Florida Form DBPR ROOFING-1 is the Initial Issuance of License Application that every individual seeking to become a Certified or Registered Roofing Contractor must file with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Construction Industry Licensing Board. The form opens the door to legal roofing work in Florida, and a single bad answer can stall your file for months or trigger a denial under Chapter 489, Part I, Florida Statutes.
The DBPR processes thousands of construction license applications every year, and the Construction Industry Licensing Board reports that roughly 40% of roofing applications are returned as deficient on first review, most often for missing financial documents, unsigned affidavits, or fingerprint errors. This guide walks you through the most current revision of ROOFING-1 line by line, with named examples, three full scenarios, and the consequences of every common slip.
- 🪪 How to pick the right license type — Certified, Registered, exam, endorsement, or change of status
- 📂 The exact documents to gather before you open the official form PDF
- ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of every section, box, and signature block
- 💰 Current fees, FICO score thresholds, insurance minimums, and bonding alternatives
- ⚠️ The 10+ mistakes that cause the Board to reject roofing applications
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
DBPR ROOFING-1 is the Initial Issuance of License Application used by individuals who want to qualify for a Florida roofing contractor license through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). The form is governed by Section 489.111, Florida Statutes and the rules adopted under Rule Chapter 61G4, Florida Administrative Code. Anyone who contracts to install, repair, or replace roofing on a building in Florida — without a valid license — risks a third-degree felony under Section 489.127, F.S., with fines up to $10,000 per offense.
The form covers three filing paths: Examination (for first-time applicants who passed the state exam administered by Pearson VUE), Endorsement (for licensees in another state with substantially equivalent requirements), and Change of Status (for current Florida license holders moving between active, inactive, individual, and business representations). The same form is used for Certified Roofing Contractors (CCC prefix, statewide scope) and Registered Roofing Contractors (RC prefix, local competency only).
A common misconception is that a contractor with a county “competency card” can work statewide. That is wrong. Registered contractors may only work in jurisdictions that accept their local card, and crossing county lines without certification triggers an unlicensed-contracting investigation by the DBPR’s Unlicensed Activity Unit. Filing ROOFING-1 correctly is the only way to lock in lawful statewide authority.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Roofing applications fail because applicants open the form before gathering the supporting paperwork. The Board’s reviewers do not call you for missing items — they issue a written deficiency letter under Rule 61G4-12.011, F.A.C., and your file sits idle for up to 30 days. Pull every item below before you begin.
- Government-issued photo ID (driver license or passport) — needed for identity verification and to match the fingerprint card.
- Social Security Number — required by Section 559.79, F.S.; without it your file cannot be opened.
- Proof of passing the Florida State Construction Examination through Pearson VUE, unless you apply by endorsement.
- Credit report from a national credit reporting agency showing your FICO score (the Board requires a minimum 660 FICO or, if lower, a $20,000 surety bond per Rule 61G4-15.006, F.A.C.).
- Certificate of General Liability insurance of at least $300,000 public and $50,000 property damage for Certified, or $100,000/$25,000 for Registered roofers.
- Workers’ compensation coverage or a valid exemption from the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
- Live Scan fingerprint receipt from a FDLE-approved vendor using ORI number FL924010Z.
- Child support compliance affidavit under Section 409.2598, F.S..
- Proof of business entity (Sunbiz registration printout) if you are qualifying a company.
- Application fee payment — currently $249 for an initial individual license filed in odd years, $149 in even years per Rule 61G4-12.011, F.A.C..
Each missing item costs you a separate deficiency cycle. The CILB meets monthly, so a single missing affidavit can push your hearing date by a full meeting cycle.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The current revision of ROOFING-1 lives on the DBPR’s forms library under the Construction Industry Licensing Board section. Always download a fresh copy the day you file — the Board updates the revision date when fees or required attachments change, and submitting a stale version is grounds for return under Rule 61G4-12.006, F.A.C.. The revision date is printed in the lower right corner of page one; confirm it matches the current version on the DBPR site.
Applicants have two filing channels. Paper filers download the PDF, complete it, sign it in blue ink, and mail it to the DBPR in Tallahassee. Online filers use the DBPR Online Services portal, which walks you through the same questions but uploads supporting documents directly. Online filing reduces the deficiency rate by roughly half because the portal blocks submission until required fields are populated.
A common misconception is that the online portal replaces the paper form. It does not. The portal uses the same questions found on ROOFING-1, and you still must upload signed affidavits, the credit report, and the insurance certificate as PDFs. Whether paper or digital, the substance is identical and the statutes that govern the answers are the same.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out DBPR ROOFING-1 Line by Line
The form is divided into a License Type selector, Section I (Personal Information), Section II (Background Questions), Section III (Financial Responsibility), Section IV (Insurance & Workers’ Comp), Section V (Qualifying a Business), and a final Affidavit and Signature block. Every field below appears on the official form in the order shown.
License Type Selection (Top of Page 1)
This is the field at the very top where you mark whether you are seeking a Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) or Registered Roofing Contractor (RC) license, and which path you are filing under: Examination, Endorsement, or Change of Status. Mark exactly one box in each column.
To answer it, read the scope-of-work descriptions in Section 489.105(3)(e), F.S., and pick the path that matches your test result or out-of-state license. Use a black pen and an X inside the box, not a checkmark or initials.
For example, Marcus Bell, a roofer who passed the Florida exam in March, marks X in the Certified box and X in the Examination box. He leaves Endorsement and Change of Status blank.
A nuance worth noting: applicants with a Georgia or South Carolina license cannot file by endorsement unless their state has a current reciprocity agreement on file with the CILB. Always confirm reciprocity through the Board’s reciprocity page before checking the Endorsement box.
The most common mistake here is checking both Certified and Registered, which causes immediate return because the Board cannot tell which fee bracket applies to your file. The misconception is that “Certified” and “Registered” are interchangeable — they are not, and only Certified status allows statewide work.
Section I, Box 1 — Full Legal Name
Box 1 asks for your full legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID. Write last name, first name, then middle name, exactly as printed on your driver license.
To answer it, use ALL CAPS in blue or black ink. Spell out your middle name; do not use an initial unless the initial is what appears on your ID.
For example, Maria Elena Lopez writes LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA in Box 1.
If your name on your exam pass slip differs from your ID, attach a notarized name-change affidavit or a certified marriage certificate. The Board cross-checks the name in Box 1 against the Pearson VUE exam database; a mismatch holds up issuance.
The most common mistake is using a “doing business as” name here. That triggers a deficiency notice because Box 1 is for the human, not the company. The misconception that a sole proprietor’s DBA can stand in for a legal name causes weeks of delay.
Section I, Box 2 — Social Security Number
Box 2 asks for your nine-digit Social Security Number. The DBPR uses it for child support compliance checks under Section 409.2598, F.S. and for tax cross-matching with the Florida Department of Revenue.
Write the number in the format XXX-XX-XXXX with hyphens. Do not leave it blank, even if you object on privacy grounds — refusal is a basis for denial.
For example, Marcus Bell writes 123-45-6789 in Box 2.
If you only have an ITIN, you cannot file ROOFING-1; the Board accepts only SSNs for individual licensure. The most common mistake is transposing two digits, which causes the Department of Revenue cross-match to fail and your file to be flagged for child support review.
The misconception that the SSN is optional under federal privacy law is wrong — Florida statute requires it for licensure, and the Board has lawful authority to collect it.
Section I, Box 3 — Date of Birth
Box 3 asks for your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format. Use leading zeros for single-digit months and days.
For example, Aisha Rivera, born March 4, 1990, writes 03/04/1990.
Your date of birth must match your Live Scan fingerprint submission exactly, because FDLE returns your background record by SSN plus DOB. A one-digit error causes the background check to come back “no record” and the Board treats it as a deficient submission.
The most common mistake is writing the date in DD/MM/YYYY (European format), which scrambles the FDLE match. The misconception that “close enough” is acceptable is wrong; the system performs an exact-match query.
Section I, Box 4 — Residence Address
Box 4 asks for your physical home address. This must be a street address, not a P.O. Box, because the Board uses it to verify residency and to mail the wall license.
Write the street number, street name, unit, city, state, and ZIP, all in caps. Do not abbreviate the street name unless it appears that way on your driver license.
For example, Maria Lopez writes 742 EVERGREEN TERRACE, APT 3B, ORLANDO, FL 32801.
If you only have a P.O. Box, list it on a separate Mailing Address line (Box 5) and still provide a residential street address — even a relative’s house counts if you live there. The most common mistake is using a job-site trailer or storage unit, which the Board’s address verification flags through USPS data.
The misconception is that home address is private and can be omitted. It cannot; the form is a public record under Chapter 119, F.S., with limited exceptions for law-enforcement officers.
Section I, Box 5 — Mailing Address (If Different)
Box 5 is the address where the DBPR sends your wall license, deficiency letters, and renewal notices. If it matches Box 4, write SAME AS ABOVE.
Use the same caps formatting as Box 4. A P.O. Box is acceptable here.
For example, Carlos Mendez writes PO BOX 1188, MIAMI, FL 33101 in Box 5 even though his home is on Brickell Avenue.
The most common mistake is leaving Box 5 blank and assuming the Board will infer it from Box 4. The Board does not infer; it mails to whatever you list, and a blank Box 5 sometimes causes the system to mail to the agency address by default.
The misconception that email replaces a mailing address is wrong — your wall license is paper, and certified deficiency letters cannot be sent by email.
Section II — Background Questions
This section asks yes/no questions about felony convictions, prior license discipline, bankruptcies in the last ten years, and unpaid civil judgments related to construction. There are usually 8 to 10 questions; answer every one with a clear YES or NO in caps.
To answer it, read each question carefully and answer truthfully. A YES answer triggers a request for a full written explanation and certified court documents on a separate sheet.
For example, Marcus Bell answers NO to every question because his record is clean. Janet Cole, who had a 2019 DUI, answers YES to the felony/misdemeanor question and attaches a notarized statement plus the disposition order.
A YES answer is not an automatic denial. The Board weighs rehabilitation under Section 112.011, F.S. and Rule 61G4-18.005, F.A.C.. The most common mistake is omitting an old arrest because you “thought it was sealed” — FDLE returns the record anyway, and the Board treats omission as a fraudulent application under Section 455.227(1)(h), F.S.. The misconception is that nolo contendere pleas don’t count; they do.
Section III — Financial Responsibility (Credit Report and FICO)
Section III asks for proof of financial responsibility. You must attach a credit report no older than 12 months from one of the three national bureaus, and your FICO score must be 660 or higher for individual licensure under Rule 61G4-15.006, F.A.C..
Write your FICO score in the box and attach the report. If your score is below 660, check the Bond in Lieu box and attach a $20,000 surety bond from an admitted Florida insurer.
For example, Aisha Rivera writes 712 in the FICO box and attaches her Equifax report dated 60 days before filing.
A nuance: business licensure (qualifying a corporation) requires a higher score plus a business credit review. The most common mistake is attaching a free credit-monitoring printout that does not show a FICO number — the Board rejects VantageScore and other proprietary scores. The misconception that a co-signer cures a low score is wrong; only the surety bond cures it.
Section IV — Public Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Section IV asks for proof of general liability insurance and workers’ comp. Certified roofers must carry $300,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage; Registered roofers must carry $100,000 and $25,000 under Rule 61G4-15.003, F.A.C..
Enter the carrier name, policy number, and effective dates. Attach the Certificate of Insurance naming the DBPR as certificate holder.
For example, Marcus Bell writes PROGRESSIVE COMMERCIAL, POLICY ROO-998871, EFFECTIVE 04/01/2026 – 04/01/2027.
For workers’ comp, list either active coverage or the exemption certificate number issued by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The most common mistake is attaching a homeowner’s policy or a personal auto policy — neither qualifies as commercial general liability. The misconception that sole proprietors don’t need workers’ comp at all is wrong; you need either coverage or a filed exemption.
Section V — Qualifying a Business (If Applicable)
Section V is for applicants who plan to qualify a corporation, LLC, or partnership at the same time as their individual license. Enter the business name exactly as registered with Sunbiz, the FEIN, and the business address.
If you are filing only as an individual, write N/A across the section. Do not leave it blank, because a blank section reads as an incomplete answer.
For example, Carlos Mendez qualifies MENDEZ ROOFING SOLUTIONS LLC, FEIN 88-1234567, with a Sunbiz document number of L23000045678.
A nuance: if you qualify a business, you must also file the companion form DBPR CILB 4359 (Change of Status / Qualifying a Business) along with ROOFING-1. The most common mistake is listing a fictitious “DBA” without registering it on Sunbiz — the Board verifies every entity name through Sunbiz before approval. The misconception that the business license is a separate application is partly true: the fee is separate, but the qualifier relationship is established here.
Affidavit and Signature Block
The final block contains the applicant affidavit, the child support affidavit, and the signature line. Sign in blue ink, date the form in MM/DD/YYYY format, and have your signature notarized if the form indicates notarization is required (older revisions do; current revisions accept self-certification under penalty of perjury per Section 837.06, F.S.).
For example, Maria Lopez signs Maria E. Lopez and dates 05/12/2026 on the signature line.
The most common mistake is signing in pencil or having someone else sign for you — both void the application. The misconception that an electronic signature is acceptable on the paper form is wrong; only the online portal supports e-signature, and only through its own authenticated submission flow.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Marcus Bell — Newly Exam-Passed Certified Roofer
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| License Type | X in Certified and X in Examination |
| Box 1 — Legal Name | BELL, MARCUS JAMES |
| Box 2 — SSN | 123-45-6789 |
| Box 3 — Date of Birth | 07/22/1988 |
| Box 4 — Residence | 512 PALM AVE, TAMPA, FL 33602 |
| Section II — Background | NO to all questions |
| Section III — FICO | 742, Equifax report attached |
| Section IV — Insurance | PROGRESSIVE COMMERCIAL, POLICY ROO-998871 |
| Section V — Business | N/A (individual only) |
| Signature | Marcus J. Bell, dated 05/15/2026 |
Scenario 2: Carlos Mendez — Qualifying an LLC for Certified Status
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| License Type | X in Certified and X in Examination |
| Box 1 — Legal Name | MENDEZ, CARLOS ANTONIO |
| Box 2 — SSN | 234-56-7890 |
| Box 3 — Date of Birth | 11/03/1982 |
| Box 4 — Residence | 2200 BRICKELL AVE, MIAMI, FL 33129 |
| Section II — Background | YES to bankruptcy in 2017, explanation attached |
| Section III — FICO | 678, Experian report attached |
| Section IV — Insurance | THE HARTFORD, POLICY GL-554210 |
| Section V — Business | MENDEZ ROOFING SOLUTIONS LLC, FEIN 88-1234567 |
| Signature | Carlos A. Mendez, dated 05/18/2026 |
Scenario 3: Janet Cole — Out-of-State Applicant by Endorsement
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| License Type | X in Certified and X in Endorsement |
| Box 1 — Legal Name | COLE, JANET MARIE |
| Box 2 — SSN | 345-67-8901 |
| Box 3 — Date of Birth | 02/14/1975 |
| Box 4 — Residence | 18 OAKVIEW LN, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202 |
| Section II — Background | YES to 2019 DUI, certified disposition attached |
| Section III — FICO | 651, $20,000 surety bond attached in lieu |
| Section IV — Insurance | NATIONWIDE, POLICY CGL-771234, Georgia exemption |
| Section V — Business | COLE ROOF & RESTORE INC, FEIN 99-7654321 |
| Signature | Janet M. Cole, dated 05/22/2026, notarized |
How to File the Completed Form
Florida accepts ROOFING-1 through three channels, and the right channel depends on whether you have supporting documents in paper or digital form. The Board’s Customer Contact Center can confirm receipt but cannot accelerate review.
By Mail. Send the signed original plus all attachments to Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. Pay by check or money order made out to DBPR. The current fee is $249 in odd renewal years and $149 in even years per Rule 61G4-12.011. Processing runs 30 to 45 days. Keep the USPS Certified Mail receipt as proof of filing.
Online. Use the DBPR Online Services portal. Pay by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or e-check. The portal returns a confirmation number instantly; save the PDF receipt. Online files generally clear initial review in 15 to 25 days, faster than paper.
In Person. Walk-in filing is accepted at the Tallahassee headquarters during business hours. Bring the signed form, attachments, and a cashier’s check. The clerk timestamps your copy on the spot, which serves as proof of filing.
What Happens After You File
Once the DBPR receives ROOFING-1, an analyst opens the file within five business days and runs a completeness check. If anything is missing, you receive a deficiency letter under Rule 61G4-12.011, F.A.C., with a 30-day cure window.
Once complete, the file moves to the Construction Industry Licensing Board for review at its monthly meeting. Clean files (no YES answers in Section II) are usually approved by staff under delegated authority and never reach the Board. Files with YES answers, low FICO scores, or bond-in-lieu submissions are placed on the agenda and the applicant may be invited to appear.
Approval triggers issuance of a license number with the CCC prefix (Certified) or RC prefix (Registered). The wall certificate arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your license is then renewable on the August 31 of odd years cycle, and continuing-education requirements kick in immediately under Rule 61G4-18.001, F.A.C..
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Checking both Certified and Registered. The Board cannot determine your fee bracket and will return the form unprocessed.
- Leaving Section V blank instead of writing N/A. A blank section reads as incomplete and triggers a deficiency letter.
- Submitting a VantageScore credit report. Only FICO scores from a national bureau are accepted; the file is rejected.
- Using a P.O. Box in Box 4 (Residence). The Board requires a physical address and returns the form for correction.
- Omitting old criminal history. FDLE finds it anyway, and omission becomes a fraud-on-application charge under Section 455.227, F.S..
- Attaching a homeowner policy as proof of liability. Only commercial general liability insurance counts; the application is denied.
- Skipping the workers’ comp exemption certificate. Sole proprietors must show either coverage or an active exemption.
- Forgetting to name DBPR as certificate holder. The insurance certificate must list DBPR or it is treated as missing.
- Signing in pencil or with an electronic signature on the paper form. Both void the application immediately.
- Submitting an outdated revision of the form. The Board rejects superseded versions; always download fresh from the forms library.
- Mismatching the name on the exam pass slip and Box 1. Causes a Pearson VUE cross-match failure and processing hold.
- Paying the wrong fee for the renewal cycle. Odd-year fees and even-year fees differ; underpayment delays your file.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do download the form fresh from the DBPR forms library on the day you file, because revision dates change without notice.
- Do use ALL CAPS in blue or black ink, because OCR scanners process caps more reliably and reduce data-entry errors.
- Do attach a credit report dated within 12 months, because anything older fails the financial-responsibility rule.
- Do schedule your Live Scan fingerprints before filing, because the FDLE response usually takes 14 days.
- Do keep a complete copy of every page you submit, because the Board’s deficiency letter cites by page and box number.
- Do answer every question, writing N/A where it does not apply, because blanks read as omissions.
Don’ts
- Don’t sign electronically on the paper form, because only original wet-ink signatures are accepted by the analyst.
- Don’t list a job-site address as your residence, because the USPS verification will flag it.
- Don’t omit a sealed or expunged record, because FDLE still surfaces it and treats omission as fraud.
- Don’t pay by personal check from a closed account; bounced checks add a $25 NSF fee and a 30-day delay.
- Don’t staple original certificates of insurance; clip them, because the analyst scans documents flat.
- Don’t file before passing the Florida State Construction Examination, because the Board has no way to verify exam status without the official Pearson VUE score report.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of Filing Pro Se
- Saves the $500 to $1,500 typical license-consultant fee, because you handle the paperwork yourself.
- Forces you to learn the Chapter 489 framework, which helps later with renewals and CE compliance.
- Direct control over every answer, so nothing is misrepresented by a third party.
- Faster turnaround when your record is clean, because consultants batch-file at month-end.
- Builds a relationship with the DBPR analyst assigned to your file, which can speed future amendments.
Cons of Filing Pro Se
- Higher deficiency rate (about 40% on first review per Board statistics), because applicants miss attachments.
- No advocate at the Board hearing if your file has YES answers in Section II.
- Easy to misread the FICO threshold and submit the wrong score type.
- Risk of fraud-on-application charges if you misunderstand a Section II question.
- No template for the “explanation letter” required by YES answers, which often gets rejected for being too brief.
FAQs
Is the DBPR ROOFING-1 form the same for Certified and Registered roofers?
Yes. The same form covers both, but the license-type box at the top determines your fee, scope of work, and the FICO and insurance thresholds applied to your file.
Do I need to pass the state exam before filing?
Yes. Examination-path applicants must pass the Florida State Construction Exam before filing, because the Board cannot issue a license without a Pearson VUE pass slip in the file.
Can I file ROOFING-1 if my FICO score is below 660?
Yes. A score under 660 is acceptable if you attach a $20,000 surety bond from a Florida-admitted insurer under Rule 61G4-15.006, F.A.C..
Is fingerprinting required for every applicant?
Yes. Live Scan fingerprints through an FDLE-approved vendor using ORI FL924010Z are mandatory for all initial applicants.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Box 1?
No. You write whatever appears on your government-issued ID; if you legally changed your name, attach a certified marriage certificate or court order to support the change.
Should I leave Section V blank if I’m not qualifying a business?
No. Write N/A across Section V instead, because a blank section is read as an incomplete answer and triggers a deficiency letter.
Is a P.O. Box acceptable in Box 4 (Residence Address)?
No. Box 4 must be a physical street address; use Box 5 (Mailing Address) for a P.O. Box.
Do I have to disclose a sealed or expunged criminal record in Section II?
Yes. Florida licensure questions reach sealed records, and FDLE returns them anyway; omission is treated as fraud under Section 455.227, F.S..
Can I file ROOFING-1 entirely online?
Yes. The DBPR Online Services portal accepts the same questions and uploads of the credit report, insurance certificate, and affidavits as PDFs.
Is workers’ compensation insurance required if I’m a sole proprietor with no employees?
No. Solo roofers can file an exemption certificate instead, but the exemption number must be listed on the form.
Do I need to notarize my signature?
No. Current revisions accept self-certification under penalty of perjury per Section 837.06, F.S.; older revisions required notarization, so check the revision date.
Is the application fee refundable if I’m denied?
No. Application fees under Rule 61G4-12.011 are non-refundable, even if the Board denies issuance after review.
Can my spouse sign the form on my behalf?
No. Only the applicant’s original signature is accepted; a power of attorney does not extend to occupational license applications.
How long does the Board take to issue the license after approval?
Yes — once approved, expect a wall certificate by mail in 7 to 10 business days, with the license number searchable on the DBPR license verification page within 48 hours.
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