Consumer Advisory Bulletin: Beware of Contractors Offering a Free Roof

WINTER PARK, Fla., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Over the past few years, Florida homeowners have been solicited by an increasing number of fraud operators, offering to install a new roof on their house for the settlement amount they obtain from the insurance company. As the October 24, 2010 deadline for filing Hurricane Wilma claims approaches, they have become even bolder, going door-to-door through subdivisions. Contractors offering to assist in the claim process are in violation of Florida Statutes, which is a third degree felony.

Florida Statute 626.8738 states “…any person who acts as a resident or nonresident public adjuster or holds himself or herself out to be a public adjuster to adjust claims in this state, without being licensed by the department as a public adjuster and appointed as a public adjuster, commits a felony of the third degree…” Florida Statute 626.854 section 1 defines a public adjuster as any person, except an attorney, who “…acts or aids in any manner on behalf of an insured or third-party claimant in negotiating for or effecting the settlement of a claim…,” and further states that this “…also includes any person who, for money, commission, or any other thing of value, solicits, investigates, or adjusts such claims on behalf of any such public adjuster.” If the party offering the free roof is a licensed public adjuster, Florida Statute 626.8795 clearly states they cannot participate directly or indirectly in the repair or replacement of the roof. The statute further prohibits the adjuster from soliciting or accepting any remuneration from the entity performing the repair/replacement, nor can the adjuster have any financial interest in the entity performing the work.

The above referenced statutes specifically prohibit the entity assisting in the claim from having anything to do with the performance of the work. This should not discourage homeowners from using public adjusters to help them obtain a fair settlement from their insurance company. A legitimate, properly licensed public adjuster can often help obtain a larger settlement than the homeowner was able to secure on his or her own. However, once the public adjuster has obtained the settlement, the homeowner is free to select any licensed roofing contractor they choose to repair or replace their roof. By following the process the proper way, you can achieve the same results without assisting in a crime. You also stand a much better chance of getting a properly installed new roof. If you have been contacted by anyone offering to help you with your claim and then offering to fix your roof, please report him or her to the Florida Department of Financial Services at 877-693-5236.

FRSA is an 88-year-old trade association consisting of over 700 members. Its main purpose is to foster ethical business practices, protect consumer interests and promote the industries it represents. For further information on the association and its community activities and industry programs, visit their website: www.floridaroof.com.

    Contact: Bonnie Pierce, FRSA Director of Publications
    800-767-3772, ext. 127, bbp1@floridaroof.com

SOURCE Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors Association