Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades in construction, with frequent exposure to falls, weather damage, and third-party claims. While Texas has no state-level roofing license or mandatory general liability insurance (though local rules and workers’ comp apply for most businesses), many roofers operate nationwide. In 2026, storm-prone states like Florida, California, Louisiana, and others impose stricter licensing, insurance, and bonding rules to protect consumers amid hurricanes, hail, high winds, and frequent claims.

This guide focuses on key requirements beyond Texas, highlighting Florida and California (major roofing markets) plus other storm-heavy areas like Louisiana. Requirements evolve with legislation, carrier changes, and weather trends—always verify with state boards and carriers for your specific setup. Proper coverage isn’t just compliance; it shields your business from devastating claims in high-risk environments.

Florida: Strict Licensing and Insurance Tied to Hurricane Risks

Florida’s roofing market is massive due to constant storm damage, but regulations are among the toughest to curb fraud and ensure quality work.

Licensing: Roofers need a Certified Roofing Contractor license (statewide) from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or a Registered license (local jurisdictions). Certified requires exams (Business & Finance + Trade), 4+ years experience, background check, credit report, and fingerprints.
General Liability Insurance: Proof required for licensure. Minimums often $100,000–$300,000 per occurrence for public liability/property damage (varies by division; many roofers carry $1M/$2M for real protection in storm claims).
Workers’ Compensation: Mandatory for construction trades (including roofing) with one or more employees—this includes owners unless exempted. High-risk classification drives premiums, but 2026 rates drop ~11% for code 5551 (roofing). Sole proprietors can exempt but risk personal exposure.
Other Notes: Bonding or financial responsibility proof often needed if credit score <660. Storm rules (e.g., Citizens Property Insurance changes) affect claims; roofers face scrutiny on assignments of benefits and repairs.
Why It Matters in 2026: Hurricanes and named storms spike claims—higher limits and safety programs help secure coverage and lower rates.

Florida roofers operating without proper insurance face fines, license suspension, or inability to pull permits—common in post-storm bidding wars.

California: C-39 License with Unique Workers’ Comp Rules

California classifies roofers under C-39 Roofing Contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). It’s required for jobs $500+.

Licensing: 4+ years journeyman/foreman experience, pass Law & Business + Trade exams, fingerprints, background check, and $25,000 contractor bond.
General Liability Insurance: Not strictly mandated statewide for all, but many carriers and contracts require $1M–$5M (especially LLCs: $1M base, scaling with personnel up to $5M). Proof often needed for licensing/renewal.
Workers’ Compensation: C-39 roofers must carry it even with no employees (unique rule). Broader mandate for all contractors delayed from 2026 to January 1, 2028 (via SB 1455). High-risk class code means elevated premiums—safety records and experience mods critical.
Other Notes: Commercial auto often required for job-site vehicles. Tools/equipment (inland marine) protects ladders, torches, and materials from theft or damage.
Why It Matters in 2026: Earthquakes, wildfires, and wind events add layers—carriers scrutinize roofing more in high-claim zones.

California’s rules emphasize financial responsibility; unlicensed or uninsured work risks heavy penalties and license revocation.

Other Storm-Prone Areas: Louisiana and Beyond

States like Louisiana (hurricanes, hail), Oklahoma, and coastal regions face similar pressures.

Louisiana: Roofing under state licensing (LSLBC) for commercial jobs $50,000+. General liability minimum ~$100,000–$300,000 per occurrence/$600,000 aggregate (many carry $1M+ for storm exposures). Workers’ comp required with employees. Bonding often needed.
Common Themes in Storm-Prone States:
- Higher Liability Limits: $1M/$2M common for third-party claims from wind/hail damage or falls.
- Workers’ Comp: Mandatory with low employee thresholds (e.g., 1 in FL; varies elsewhere). Roofers classified high-risk—premiums reflect injury severity.
- Additional Coverages: Builders risk for projects, commercial auto for hauling, umbrella for excess protection on large jobs.
- No State Mandate in Some: Like Texas (no license/insurance tie), but contracts, GCs, and permits often require proof.

In 2026, rising reinsurance costs and litigation in storm areas push carriers to demand stronger safety (OSHA certs, fall protection) and higher deductibles.

Comparison Table: Key Insurance Requirements (2026)

Florida

Roofing License Required? Yes (Certified or Registered via DBPR)
General Liability Minimum (Typical) $100k–$300k+ per occurrence (many roofers carry $1M recommended for storm claims)
Workers’ Comp Requirement Mandatory (1+ employees, including owners unless exempted)
Notes for Storm-Prone Work Hurricane and claim scrutiny; workers’ comp rates dropped ~11% in 2026 for roofing class code

California

Roofing License Required? Yes (C-39 Roofing Contractor via CSLB)
General Liability Minimum (Typical) Not statewide mandated, but $1M+ common (often required by carriers/contracts)
Workers’ Comp Requirement Mandatory for C-39 roofers (even with no employees); broader contractor mandate delayed to 2028
Notes for Storm-Prone Work High-risk classification; added focus on wildfires and wind events

Louisiana

Roofing License Required? Yes (via LSLBC for commercial jobs $50,000+)
General Liability Minimum (Typical) $100k–$300k+ per occurrence (often $1M+ carried)
Workers’ Comp Requirement Mandatory with employees
Notes for Storm-Prone Work Severe weather exposures; bonding commonly required

Texas (for reference/comparison)

Roofing License Required? No statewide requirement
General Liability Minimum (Typical) None mandated; often required by contracts or GCs
Workers’ Comp Requirement Required with employees (exemptions possible)
Notes for Storm-Prone Work Hail and hurricane common; local/city variations apply

Practical Tips for Roofers in 2026

Get quotes from carriers specializing in high-risk roofing—bundling GL, workers’ comp, tools, and auto saves 15–30%.
Maintain safety programs (fall protection, drug testing) for discounts and better experience mods.
Verify subs’ insurance and add yourself as additional insured.
Update policies annually—storm seasons and rate changes hit hard.
Check state boards: DBPR (FL), CSLB (CA), LSLBC (LA).

Roofers in storm-prone states face amplified risks, but compliant, well-insured operations win more bids and weather claims better. At ContractorsLiability.com, get tailored quotes fast—no obligation. Protect your crew, clients, and business today.

Ready for a free quote comparison? Visit our roofing insurance page or contact us (888) 766-4991—2026 is the year to lock in strong coverage before premiums shift again.