In an era where Florida’s weather grows more unpredictable and extreme, homeowners need confidence that the professionals they hire can deliver both quality and safety. This month, Florida lawmakers took a significant step toward that confidence by advancing legislation to bolster licensing enforcement across regulated industries — including roofing.
On January 29, 2026, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced support for House Bill 1341 (HB 1341). Sponsored by Representative Rachel Plakon and Senator Jonathan Martin, this legislation enhances enforcement authority, improves interagency coordination, and strengthens accountability for licensed and unlicensed activity across DBPR-regulated sectors. While the bill spans many industries, its implications for the roofing world are particularly promising for consumers and legitimate contractors alike.
Why Stronger Enforcement Matters in Florida
For homeowners, the stakes in roofing decisions are high. A roof serves as a primary defense against Florida’s intense sun, tropical storms, and hurricane-force winds. Hurricanes reach hurricane-force strength at sustained winds of 74 mph, and major hurricanes begin at Category 3, with sustained winds of 111 mph or higher, according to the National Hurricane Center.
These powerful storms create a steady cycle of inspections, repairs, and replacements across the state, which keeps demand for roofing work high year-round. Florida is home to thousands of roofing contractors operating in a market worth billions of dollars, and demand rises sharply after major weather events.
But not all those knocking on doors after a storm have your best interests at heart.
The Storm Chaser Phenomenon: A Problem Too Familiar
“Storm chaser” isn’t just a catchy phrase. It describes a widespread problem in Florida’s construction economy. These are contractors, often from out of state, who arrive in communities immediately following a major weather event offering quick roof repairs or replacements. At first glance, their offers can seem helpful, especially when homeowners are overwhelmed, anxious, or trying to navigate insurance claims.
Storm chasers prey on that vulnerability. They may use aggressive sales tactics to secure contracts before credentials are fully checked. These contractors may lack a permanent business presence, provide limited references, or request large upfront payments. In many cases, they leave the area before warranty concerns or workmanship issues surface.
Florida law is clear: roofing work must be performed by state-licensed professionals. Roofing contractors must hold a license through the DBPR’s Construction Industry Licensing Board, pass exams, maintain insurance, and meet experience requirements in order to operate legally.
Working with unlicensed roofers can leave homeowners exposed to serious risks, including voided insurance claims, substandard materials and workmanship, and even legal penalties. In some cases, homeowners themselves can face fines for knowingly hiring unlicensed workers.
What HB 1341 Does
HB 1341 doesn’t rewrite Florida’s roofing licensing laws, but it sharply strengthens the government’s ability to enforce them.
Among the legislative enhancements:
- It expands law enforcement authority within the DBPR, improving the department’s capacity to investigate and prosecute unlicensed activity.
- It improves interagency coordination, which helps close enforcement gaps where bad actors might otherwise slip through.
- It increases accountability measures across regulated fields, ultimately reinforcing the message that compliance is not optional.
In roofing, that means regulators can act more decisively when unlicensed contractors surface after storms. For homeowners, it means greater protection against fraudulent jobs and the peace of mind of knowing that the state supports licensed professionals who respect the rules and the safety of their customers.
Why Licensed Roofing Contractors Matter
In Florida, licensing isn’t just a bureaucratic checkbox, it’s a foundation for quality, accountability, and safety.
A licensed roofing contractor:
- Has passed rigorous trade and business exams.
- Carries required liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Is subject to state oversight and discipline, with clear standards of practice.
- Provides documentation that keeps insurance claims valid, which is something unlicensed work often jeopardizes.
In hurricane-prone states like Florida, where roofs are tested year after year, choosing a contractor who meets these criteria isn’t just smart, it’s essential to safety.
About Graboski Roofing & Solar
At Graboski Roofing & Solar, we’ve built our reputation on quality, reliability, and licensed expertise. We aren’t just roofing contractors, we’re part of the Florida community, and we take our responsibility seriously. Our team has been serving the region for over 35 years and holds all required Florida roofing contractor licenses and insurance. We maintain strict compliance with state and local codes.
House Bill 1341 (HB 1341) is good news for homeowners and ethical professionals alike. It reinforces what we’ve always believed: licensed, qualified roofers make for stronger homes and safer communities.
When the next storm rolls in, don’t leave one of the most important decisions to chance. Choose a roofing team that’s licensed, local, and committed to doing it right.