Roofing Licenses and Certifications: What You Need to Start a Business in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

• Licenses vs. Certifications: Roofing licenses are necessary for legal compliance, while certifications show you have advanced skills and help improve your reputation.
• Florida vs. Illinois: Florida requires a comprehensive roofing license, while Illinois has no state license but may have local regulations to follow.
• Why Certifications Matter: In states without licensing, such as Alabama and Arkansas, certifications are vital for establishing credibility and trust with clients.

Would you go to an unlicensed doctor to get heart surgery? Probably not. It’s the same with roofing businesses — a licensed and/or certified roofing business will always be more credible than an unlicensed one. 

Obtaining the necessary roofing licenses and certifications establishes trust among clients and bolsters your business reputation. Not to mention it also keeps you compliant with regulations in states requiring a roofing license.

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between roofing licenses and certifications, their roles in the roofing industry, and which states require licenses. We’ll also examine state-specific licensing requirements, focusing specifically on Florida and Illinois to show the diversity in regulations. 

By exploring these topics, this article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on what it takes to legally and successfully start a roofing business in the U.S.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Section 1: Roofing Licenses vs. Certifications

Section 2: General Roofing License Requirement in the U.S.

Section 3: Florida Roofing License – Requirements and Process

Section 4: Illinois Roofing License – Requirements and Process

Section 5: What States Do Not Require a Roofing License?

Section 6: Voluntary Roofing Certification

Now, let’s examine the difference between licenses and certifications for a roofing business in the U.S.

Section 1: Roofing Licenses vs. Certifications

A license generally ensures that a business meets the basic legal and regulatory requirements to operate in a specific area. Certifications, on the other hand, highlight specific training and advanced expertise to perform roofing work.

A roofing license is mandatory in many states, allowing contractors to operate within regulatory guidelines. On the other hand, a certification is not required. It is an optional credential that contractors can obtain to show they are competent in roofing work.

Licensing tends to focus on broader regulatory compliance and operational standards, while certifications typically highlight specialized skills. Lastly, a license is issued by local officials or government authorities, while certifications are often awarded by professional organizations or manufacturers. 

Section 2: General Roofing License Requirements

To get a roofing license, you’ll need to complete the process of demonstrating education and experience, passing examinations, obtaining insurance, and submitting an application. These steps are necessary to ensure contractors are qualified to perform quality roofing work on households and establishments.

The process of obtaining a license varies from state to state, but generally follows the steps outlined below:  

1. Education and Experience: Most states require roofing contractors to demonstrate a certain level of education and practical experience. This involves completing formal training programs or apprenticeships. Candidates may need to show proof of several years of hands-on experience in the roofing industry, which attests to their knowledge of various roofing systems, techniques, and safety practices.
   
2. Examinations: Many states require applicants to pass a state licensing exam. Official exams cover essential topics such as roofing knowledge, safety protocols, and building codes. They are designed to test a candidate’s grasp of industry standards as well as their ability to apply them on the job. To prepare for these exams, roofers need to study state-specific regulations and roofing practices.
3. Insurance and Bonds: Acquiring liability insurance and bonding is often required for licensing. Liability insurance protects clients and contractors in case of accidents or damage during roofing projects. Bonding provides financial protection to clients and ensures contractors’ compliance with local regulations.  The actual amount of required coverage and types of insurance vary by state.
4. Application Process: The application process often requires roofers to submit proof of education and experience, their examination results, proof of insurance, and bonding certificates. Applicants need to pay fees for licensing applications, which vary by state and may include both initial licensing fees and renewal fees. 

The level of education and experience required, as well as the difficulty of the examination, will vary between states. To ensure the success of your application, it’s best to research the specific requirements and guidelines of the state you’re planning to operate in.  

Section 3: Florida Roofing License – Requirements and Process

In Florida, a roofing license is mandatory due to the state’s strict regulations around safety and quality of construction work. Florida also frequently faces hurricanes and storms, necessitating high standards of roofing workmanship.

By requiring roofers to operate under a state license, Florida authorities ensure that only qualified roofing professionals perform roofing installations, repairs, upgrades, and other related projects. 

To obtain a Florida roofing license, you’ll need to meet education and experience qualifications, as well as pass state certification and licensure exams. Check out the guidelines below:

Meet Basic Qualifications

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education and experience: A combination of education and experience totaling four years is required. This can include:

• A four-year degree in a construction-related field plus one year of experience.
• At least four years of experience in the roofing industry, which can include time spent as a foreman or worker (at least one year must be spent as a foreman).

Complete the Application Process

• Application Form: Submit a completed application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• Fee Payment: Pay the necessary application and licensing fees, which typically include an examination fee of $295 for first-time applicants.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) provides the following guidelines for obtaining a roofing license:

Step-by-Step Guidelines for CILB 5-I Certification as a Roofing Contractor

1. Pass the State Certification Examination: 
   • Individuals must first take and pass the state certification examination.
2. Complete Initial Licensure Application:
   • Fill out the initial licensure application form after passing the examination.
3. Check for Application Requirements:
   • Review specific experience and education requirements (four years of experience or a combination of college and experience).
4. Submit Financial/Credit Proof:
   • Provide proof of financial stability by submitting personal and business credit reports, including a FICO score.
5. Utilize Military Experience (if applicable):
   • Military veterans may apply military experience toward licensure and submit the Veteran Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification Form.
6. Complete Background Check:
   • Submit fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE after submitting the application.
7. Obtain Required Insurance:
   • Acquire public liability and property damage insurance and workers’ compensation insurance or an exemption within 30 days of receiving the license.
8. Pay Required Fees:
   • Submit the application fee as outlined, with potential fee waivers or discounts for military personnel.
9. Ensure Age Requirement:
   • Confirm that the applicant is at least 18 years old.
10. Submit Completed Application:
    • Complete and submit the application via the “Printable Application” link provided.

Following these steps will help ensure that you meet all necessary requirements to obtain a roofing license in Florida.

Once you get your license, congratulations! You can now operate as a legal roofing business in The Sunshine State. 

However, obtaining a license isn’t the end. Roofing contractors need to stay updated with the latest industry standards and trends. You’ll also need to renew your license regularly on schedule to continue operating. These ongoing requirements help maintain professional standards for roofing contractors in Florida. 

Did You Know?

Some states (including Florida and Texas) require roofing contractors to upskill and take continuing education courses in order to renew or maintain their licenses.

Section 4: Illinois Roofing License – Requirements and Process

For contractors who want to obtain an Illinois roofing license, here is a step-by-step guide:

Determine the Type of License You Need

• Limited Roofing License: For contractors focused on residential roofing for properties with 8 units or less.
• Unlimited Roofing License: For contractors involved in roofing for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Designate a Qualifying Party

• The qualifying party must be a) sole proprietor, b) partner, c) corporate officer, or d) trustee.
• Legally qualified to oversee roofing operations and actively engaged in daily business activities.

Pass the Required Exams

• The qualifying party must pass the relevant examination within 3 years of application.
• If they fail to do so, the application fee is forfeited, and a new application must be submitted under current requirements.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) provides the following guidelines for obtaining a roofing license:

Step-by-Step Guideline for Roofing Contractor License Application

1. Complete the Application:
   • Fill out the application fully and clearly, using black ink or typing. Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned.
2. Worker’s Compensation Insurance:
   • Submit one of the following:
     • Certificate of Insurance from your provider.
     • Certificate of Approval as a Self-Insurer from the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission (if self-insured).
     • Out-of-state worker’s compensation form with an all-state endorsement or coverage for Illinois accidents.
3. Unemployment Insurance Statement:
   • Provide a Statement of Account from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, including:
     • Your unemployment insurance account number.
     • Confirmation of no delinquency in payments.
   • If located out of state, provide proof of unemployment insurance payments in that state.
4. Designate a Qualifying Party:
   • Enter the qualifying party’s information in the designated section. This individual must pass the Illinois Residential Examination or the Illinois Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Examination.
5. Licensure Maintenance:
   • If the license lapses or the qualifying party’s status changes, designate a new qualifying party who has passed the examination.
6. Submit Supporting Documents:
   • Complete and submit Supporting Document RF-INS for liability and property damage insurance.
   • Complete and submit Supporting Document BD-LRF (limited) or BD-URF (unlimited) from a licensed bonding company.
7. Business Ownership Documentation:
   • Sole Proprietorship: The owner is the qualifying party.
   • Partnership: Submit a Partnership Agreement or a signed statement if none exists.
   • Corporation: Submit the Articles of Incorporation or a Certificate of Authority if based out of state.
   • LLC/PLLC: Submit the Articles of Organization or Application for Admission to Transact Business, plus the Articles of Incorporation from the domiciled state if foreign.
8. Purpose Section Requirement:
   • Ensure the “purposes” section of your application states:
     • “To provide limited roofing services, pursuant to the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act,” or
     • “To provide unlimited roofing services, pursuant to the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act.”
9. Application Fee:
   • Include a $125 payment via check or money order to IDFPR, or pay online at: IDFPR ePay.
     
10. Mail Application:

Send the application, payment (if applicable), BD and RF-INS forms, and all supporting documents to:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Attn: Division of Professional Regulation
P.O. Box 7007
Springfield, Illinois 62791

11. Wait for Processing:
    • Allow eight business weeks for processing before inquiring about the application status.
12. License Expiration:
    • Note that the license expires on December 31st of each odd-numbered year, regardless of the issuance date.

To see the complete applicant checklist as well as specific considerations for roofer licensing in Illinois, visit the IDFPR’s Roofing Contractor Licensure page. 

Following these steps ensures you meet all the necessary requirements to obtain an Illinois roofing contractor license. Be sure to check for any additional local requirements in the areas you plan to operate in.

Did You Know?

Some states, like New York, offer military veterans expedited licensing processes to enter the roofing industry.

Section 5: Which States Require a Roofing License?

Not all states mandate roofing contractors to operate under a license. To help you determine whether your local authorities require a license, check the list below. (Be sure to periodically check with your state and local authorities for updated guidelines and regulations.)

Alabama

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Home Builder Licensure Board

Alaska

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development

Arizona

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Arkansas

• License required: Yes, Contractor License
• Licensing authority: Arkansas Contractors License Board

California

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Contractors State License Board

Colorado

• License required: No
• Note: No state-level licensing; check local municipality requirements.

Connecticut

• License required: Not Roofing-Specific
• Licensing authority: Department of Consumer Protection

Delaware

• License required: Yes, Contractor License
• Licensing authority: Delaware Division of Revenue

Florida

• License required: Yes, Contractor License
• Licensing authority: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Georgia

• License required: Yes, Contractor License
• Licensing authority: State Construction Industry Licensing Board

Hawaii

• License required: Yes, Contractor License
• Licensing authority: Professional & Vocational Licensing Division

Idaho

• License required: No
• Note: No state-level licensing; other contractors must register with the Idaho Division of Building Safety.

Illinois

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Indiana

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may have their own licensing requirements.

Iowa

• License required: No, but registering is required
• Licensing authority: Iowa Division of Labor

Kansas

• License required: No, but registering is required
• Licensing authority: Kansas Attorney General

Kentucky

• License required: No
• Note: No state-level licensing or registration for roofers, but local municipalities may have their own licensing requirements.

Louisiana

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors

Maine

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may have their own registration requirements.

Maryland

• License required: Not roofing-specific
• Licensing authority: Maryland Department of Labour

Massachusetts

• License required: Yes, Contractor License
• Licensing authority: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

Michigan

• License required: Yes, Contractor License
• Licensing authority: Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Minnesota

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Mississippi

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Mississippi State Board of Contractors

Missouri

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may have their own licensing requirements.

Montana

• License required: No, but must register
• Licensing authority: Department of Labor and Industry

Nebraska

• License required: No, but must register
• Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Labor

Nevada

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Nevada State Contractors Board

New Hampshire

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may have their own licensing requirements.

New Jersey

• License required: No, but must be registered
• Licensing authority: Department of Labor and Workforce Development

New Mexico

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

New York

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may require registration or licensing.

North Carolina

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors

North Dakota

• License required: Yes, not roofing-specific
• Licensing authority: North Dakota Secretary of State

Ohio

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may require registration or licensing.

Oklahoma

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may have their own registration requirements.

Oregon

• License required: Yes, not roofing-specific
• Licensing authority: Oregon Construction Contractors Board

Pennsylvania

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may have their own requirements.

Rhode Island

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board

South Carolina

• License required: No, but registering is required
• Licensing authority: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

South Dakota

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may have their own requirements.

Tennessee

• License required: Yes, contractor’s license
• Licensing authority: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance

Texas

• License required: No
• Note: Optional licensing process available through the Roofing Contractors Association.

Utah

• License required: Yes
• Licensing authority: Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Vermont

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may require registration or licensing.

Virginia

• License required: Yes, depending on job size
• Licensing authority: The Virginia Board for Contractors

Washington

• License required: No, but registering is mandatory
• Licensing authority: Department of Labor and Industries Contractors’ Registration Section

West Virginia

• License required: Yes, Contractor’s License
• Licensing authority: Division of Labor West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board

Wisconsin

• License required: Yes, Dwelling Contractor License
• Licensing authority: State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Wyoming

• License required: No
• Note: Local municipalities may have their own registration requirements.

Did You Know?

Many states, including California and North Carolina, require roofing licenses to be renewed every one to two years.

Section 6: The Importance of Voluntary Roofing Certifications

If you reside in or are planning to operate a roofing business in one of the states that don’t require a license, you might consider obtaining certifications.

Voluntary certification provides additional credibility and assurance to potential clients. These credentials also help establish a roofing contractor’s expertise and professional standards in an unregulated environment.

You may seek certifications from relevant manufacturers and organizations in your area. Some popular examples include:

National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
NRCA Certification Programs

NRCA offers various certifications for roofing professionals. These help validate the skills and knowledge of roofing workers, ensuring they meet industry standards for quality and safety.

GAF
GAF Certifications and Awards

GAF provides manufacturer-specific credentials attesting to a contractor’s proficiency in installing GAF products. These certifications allow contractors to offer enhanced warranties and demonstrate quality workmanship.

CertainTeed
CertainTeed Roofing Contractor Certification

CertainTeed also offers a manufacturer-specific program designed to showcase contractors’ knowledge in installation of CertainTeed roofing products. This certification helps contractors gain access to exclusive warranties and support from CertainTeed.

Being certified entitles you to several key advantages:

Enhanced Credibility: Certifications from reputable organizations or manufacturers provide you with a formal endorsement of your skills and knowledge as a roofing contractor. Being certified also sets you apart from non-certified competitors operating in states where a license is not required.

Improved Skills: Earning certifications entails a certain amount of effort and education from contractors. Therefore, certifications help contractors commit to continuous education and training to upgrade their services. 

More Customers: Just like patients in need of a skilled physician’s services, clients are more likely to choose licensed and certified contractors to handle their roofing projects. This is especially true for important and large-scale roofing projects in states where licensing is not required. 

By voluntarily obtaining roofing certification, you are giving your roofing business a distinct competitive edge over non-certified competitors. Earning certifications also helps ensure your business delivers high-quality, professional workmanship to your clients.  

Conclusion

Starting a roofing business in the U.S. requires an understanding of the local regulatory landscape. Knowing the difference between a mandatory roofing license and a voluntary certification is crucial to maintaining both compliance and professional standards.

Roofing contractors need to familiarize themselves with current regulations in their area, such as those outlined above for the states of Florida and Illinois. Lastly, for contractors operating in states without mandatory licensing, the value of voluntary certification increases as a competitive advantage over non-licensed peers. 

With these points in mind, you can confidently start navigating the regulatory landscape of launching a successful roofing business in your area. 

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