New Law is Just the Latest Set of New Requirements for Roofing Contracts in Florida

The new statute goes into effect July 1, 2024 and imposes new requirements for roofing contracts with residential property owners. Failing to comply could subject contractors to $10,000 fines.

Since 2019, roofing contractors in Florida have been subject to a litany of new regulations, including restrictions on advertising methods and certain disclosure requirements in their contracts. Yesterday, May, 2, 2024, Governor DeSantis signed HB 939, which becomes law on July 1, 2024. The new statute imposes new disclosure requirements on roofing contractors and gives homeowners new contract cancellation rights. Roofing contractors in Florida need to evaluate their contracts and contact their attorneys to ensure they comply with the new requirements.

Breaking Down HB 939

House Bill 939 makes multiple changes to 489.147, Florida Statutes, specifically:

1. Adding a specific definition for “residential property owner;”

2. Adding a cancellation period extending to the earlier of the start of work or 10 days following contract execution;

3. Adding a new disclosure that must be in the contract; and

4. Adding a requirement that cancellations must be in writing.

These are on top of the requirements for roofing contractors imposed in the last few years, which we will also briefly circle back to at the end of this article. But first, let’s look at the new statute, what and who it applies to, and how it affects roofing contractors. Here’s what’s in this article:

• Who is a residential property owner under the statute

• What is the new cancellation period

• How to declared states of emergency affect the application of the statute

• How long does the cancellation period last

• What new disclosures are required for roofing contracts

• How can a residential property owner cancel the contract

• Context for the new statute and penalties for failing to comply

• An up to date list of statutory requirements for roofing contracts in Florida