So you're thinking about hiring a roofer in Volusia County, but you're not sure if they're licensed. That’s actually a really big deal. A lot of folks don’t realize how risky it can be to work with an unlicensed roofer. In Volusia County, Florida, roofing is a licensed trade, and for good reason. When someone doesn’t have the proper license, it can lead to poor work, legal issues, and even safety hazards. It’s not just about whether the shingles look right—it’s about your home, your money, and your peace of mind.

Look, roofing isn’t something you can just pick up over the weekend. There’s a reason there are laws around it. Licensed roofers have to meet certain standards, carry insurance, and follow specific building codes. An unlicensed roofer might not know those rules—or worse, they might know them but choose to ignore them. That’s not the kind of person you want messing with the top of your house. Especially not in a place like Volusia County, where storms and high winds are a regular thing.

Now, I get it—hiring a contractor can be overwhelming. You’re trying to find someone reliable, affordable, and trustworthy. But skipping the license check is like skipping the seatbelt in a car. It might seem fine until something goes wrong. In this article, I’ll walk you through what it really means to hire an unlicensed roofer in Volusia County, why it’s a bad idea, and how to protect yourself from scams or shoddy work. Let’s dive in.

• Harold Ford Sr

Table of Contents

• What Is an Unlicensed Roofer?
• Why It Matters in Volusia County
• How to Check If a Roofer Is Licensed
• Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Roofer
• Real Stories from Homeowners
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Unlicensed Roofer?

So, what exactly does it mean when someone is called an unlicensed roofer? Well, it’s pretty straightforward. As the word “unlicensed” suggests, they don’t have the official permission from the state or local government to do roofing work. In Florida, including Volusia County, roofers need to be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Think of it like this: Would you let someone without a driver’s license get behind the wheel of your car? Probably not. It’s the same idea. Being licensed means they’ve passed tests, met experience requirements, and agree to follow the rules. If a roofer isn’t licensed, they might not know the right way to install a roof or might cut corners to save money.

Also, if something goes wrong—like a leaky roof or worse—they’re not backed by the state. That means no one’s checking their work, and you could be stuck footing the bill if things go south. So yeah, it’s more than just a piece of paper. It’s a sign of professionalism and accountability.

• Cote De Pablo

Why It Matters in Volusia County

Volusia County gets its fair share of storms, heavy rain, and high winds. That means your roof has to be strong, sealed tight, and built to code. If your roofer isn’t licensed, there’s a good chance they might not know the local building codes—or worse, they might not care.

And let’s not forget the insurance part. If a roofer doesn’t have the proper license, they probably don’t have the required insurance either. So if someone gets hurt while working on your roof, guess who’s on the hook? You. That’s a huge liability.

Also, in Florida, if you hire an unlicensed roofer, you might not be able to file a claim with your insurance company if something goes wrong. Your insurance might say the work wasn’t done properly or by a qualified person, and then you’re stuck with a bad roof and no help paying for it.

So in Volusia County, it’s not just about the law—it’s about protecting your home and your wallet. It’s a little more work upfront, but it saves you a lot of headaches later.

How to Check If a Roofer Is Licensed

Okay, so you want to make sure your roofer is licensed. How do you do that? Well, good news—it’s pretty easy.

First, ask them for their license number. Every licensed roofer in Florida has one. Then go to the DBPR website and look it up. You can check it here. Just type in their name or license number, and it’ll show you if they’re active and in good standing.

Also, check for insurance. Ask for proof of both liability and workers’ comp. If they can’t show that, that’s a red flag. And don’t just take their word for it—actually call the insurance company or ask for a certificate.

Another thing: talk to neighbors or check online reviews. If someone’s been working in the area and doing good work, there should be some buzz about them. If there’s nothing—or worse, a bunch of complaints—you might want to keep looking.

Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Roofer

Let’s break this down into a few key points, because the risks are serious:

• No legal recourse: If the job goes bad, you can’t report them to the state licensing board.
• No insurance coverage: If someone gets hurt, you could be liable.
• Poor quality work: No oversight means no guarantee they’re doing the job right.
• Voided insurance claims: Your home insurance might not cover issues caused by unlicensed work.
• Legal fines: In some cases, homeowners can be fined for hiring unlicensed contractors.

And here’s the thing—you might not even realize there’s a problem until months later. That leaky corner? That might be because the underlayment wasn’t installed right. Or maybe the flashing was done wrong. Either way, if you hired an unlicensed roofer, you’re stuck fixing it yourself.

So while they might charge less upfront, the long-term costs could be way higher. That’s why it’s worth spending a little more time to do your homework and hire someone who’s properly licensed.

Real Stories from Homeowners

Here’s the deal—real people have gone through this, and their stories are a wake-up call.

One homeowner in Daytona Beach hired a guy who showed up in a truck and said he could fix their roof fast and cheap. No license? Not a problem, he said. Well, a few weeks later, they had a major leak during a summer storm. Turns out, he didn’t install the underlayment properly, and the insurance company refused to pay for the damage because the work wasn’t done by a licensed contractor.

Another person paid a so-called “roofing expert” a big chunk of change up front. The roofer disappeared after two days. No one showed up after that. They had to hire another company to finish the job—and pay twice as much.

And then there’s the one where the guy didn’t have insurance, and he fell off the roof. The homeowner got sued and had to pay a settlement out of pocket because the guy wasn’t covered.

So yeah, these aren’t just “what if” situations. These are real things happening to real people—right here in Volusia County. So when you hear someone say, “I can’t afford a licensed roofer,” just remember: you can’t afford not to hire one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get in trouble for hiring an unlicensed roofer?
Technically, yes. While it’s more common for the unlicensed contractor to face fines or legal action, homeowners can also be held responsible in certain cases—especially if there’s a safety issue or code violation.

How much does a licensed roofer cost in Volusia County?
Prices vary depending on the job, but you’re usually looking at between $5,000 and $10,000 for a full roof replacement. It might seem like a lot, but it’s worth the investment when you consider the risks of hiring unlicensed labor.

What if my neighbor recommends someone who isn’t licensed?
Even if someone you trust recommends them, it’s still risky. Always check the license and insurance. Just because they did a good job for your neighbor doesn’t mean they’re qualified or legal.

Learn more about roofing permits in Florida on our site, and link to this page