Re-roof checklist for Florida roofers, from signed contract to final payment

Florida re-roofs involve more paperwork than most states: a Notice of Commencement, permits that follow the Florida Building Code, inspections during the job, and lien-law paperwork at the end. Missing one can delay the job or the final payment.

This checklist is a practical starting point. Requirements vary by county and city and change over time, so confirm the details with your local building department, and talk to an attorney about lien-law questions. This isn't legal advice.

Before you sign

• You hold the right roofing license for the work (Florida licenses roofing contractors through the DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board)
• Your liability and workers' compensation insurance are current, and you can provide certificates
• You've measured the roof and photographed the front, sides, back and roof
• The quote states the scope, materials, decking allowance, payment schedule and warranties

After the contract is signed

• Signed contract and deposit received
• Copy of the owner's photo ID if your permit office requires owner documents
• Material selection confirmed in writing: shingle line and color, drip edge color, ventilation
• Notice of Commencement signed by the owner, recorded with the county clerk, and a copy posted at the job site. Florida generally requires one for improvements above a dollar threshold set in the lien law; most re-roofs are well above it.
• Permit application submitted with what your jurisdiction asks for (commonly the recorded NOC, product approval numbers for the roofing system, and a roof plan or form)
• Permit issued and posted on site

Materials and scheduling

• Materials ordered to match the selection sheet
• Delivery date confirmed with the homeowner (and the driveway clear)
• Crew scheduled, with the weather checked for tear-off day

During the job

• Tear-off done, decking inspected and photographed, and replaced where needed (with the count recorded for billing)
• In-progress inspection(s) your jurisdiction requires, often after the deck nailing or underlayment and before shingles go on. Don't cover work that still needs inspecting.
• Install complete: underlayment, flashing, shingles, ventilation and ridge
• Daily cleanup, with a magnetic sweep at the end

Close-out

• Final inspection passed
• Completion paperwork: under Florida's lien law, that commonly means a final payment affidavit from the contractor and, where used, a Notice of Termination to end the Notice of Commencement. Ask your attorney which apply to your contracts.
• Lien releases from suppliers and subs if the homeowner or lender asks for them
• Warranty information to the homeowner
• Final invoice sent and paid
• Photos of the finished roof saved on the job, and a review requested

Make the checklist automatic

In Guildmark, these become checklists on each job step. Required items, like the recorded Notice of Commencement or the issued permit, keep the job from moving forward until they're done, and the photo ID or permit PDF is attached right to the job. A repair that doesn't need a permit simply skips those steps.

Join the waiting list to start with a roofing setup that already includes these steps, then adjust them to your county.