Hurricane season is here — and so are the storm chasers. Every year, as soon as a major storm moves through Central Florida, out-of-state roofing contractors flood Volusia County neighborhoods, knocking on doors and making big promises. Some homeowners end up paying deposits to companies that disappear. Others get shoddy workmanship that fails the next time the wind picks up.
After 20+ years serving Volusia County, the team at Affordable Roofing & Construction has seen what storm chaser damage looks like — both to roofs and to families’ finances. This guide will help you protect yourself.
What Is a Storm Chaser?
Storm chasers are out-of-state (or out-of-area) roofing contractors who follow major weather events from city to city. After a hurricane or tropical storm damages roofs, they show up in affected neighborhoods — sometimes within 24 hours — looking to sign contracts before homeowners have had a chance to think clearly or get competing quotes.
They’re not all dishonest, but many are. And even the well-intentioned ones typically lack local knowledge, local licensure, and any real stake in your community. When problems arise months later, they’re long gone.
7 Warning Signs of a Roofing Scam
1. They Showed Up Unsolicited Right After the Storm
Legitimate local roofers don’t need to door-knock after a storm — their phones are already ringing. If someone shows up at your door within 24–72 hours of a storm with a sales pitch, be skeptical. Ask where they’re based, how long they’ve been operating in Volusia County, and whether they have a permanent Florida address.
2. No Florida Roofing License
In Florida, roofing contractors must hold a state license — either a Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) or a registered contractor working under one. Always ask for the license number and verify it at MyFloridaLicense.com before signing anything.
Affordable Roofing & Construction holds License CCC 1327602 — you can verify it instantly on the state website.
3. They Ask for a Large Upfront Deposit
Florida law (Florida Statute 489.126) limits contractor deposits to 10% of the contract price, or the cost of special-order materials — whichever is less — until work begins. Any contractor demanding 30%, 50%, or full payment upfront is either violating state law or planning to disappear with your money.
4. They Pressure You to Sign Right Now
High-pressure tactics — “I can only give you this price today,” “We only have one crew slot left,” “Sign now or lose the deal” — are classic scam red flags. A reputable contractor will give you a written estimate and allow you time to review it. We do.
5. They Want to Handle Your Insurance Claim for You
Some contractors engage in insurance fraud by inflating claims or billing for work they didn’t do. If a contractor offers to “handle everything with your insurance” and says you won’t have to pay your deductible, that’s fraud — and you could be held liable as the homeowner, even if you didn’t know.
You should understand your claim. A trustworthy contractor will help you document damage honestly and work within what your insurance covers.
6. No Local References or Verifiable Address
Ask for references from Volusia County customers — ideally from jobs completed 12+ months ago, so you can assess how the work has held up. Look them up on Google. Check their reviews on Google Maps. If they have no local presence, no Google Business listing, no local reviews — walk away.
7. Vague or Verbal-Only Contracts
Florida law requires written contracts for roofing work over $2,500. The contract must include a description of the work, materials to be used, start and completion dates, payment schedule, and the contractor’s license number. If someone hands you a verbal agreement or a one-page napkin deal — that’s your sign to find someone else.
What to Do After Storm Damage in Volusia County
Here is the safe sequence of steps to take after your roof is damaged in a storm:
- Document the damage immediately. Take photos and video of everything — inside and outside. Timestamps matter for insurance claims.
- Contact your insurance company. File a claim before any contractor gets involved. Get your claim number.
- Use temporary protection if needed. A licensed local roofer can apply a tarp to prevent further water intrusion. Make sure you get a written receipt.
- Get at least two estimates from licensed local contractors. Do not go with the first person who knocks on your door. Compare written estimates with material specifications and timelines.
- Verify the license. Check every contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com before signing.
- Never skip the permit. In Florida, a permit is required for roof replacements. If a contractor suggests skipping it to save time or money — that is a huge red flag. Unpermitted work can void your insurance and cause problems when you sell the home.
Why Local Matters More Than You Think
A roofing contractor based in Volusia County has real skin in the game. Their reputation is built here. Their kids go to school here. They will be around next year when you have a warranty question — and the year after that.
At Affordable Roofing & Construction, we have been serving Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, DeLand, Deltona, and the surrounding area for over 20 years. We are not going anywhere. That is the difference between a local contractor and a storm chaser.
What We Include With Every Roof
When you hire Affordable Roofing & Construction, here is what you get:
- Free estimate — no pressure, no obligation
- Wind mitigation inspection included with every roof replacement — this can save you hundreds per year on homeowners insurance
- 5-year labor warranty on all installations
- Fully licensed and insured (CCC 1327602 and CGC 1509441)
- Proper permits pulled on every job
- Local crew, local references, local accountability
Storm Chaser Red Flags Checklist
Before signing any roofing contract in Volusia County, run through this quick checklist:
- Did they show up unsolicited after a storm?
- Have you verified their Florida license at MyFloridaLicense.com?
- Is the deposit within legal limits (10% or less)?
- Are they pressuring you to sign immediately?
- Do they have a local Google Business listing with real reviews?
- Is there a written contract with all required Florida elements?
- Will they pull a permit?
If you answered yes to any of the first five questions, or no to the last two — keep shopping.
Get a Free Estimate from a Roofer You Can Trust
If your roof took damage this storm season — or you just want a professional eye before the next one hits — call Affordable Roofing & Construction for a free, no-pressure estimate. We serve all of Volusia County and surrounding Central Florida, and we have been doing it for over 20 years.
Call us at 386-392-8952 or email affordableroofing3@att.net
Do not let a storm chaser turn a bad storm into a worse situation. Hire local. Hire licensed. Hire someone who will still be here next year.