How to Choose a Trusted Roofing Contractor in Palm Beach County (and the Red Flags to Avoid)

7 must-haves before you sign a contract

• Active Florida state license. Verify at MyFloridaLicense.com — every legitimate roofer has a CCC# (certified roofing contractor) license.
• General liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask for current certificates of insurance, not just claims of coverage.
• Local physical address, not just a P.O. box or out-of-state phone number.
• Manufacturer product warranty AND a separate written workmanship warranty. The two are not the same.
• Verifiable Google and Facebook reviews tied to a real Google Business Profile.
• Itemized written estimate with brand names, underlayment type, and disposal included.
• Permit pulled by the contractor in their own name — never “owner-pulled” permits, which shift liability to you.

Red flags — walk away

• Door-to-door sales after a storm, especially with out-of-state plates.
• “Sign today and we’ll lock in this price” pressure tactics.
• Large upfront deposits (more than 10–20%) before any work begins.
• Reluctance to provide license number, insurance certificates, or references.
• Verbal warranty promises — if it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist.
• Quotes dramatically lower than every other quote. Cheap roofs cost more later.

Why warranties matter — and the two kinds you need

A manufacturer product warranty covers defects in the tiles, shingles, or metal panels themselves. A workmanship warranty covers the installer’s labor — leaks caused by improper flashing, wrong fasteners, or installation errors. Cheap roofers often skip the workmanship warranty entirely because if the roof leaks five years from now, they don’t want to be responsible. South Star Roofing provides both, in writing, on every job.

Questions to ask before hiring

• What is your Florida license number, and can I verify it?
• Can I see your certificates of insurance — liability and workers’ comp?
• What manufacturer product warranty is included, and for how many years?
• What workmanship warranty do you offer, and is it in writing?
• Who pulls the permit?
• Can I see three recent local references?

Why homeowners choose South Star Roofing

South Star Roofing is a Palm Beach County residential roofing company built around premium materials, qualified professionals, and warranties that actually mean something. We’re not the cheapest roofer in the area — and we don’t try to be. What we offer is a properly installed roof, backed by both manufacturer product warranties and a written workmanship warranty, from a local team that’s still here when you need us five or ten years from now.

Frequently asked questions

How do I verify a roofing contractor’s license in Florida?

Visit MyFloridaLicense.com and search by license number or company name. A certified roofing contractor’s license will start with “CCC”. Confirm the license is active and check for any complaint history.

What is the difference between a product warranty and a workmanship warranty?

A product warranty (from the manufacturer) covers defects in the roofing material itself. A workmanship warranty (from the roofer) covers installation errors. You need both — and the workmanship warranty must be in writing.

Should I pay a roofer upfront?

A small deposit (typically 10 – 20%) is reasonable to secure materials and scheduling. Beware of any roofer asking for 50% or more upfront before work begins.

What are storm-chaser roofing companies?

Storm chasers are out-of-area contractors who flood disaster zones after major storms, often using high-pressure door-to-door sales, large upfront deposits, and shoddy installations. They typically disappear before warranty claims can be made. Stick with established local roofers with verifiable local addresses and reviews.

Last updated: May 2026.