Statute 489.127
A felony
Unlicensed contracting during a declared emergency is a third-degree felony, even the first time.
Storms and emergencies
Doing storm work in Florida? What the law says after a declared emergency.
After a hurricane, the calls come in faster than anyone can answer them, and crews arrive from everywhere. Florida's rules get tougher, not looser, once the Governor declares an emergency. Here is what changes, what doesn't, and how a licensed qualifier keeps your company on the right side of it.
General information about Florida law, not legal advice. Speak to a Florida construction attorney before entering any qualifying arrangement.
The short answer
A declared emergency doesn't suspend Florida's contractor licensing law. Unlicensed contracting during a declared emergency is a third-degree felony, roof-claim rules still apply, and homeowners get extra time to cancel. The state sometimes loosens specific rules after a storm, but only for licensed contractors.
What changes in a declared emergency
Tougher, not looser.
Statutes 489.13 and 489.127
Bigger fines
The state can fine an unlicensed contractor up to $10,000, and local governments can add up to $2,500 a day for each violation.
Statute 501.160
No price gouging
Charging an unconscionable price in the emergency area is unlawful, measured against average prices in the 30 days before the declaration.
Roof work after a storm
- No gifts, rebates, cash or waived deductibles in exchange for a roof inspection or a claim (Statute 489.147).
- No adjusting the claim or telling the homeowner what their policy covers, unless you're a licensed public adjuster.
- A homeowner who signs within 180 days of a declared emergency can cancel within 10 days, or by the official start date if that comes first.
- Fines run up to $10,000 per violation.
What the state sometimes loosens
After a declared storm, the state licensing department can issue an emergency order for the affected counties. Each storm gets its own order.
- In the October 2026 order for Hurricane Isaias, general, building and residential contractors didn't have to subcontract roofing in the 27 affected counties.
- Locally registered contractors could work outside their usual area, after giving the local building department their registration, workers' comp and insurance.
- Emergency tarps were treated as exempt work, though local permit rules still applied.
- None of it applied to unlicensed contractors.
Coming in from another state to help
An out-of-state license doesn't work in Florida, storm or no storm. Your company needs a Florida-licensed qualifier before it bids or signs.
What happens to jobs signed without a qualifier
This is the risk most companies don't hear about until it costs them. If a company signs a job without a qualifier licensed for that kind of work, Florida says the company cannot enforce that contract (Statute 489.128).
- It can't take the customer to court to get paid.
- It has no lien rights on the property and no claim against a payment bond.
- Unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor, and a third-degree felony for a repeat offense or during a declared state of emergency, such as after a hurricane (Statute 489.127).
Warning signs
- A contractor who offers to "rent" you their license number for a monthly check, with no involvement in your jobs. That is illegal for both of you under Statute 489.127.
- Anyone who says yes before asking about your crews, your insurance or the jobs you run.
- No written agreement. If the duties aren't written down, neither side is protected.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I work in Florida after a hurricane with my out-of-state license?+
No. Florida's emergency orders after a storm have loosened rules for licensed Florida contractors, not for out-of-state or unlicensed ones. You need a Florida-licensed qualifier.
Can my general contractor do the roofing after a storm?+
Only if that storm's emergency order says so for that county. The October 2026 Hurricane Isaias order did, for 27 counties.
Do I need a license to put tarps on roofs?+
Under the Hurricane Isaias order, emergency tarps were treated as exempt work, but local permit rules still applied. Check the order for your storm.
What counts as price gouging?+
Charging a price that's grossly out of line with the average price for the same goods or services in the 30 days before the emergency was declared.
How long does it take?+
Plan in weeks, not days. You need to find the right person, both sides need to do real checking, the terms have to be agreed, and the qualifier has to be filed with the state.