When a roofing contractor in Florida does substandard work, abandons a job, or engages in deceptive practices, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The DBPR is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating contractors, and it has the authority to investigate complaints, impose fines, and even revoke a contractor's license. Here is exactly how the process works.
When Should You File a DBPR Complaint?
Not every dispute with a roofing contractor warrants a state complaint. Minor disagreements about cleanup, scheduling, or cosmetic details are better resolved through direct communication or mediation. However, you should file a DBPR complaint when a contractor performs work without a valid Florida license, a contractor abandons your project mid-job without legitimate cause, the work is defective and the contractor refuses to correct it, a contractor collected payment but did not perform the work, a contractor did not pull required building permits, the work fails building inspection and the contractor will not address the deficiencies, or a contractor engaged in fraud or misrepresentation.
Step 1: Verify the Contractor's License
Before filing your complaint, verify the contractor's license status at myfloridalicense.com. Search by the contractor's name or license number (which should be on your contract). Document the license number, license type (CCC for certified roofing contractor, CGC for certified general contractor), and current status. If the contractor is unlicensed, your complaint becomes significantly more serious because unlicensed contracting is a criminal offense in Florida.
Step 2: Gather Your Documentation
Strong complaints are built on documentation. Collect your signed contract and any amendments, all receipts and proof of payment, photographs and videos of the work at every stage, copies of all communications with the contractor (emails, texts, certified letters), building permit numbers and inspection results, reports from independent inspectors or other contractors who assessed the work, and a detailed written timeline of events from contract signing to present.
Step 3: File the Complaint Online
Visit the DBPR website at myfloridalicense.com and navigate to the complaint section. You can file online, by mail, or by phone. The online form is the fastest method. You will need to provide your contact information, the contractor's name and license number, a detailed description of the complaint, the address where the work was performed, supporting documentation (uploaded as attachments), and the amount of money involved.
Be specific and factual in your description. State what was promised, what was delivered, and how they differ. Avoid emotional language and focus on concrete facts, dates, and dollar amounts.
Step 4: What Happens After You File
After you submit your complaint, the DBPR assigns a case number and sends you an acknowledgment. An investigator is assigned to your case and may contact you for additional information. The investigator will also contact the contractor for their response. This investigation phase typically takes 3 to 6 months.
If the investigation finds probable cause that the contractor violated Florida licensing law, the case is referred to the DBPR prosecution team. Possible outcomes include fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 per violation, required corrective work, license suspension or revocation, probation with conditions, and restitution payments to the homeowner.
Step 5: Pursue Other Remedies Simultaneously
A DBPR complaint addresses the contractor's license but may not get your roof fixed. While your complaint is being investigated, consider filing a complaint with your local building department about code violations, contacting the contractor's surety bond company for financial recovery, filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, consulting with an attorney about breach of contract claims, and hiring a reputable licensed contractor to assess and correct the work.
How Goliath Roofing Prevents These Problems
At Goliath Roofing, we hold a certified roofing contractor license (CCC), pull permits for every project, schedule all required building inspections, provide detailed written contracts before any work begins, and maintain open communication throughout every project. You can verify our license anytime at myfloridalicense.com. We also encourage homeowners to verify any contractor's credentials before signing a contract. Check our certifications page for our full license information, manufacturer certifications, and insurance documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the DBPR complaint process take in Florida?
The process typically takes 6 to 12 months. Investigation takes 3 to 6 months, and if probable cause is found, prosecution adds another 2 to 4 months. You can check status online with your case number.
What documentation should I gather before filing a complaint?
Collect your contract, payment records, photographs of the work, all correspondence with the contractor, permit numbers, inspection reports, and a written timeline of events. Photographs are particularly important as visual evidence.
Can I file a complaint if my contractor did not pull a permit?
Yes, and unpermitted work is one of the most serious violations. File with both the DBPR and your local building department. Unpermitted roofing work can void insurance coverage and create problems when selling your home.