Florida Relaxes Roofing License Laws After Irma

Due to catastrophic building losses following Hurricane Irma, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has suspended certain regulations concerning contracting of roofing work. The suspension applies to the 37 counties under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Disaster Declaration. Roofing work under the emergency order includes flat roofs and roofs made with wood shakes, asphalt or fiberglass shingles, tiles, or metal.

Under the order, licensed general, building, and residential contractors are permitted to repair and install roofs, a practice they would previously have had to subcontract to a specially licensed roofer. Local governments have also been given leeway to issue local and specialty contracting licenses for businesses that already have more general licenses so that they can perform roof repairs.

Florida Governor Rick Scott stated, “Families across the state are beginning the challenging process of repairing and rebuilding their homes and businesses after the impact of this massive storm. It is incredibly important that we do all we can to make it easier for these families to quickly and safely recover, which is why I have directed DBPR to take immediate action to suspend certain regulations that would hinder or delay recovery efforts. Florida’s high building standards and safety requirements will not be affected.”