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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Marathon Shores, FL

After a storm or hurricane season, roofing scammers often flood the Florida Keys looking to take advantage of homeowners and business owners. Knowing the warning signs can save you thousands of dollars and years of headaches. Here’s how to protect yourself and find a roofing professional you can trust.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Marathon Shores

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser / FEMA Fraud

Out-of-town contractors show up right after a hurricane or tropical storm, going door-to-door offering “emergency repairs.” They take a large deposit, do shoddy patchwork, and disappear before the next storm hits.

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The “Free Roof” Insurance Scam

The roofer claims they can get your insurance to cover a full roof replacement at no cost to you. They inflate the damage estimate, pressure you into signing an assignment of benefits (AOB), and then bill your insurer for far more than the work is worth.

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Upfront Payment / Disappearing Act

The contractor demands 50% or more of the total cost upfront for “materials.” They start the job, then vanish mid-project — leaving you with a torn-off roof and no way to reach them.

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The Bait-and-Switch Material Scam

You agree to a quote for premium shingles or metal roofing, but the roofer installs cheaper, lower-grade materials and pockets the difference. The work looks fine at first, but fails years before it should.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Request a certificate of insurance directly from the roofer’s insurance agent. Make sure it includes general liability (at least $1 million) and valid workers’ compensation coverage. Call the insurance company to verify the policy is active.

2

Licensing

Check that the roofer holds a valid Florida Certified Roofing Contractor license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can search license numbers online at myfloridalicense.com. Monroe County also requires local business tax receipts — ask for one.

3

References

Ask for at least 3 recent roofing jobs in Marathon Shores or the Florida Keys. Call those homeowners and ask about the quality of work, cleanup, timeline, and whether any issues came up after the job was done.

Protection FAQs

What’s the first thing I should check before hiring a roofer in Marathon Shores?

Verify their Florida roofing license through the DBPR website (myfloridalicense.com). Also ask for their Monroe County business tax receipt. A legitimate roofer will have both and won't hesitate to share them.

Is it legal for a roofer to ask for full payment upfront in Florida?

No. Florida law limits upfront payments for roof repairs to 10% of the total or $1,000, whichever is less. Any roofer demanding 50% or full payment upfront is a major red flag.

What’s a storm chaser and how do I spot one?

Storm chasers are out-of-town contractors who swarm disaster areas after hurricanes. They knock on doors, offer “same-day deals,” take deposits, and disappear. Spot them by out-of-state plates, no local address, and high-pressure “act now” tactics.

Do I really need a permit for my roof in Marathon Shores?

Yes. Monroe County requires building permits for most roofing replacements and major repairs. A trustworthy roofer will pull the permit and include it in their process. If a roofer tells you a permit isn’t needed, walk away.

How can I protect myself from the insurance assignment scam?

Contact your insurance company directly before signing any Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form. A roofer who pressures you to sign an AOB on the spot or promises they’ll “handle everything with insurance” is a common scam warning.

What should a good roofing contract include?

A solid contract includes: full company name and license number, specific materials (brand, model, color), payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion dates, warranty terms (materials and labor), cleanup plan, and a clause about permit handling.

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Licensed & insured professionals CALL NOW: 1-866-674-2070