If you’re a Florida roofing contractor, your contract is more than a formality—it’s your playbook for getting paid, managing change orders, documenting delays, and preventing disputes. And because roofing projects often involve weather, material lead times, supplement negotiations, access issues, and punch-list disputes, your “terms and conditions” need to be written with real-world roofing problems in mind.
Below is a practical checklist of provisions that should appear in a roofer’s contract (or your attached Terms & Conditions). If your current agreement is missing some of these items—or if it’s “something you found online years ago”—it’s time for a review.
At Andrew Douglas, P.A., we offer flat-fee contract review for Florida roofers and construction businesses, with clear edits you can actually implement.
The Source roofing contract disputes
Most contract disputes happen because the paperwork doesn’t clearly answer basic questions:
- What exactly is included—and excluded—from the scope?
- When is payment due, and what happens if it’s late?
- How are change orders approved (especially when the homeowner wants “just one more thing”)?
- What happens when weather delays the project?
- Who is responsible for permits, inspections, and access?
- What documentation is required for warranty coverage?
Good terms and conditions prevent “he said / she said” and create a paper trail that protects your company.
1) Clear scope of work (and clear exclusions)
A roofing contract should clearly define:
- The roof system being installed (materials, manufacturer, profile, underlayment, ventilation, fasteners, etc.)
- Tear-off vs. overlay (if permitted)
- Disposal/dumpster details and protection measures
- What happens if hidden damage is discovered (decking, trusses, fascia, sheathing, rot)
Just as important: include exclusions so you’re not accidentally agreeing to extra work.
Common exclusions roofers should spell out:
- Decking replacement beyond an included allowance
- Structural repairs
- Mold remediation
- Electrical/solar detach & reset (unless included)
- Interior damage responsibility unless specifically agreed
2) Payment terms that match how roof jobs actually run
Your agreement should specify:
- Deposit and progress payments (or payment milestones)
- Final payment triggers (e.g., substantial completion vs. final inspection)
- Late fees/interest and collection costs
- Returned check fees
- What happens if the owner/GC fails to pay on time
If you do larger commercial or HOA jobs, your terms should also address pay apps, retainage, and billing cycles.
3) Change orders (the #1 source of contractor disputes)
Roofing projects change—decking gets replaced, permits require revisions, upgrades are selected, or additional scope is added.
Your contract should require that change orders are:
- Written
- Signed/approved
- Priced and scheduled
- Clear on whether work proceeds before payment
If you want to avoid arguments, your contract must make it hard for anyone to claim, “I thought that was included.”
4) Weather, material lead times, and schedule delays
Roofing schedules are uniquely affected by:
- Rain and high winds
- Material shortages and supplier delays
- Permit/inspection delays
- Access restrictions or HOA rules
Your contract should include:
- A time extension clause for delays outside your control
- A process for documenting delay events
- A statement that estimated start/completion dates are estimates—not guarantees—unless expressly stated otherwise
5) Permits, inspections, and jobsite access
Spell out:
- Who pulls permits (and what happens if permit requirements change)
- Owner/GC responsibilities for access (gates, pets, vehicles, driveway clearance, parking, elevator scheduling, etc.)
- Utilities access (water/electric)
- Work hours and site rules (especially for HOAs and commercial sites)
A surprising number of disputes turn on “you couldn’t start because you couldn’t access the property.”
6) Warranty terms that are consistent with your actual practices
A roofing contract should separate:
- Manufacturer warranties (materials)
- Contractor workmanship warranty (labor)
And it should clearly explain:
- What voids the warranty (third-party repairs, foot traffic, unapproved modifications, failure to maintain, etc.)
- How warranty claims must be made (notice requirements, inspection process)
- That leak investigations may be chargeable if not caused by workmanship
If you offer a warranty, your paperwork needs to define the process and limits.
7) Insurance, risk allocation, and jobsite safety language
Your contract should address:
- General liability and (where applicable) workers’ comp expectations
- Responsibility for damage to landscaping, irrigation, driveway, pool screens, etc. (and reasonable limits)
- Owner’s responsibility to secure valuables and protect interior areas
- A clause addressing unforeseen site conditions
This section is often where “generic templates” fall apart.
8) Indemnity and limitation of liability (with proper drafting)
Well-drafted terms often include:
- Indemnity language tailored to your role (owner vs. GC vs. subcontractor work)
- A reasonable limitation of liability (depending on project type and risk)
- Clear allocation of responsibility for pre-existing defects and structural issues
These clauses need to be drafted carefully—especially in construction—because one poorly written paragraph can create big exposure.
9) Dispute resolution, attorney’s fees, and venue
If a dispute happens, your contract should say:
- Where the dispute must be filed (venue)
- Whether mediation is required first
- Who pays attorney’s fees if there’s litigation
- Whether you can recover costs of collection
If you do work across multiple counties, choosing venue up front can matter.
10) “Paper trail” terms: communications, photos, approvals, and e-signatures
To reduce disputes, modern roofer contracts often include:
- Permission to take jobsite photos and use them for documentation
- Acceptance/approval methods (email/text approvals, electronic signatures)
- A requirement that all modifications must be in writing
- A clause stating that written communication controls over oral statements
This is one of the simplest ways to prevent misunderstandings.
11) Termination / suspension of work for nonpayment or obstruction
Your terms should clearly explain when you can:
- Suspend work for nonpayment
- Stop work due to safety/access issues
- Terminate the agreement if the owner/GC breaches
Roofers often get stuck mid-project without a clear contractual off-ramp—this clause fixes that.
Flat-fee contract review for Florida roofers
If you’re a roofer in Florida and you want your contract to reduce disputes, protect your payment rights, and match how roofing jobs actually happen, we can help.
Andrew Douglas, P.A. provides flat-fee contract review for roofers and construction businesses, including:
- A legal review of your current agreement and terms & conditions
- Recommended clause upgrades (change orders, delays, payments, warranty, etc.)
- Practical edits you can actually use with homeowners, HOAs, and commercial clients
Contact Andrew Douglas, P.A. through douglasfirm.com to request a flat-fee contract review.
This article is general information and not legal advice. Contract needs vary based on your license type, project type, and risk profile.