Signing a contract for a new roof is a major decision for any homeowner. In Florida, where hurricanes, tropical storms and severe weather can quickly increase demand for roofing services, understanding exactly what you are signing—and who you are hiring—is especially important.
Recent changes to Florida law have updated certain requirements involving residential roofing contracts, including when a homeowner may have the right to cancel a contract without penalty and what information contractors are required to include in their contracts.
The changes discussed below were part of Florida House Bill 715, which became effective May 19, 2025.
At Next Dimension Construction & Roofing, we believe homeowners should feel informed and confident before any roofing project begins. Here is a closer look at what Florida homeowners should know.
What Changed Under Florida House Bill 715?
House Bill 715 made several changes directly related to roofing services in Florida.
According to information published by the Florida Department of Financial Services, the legislation:
- Changed certain roofing contract cancellation provisions.
- Updated notice requirements for residential roofing contracts.
- Expanded the scope of work licensed roofing contractors may perform involving certain roof-to-wall connections.
For homeowners, one of the most notable changes involves the circumstances under which a residential roofing contract may be canceled without penalty.
The 10-Day Cancellation Period: When Does It Apply?
Florida homeowners may have heard about a 10-day period during which a roofing contract can be canceled without penalty. However, it is important to understand that this cancellation provision does not necessarily apply to every roofing contract.
According to the Florida Department of Financial Services’ summary of House Bill 715, the 10-day cancellation period is available when a roofing contract is entered into within 180 days of an event that is the subject of a state-of-emergency declaration and the residential property is located within the geographic area covered by that declaration.
Under those circumstances, the required contract notice advises the property owner that the contract may be canceled without penalty or obligation within 10 days after the contract is executed or by the official start date, whichever comes first.
Because individual circumstances and contracts can differ, homeowners with questions about their specific contractual rights should seek appropriate legal guidance rather than relying on general information alone.
The bigger takeaway for homeowners is simple: Before signing a roofing contract, understand the cancellation terms that apply to the agreement and ask questions about anything that is unclear.
What Florida Roofing Contracts Are Required to Tell Homeowners
House Bill 715 also updated notice requirements for residential property roofing contracts.
According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, residential roofing contracts are required to include a notice advising property owners to review their property insurance policy for information regarding insurance claims, coverage, deductibles and policy terms that may apply to the repair or replacement of their roof.
This distinction is important.
A roofing contractor’s role is to evaluate your roof, discuss the physical condition of the roofing system, explain available construction options and provide information about the proposed roofing work.
Questions about your individual insurance policy—including coverage, deductibles and other policy terms—should be directed to your insurance agent or another appropriately licensed insurance professional.
As a homeowner, you don’t have to be an expert in roofing contracts or insurance policies. But you should know which questions to ask—and who is qualified to answer them.
Roof-to-Wall Connections: Another Important Change
House Bill 715 also expanded the scope of work that licensed Florida roofing contractors may perform involving certain roof-to-wall connections.
According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, licensed roofing contractors may evaluate and enhance roof-to-wall connections for structures with wood roof decking as described in the Florida Building Code.
These enhancements must be performed in conjunction with a roof covering replacement or repair and must meet applicable installation and inspection requirements.
Why does this matter?
A roof is more than the shingles you see from the street. It is a system of interconnected components designed to work together to protect the structure beneath it. The way the roof connects to the rest of the home is part of that larger system.
When replacing or repairing a roof, homeowners should feel comfortable asking their contractor about the entire scope of work being proposed—not just the visible roofing material.
Before You Sign a Roofing Contract, Ask These Questions
Choosing a roofing contractor should involve more than comparing the number at the bottom of an estimate.
Before signing a contract, consider asking:
- Is the contractor properly licensed for the work being performed?
- What exactly is included in the scope of work?
- What roofing materials and products will be installed?
- Are permits included in the project?
- What is the anticipated project timeline?
- What are the payment terms?
- What manufacturer and workmanship warranties apply?
- How will the property be protected during construction?
- Who is responsible for cleanup after the project?
- What does the contract say about cancellation?
- Who should I contact if I have questions during the project?
A professional contractor should be willing to explain the proposed work and help you understand the construction process before you commit.
If you feel pressured to sign immediately or do not understand part of a contract, take the time to get your questions answered.
Your Roofing Contractor and Your Insurance Agent Have Different Roles
Roofing and property insurance can sometimes intersect, particularly when a homeowner is dealing with roof damage following severe weather. However, your roofing contractor and your insurance professional serve different roles.
A qualified roofing contractor can inspect the physical condition of your roof, identify visible damage or deterioration, explain repair and replacement options, recommend appropriate roofing products and provide estimates for the construction work being proposed.
Your insurance agent or another appropriately licensed insurance professional is the appropriate resource for questions about your individual policy, coverage, deductibles and other insurance-related matters.
Keeping those roles clear helps homeowners get information from the appropriate source.
Next Dimension Construction & Roofing focuses on what we know best: your home, your roof and the construction work necessary to complete your project properly.
Why Transparency Matters When Choosing a Florida Roofing Contractor
A roofing contract should not feel like a mystery.
Before work begins, homeowners deserve to understand what is being installed, what the project will cost and what they can expect throughout the process.
At Next Dimension Construction & Roofing, we believe providing options is an important part of that experience. Rather than presenting homeowners with only one roofing estimate and expecting them to make a decision, we provide multiple roofing options featuring different products and price points.
This allows homeowners to compare their options, ask informed questions and choose the roofing package that best aligns with their goals for their home.
Transparency also extends beyond the estimate itself. Clear communication, detailed scopes of work and a professional construction process all matter when you are trusting a company with something as important as your roof.
Know What You’re Signing. Know Who You’re Hiring.
Florida’s roofing contract requirements are another reminder of why homeowners should take the time to understand an agreement before signing it.
Read your contract. Ask questions. Understand the proposed scope of work. Verify that you are working with a properly licensed contractor. And when you have questions outside your contractor’s area of expertise, seek answers from the appropriate qualified professional.
Your roof is one of the most important components protecting your home. Choosing who works on it deserves the same level of care.
If you are considering a roof repair or replacement, Next Dimension Construction & Roofing is here to help you understand the condition of your roof, explore your roofing options and make an informed decision about your next project.
Ready to learn more about your roof? Contact Next Dimension Construction & Roofing to schedule an inspection or request an estimate.
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes. Next Dimension Construction & Roofing is not an insurance company, insurance agency or licensed insurance advisor and does not provide insurance or legal advice. Questions regarding individual insurance policies, coverage, deductibles or claims should be directed to an appropriately licensed insurance professional. Questions regarding individual legal rights or contract interpretation should be directed to a qualified legal professional.
Sources and additional homeowner resources:
Florida Department of Financial Services — Tips for Shopping for Homeowners Insurance.
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