurers later verify that a deductible was never paid, it is the homeowner—not the contractor—who is held accountable.

After major storms, dishonest contractors frequently go door-to-door claiming they can see damage “from the street.” They offer free inspections, promise to handle the entire insurance claim, and often hint at a waived deductible.

Some even bundle their pitch with unrelated offers to create urgency and confusion.

Homeowners later discover that:

• Claims were filed without their knowledge
• Coverage was denied
• No qualifying storm damage existed
• Their insurance policy is at risk of cancellation

When asked why they signed, the answer is often the same: “Because they said my roof would be free.”

Before signing anything, a professional roof inspection can help determine whether damage is legitimate or simply normal wear.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

A reputable contractor will never say:

• “We’ll pay your deductible.”
• “Your roof will be free.”
• “We offer deductible assistance.”
• “We just need our name on the insurance checks.”
• “Full payment is required before work begins.”

Any of these statements are immediate red flags.

To learn how to verify a roofing contractor’s license, insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage, visit our guide on choosing a properly licensed and insured Florida roofer.

Understanding how roofing scams in Florida operate gives homeowners the confidence to recognize red flags and avoid costly mistakes.

• Carefully review your insurer’s scope of loss and request a detailed contractor scope before work begins.
• Research companies thoroughly, including licensing, reviews, complaints, and how long they’ve operated under their current name.
• Confirm that the business name on your contract matches the legal entity—not a fictitious alias.
• Never make final payment until the job is complete, inspections are passed, and you receive a certificate of completion.
• Avoid door-to-door solicitations from non-local or newly formed companies after storms.
• Report suspicious activity through community platforms or local authorities when appropriate.

Roofing scams in Florida are especially prevalent after a bad storm. After severe weather, non-local or recently formed contractors often flood affected areas offering deals no legitimate company could sustain. These “storm chasers” are frequently unlicensed, uninsured, or unqualified—and they leave as quickly as they arrive.

A reputable roofing contractor will:

• Be local and established
• Understand Florida Building Code requirements
• Never mention waiving deductibles
• Never pressure you to sign immediately

It’s always safer to reach out to a trusted contractor yourself rather than responding to aggressive sales tactics.

If any contractor—local or not—mentions waiver schemes, rebates, or “creative deductible solutions,” end the conversation immediately. You now know it’s illegal, and you can confidently protect yourself and your home.