Direct Answer
If you suspect a commercial roofing contractor is running a scam in Florida, you can report the conduct to the appropriate state agency based on what happened. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) handles complaints involving contractor licensing and inappropriate contractor conduct. The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) investigates suspected insurance fraud, including potentially false or inflated insurance claims.
You do not need to prove that a crime occurred before reporting a reasonable concern. Preserve your records, describe the events accurately, and provide supporting evidence such as contracts, estimates, invoices, payment records, photographs, emails, and text messages. The relevant agency can review the information and determine whether further action is warranted. See Florida’s official contractor fraud reporting resources.
Who This Applies To
- Commercial property owners and facility managers.
- Business owners who suspect roofing repair fraud or deceptive sales practices.
- Property managers dealing with suspicious storm damage or insurance claims.
- Anyone who suspects unlicensed contracting, inflated invoices, or payment for work that was never completed.
1. Identify the Type of Suspected Scam
Before submitting a report, identify what raised your concern. Possible warning signs include:
- A contractor claiming to hold a Florida license that cannot be verified.
- Requests for large upfront payments or cash-only payments without adequate documentation.
- Pressure to sign a contract immediately or agree to unclear terms.
- Invoices for work or materials that were not supplied.
- Suspected exaggeration or fabrication of roof damage for an insurance claim.
- Promises to waive an insurance deductible in circumstances prohibited by Florida law.
- Work that differs substantially from the written contract without approved changes.
A warning sign does not by itself establish fraud. Report the facts you observed and distinguish them from anything you only suspect.
2. Report Contractor Licensing or Conduct Concerns to DBPR
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation regulates contractors and accepts reports involving suspected unlicensed activity and other contractor-related concerns.
You can use the following official channels:
- Online: MyFloridaLicense.com
- Unlicensed Activity Hotline: 1-866-532-1440
- DBPR Customer Contact Center: (850) 487-1395
- Unlicensed activity email: ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com
Include the contractor’s name, business details, project location, a description of the suspected violation, and relevant supporting documents. DBPR explains that suspected unlicensed activity may be reported anonymously, although anonymous reports may limit the agency’s ability to request clarification or provide updates.
3. Report Suspected Insurance Fraud to Florida DFS
If you suspect a contractor has submitted or encouraged a false insurance claim, inflated repair costs, billed for services not performed, or falsified supporting documents, report the concern to the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division.
- Insurance fraud hotline: 1-800-378-0445
- Official information: Florida DFS Criminal Investigations Division
- Online reporting: First.FLDFS.com
Provide the claim number, insurer details, contractor information, estimates, invoices, photographs, and communications that support your concern, if available. Do not knowingly submit false or misleading information in your report.
4. Contact Your Local Building Permit Office When Appropriate
If your concern involves missing permits, potentially unauthorized construction, or suspected building-code violations, contact the local building or permitting department responsible for the property’s location.
Ask whether the work required a permit and whether the relevant inspections or approvals were completed. Permit requirements depend on the work performed and the applicable local rules.
5. Gather Evidence Before Filing a Report
Organize your records so an investigator can understand what happened and when. Useful documentation may include:
- Signed contracts, proposals, estimates, and approved change orders.
- Invoices, receipts, bank records, and proof of payment.
- Before-and-after photographs, inspection reports, and videos.
- Emails, text messages, advertisements, and written promises.
- Contractor license information, business names, and contact details.
- Insurance claim correspondence and relevant adjuster reports.
- A timeline of visits, payments, work performed, and unresolved issues.
Keep the original files where possible and submit copies unless the agency requests otherwise. Do not alter photographs, invoices, or messages. If you are missing some records, report what you know and identify the evidence you still need to obtain.
6. Explain the Complaint Clearly
A useful report describes the sequence of events without exaggeration. State what the contractor promised, what the contract required, what work was completed, what payments were made, and what appears inconsistent.
For example, if you were billed for a roof repair that you believe was never completed, identify the invoice, payment date, relevant roof areas, photographs, and any written responses from the contractor. Explain why you believe the records do not match the work performed.
7. Protect Your Business While the Complaint Is Reviewed
Keep copies of all communications and avoid making accusations publicly that you cannot substantiate. If work is incomplete or the building is exposed to water intrusion, take reasonable steps to protect the property and document any temporary mitigation.
Contact your insurer if the matter involves a claim or possible policy issue. If you face significant financial losses, a lien, a contract dispute, or threats of legal action, consider consulting a Florida attorney. Filing a complaint does not automatically recover your money or resolve a private contract dispute.
8. What Happens After You Report a Suspected Scam?
The agency may review the information, request additional documentation, investigate within its authority, refer the matter elsewhere, or determine that it cannot take further action. The process and available updates depend on the agency and the type of complaint.
Keep the report confirmation or reference number, note the date submitted, and respond promptly if investigators request more information. You can also ask the agency which additional reporting channel may be appropriate if the suspected conduct falls outside its authority.
Bottom Line
To report a suspected commercial roofing scam in Florida, contact DBPR for contractor licensing or conduct concerns, Florida DFS for suspected insurance fraud, and your local building department for permit or code concerns. Preserve contracts, photographs, invoices, payment records, and communications. Report specific facts honestly and let the appropriate agency determine whether an investigation or enforcement action is warranted.
Related Questions
- How can I verify a commercial roofing contractor’s Florida license?
- Is it legal for a contractor to offer to waive my insurance deductible?
- What specific documentation should I keep related to my roof repair?
Sources
- Florida Department of Financial Services — Contractor Fraud Resources and Reporting Contacts
- Florida DBPR — Unlicensed Activity Reporting FAQs
- Florida Department of Financial Services — Criminal Investigations Division
- Florida Department of Financial Services — Insurance Fraud and Scams
Last Reviewed
October 14, 2026
Need Commercial Roofing Help?
For commercial roofing inspections, repairs, and maintenance in Florida, request a written scope of work and keep clear records of the services performed. Verify contractor credentials before authorizing work, and use official reporting channels if you encounter suspicious practices.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not insurance, legal, engineering, or financial advice. Roof conditions, inspection needs, maintenance requirements, and replacement decisions vary by property and roof system. Consult qualified roofing professionals for property-specific recommendations.
