Roofing licenses and registrations in nine storm states

Florida

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board lists roofing among the trades that require state registration or certification. A registered contractor holds a local license and may work only in that city or county and any neighbors that accept it. A certified contractor passes the state exam, meets financial responsibility requirements and documents experience, and can work anywhere in Florida. The board also says roofing work cannot be subcontracted to unlicensed roofers. The certified roofing application lists minimum coverage of $100,000 in public liability and $25,000 in property damage.

Texas

Texas does not currently require a state-issued license for reroofing contractors, as the 2025 House committee analysis of H.B. 3344 put it. That bill would have had the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation license reroofing contractors; its last recorded action was a committee report sent to Calendars on May 8, 2025. Roofing does not appear on TDLR's list of regulated programs. Texas still regulates how roofers handle insurance claims, covered in the first storm season guide.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma's Roofing Contractor Registration Act requires resident and nonresident roofing contractors to register with the Construction Industries Board. Registration needs proof of at least $500,000 in general liability for residential work, $1,000,000 for a commercial endorsement, and workers' compensation coverage or an exemption, renewed every year. Failing to register is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.

A bigger change is coming. Under House Bill 1628 as amended in 2026, a Residential Roofing Endorsement will be required for all residential roofing work beginning January 1, 2028. Contractors registered and in good standing by January 1, 2027, can be grandfathered with 10 hours of approved continuing education or the exam, and from January 1, 2027 it becomes unlawful to subcontract with an unregistered labor-only crew.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry requires residential contractors who do roofing to hold a residential roofer, building contractor or remodeler license. The license goes to the company, and its designated qualifying person must pass the exam. The roofer license application lists a $180 fee, a $15,000 surety bond, liability coverage of at least $300,000 per occurrence, and a workers' compensation certificate or a written explanation of exemption. Contractors with under $15,000 a year in residential gross receipts can claim an annual exemption, and a roofer license does not cover gutters, soffit or fascia.

North Carolina

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors says contractors may not take on projects costing $40,000 or more without its license. Roofing is licensed under the S(Roofing) specialty classification and is also covered by the building and residential classifications. The license limitation caps project size: up to $750,000 for limited, $1,500,000 for intermediate, and no cap for unlimited. The board's contractor FAQ says licensing itself carries no insurance requirement, though projects and permits may.

Louisiana

Since January 1, 2026, Louisiana has required the Residential Roofing or Residential Construction classification for anyone who bids or performs work on a residential roofing project valued at $7,500 or more. The same board memo explains that Act 239 of 2025 requires permits and inspections for roof construction and reroofing on projects that began on or after August 1, 2025. A July 2026 board memorandum adds that, from August 1, 2026, residential roofing covers buildings of up to four dwelling units and residential licensees must carry at least $500,000 in liability protection.

Illinois

Illinois licenses roofers under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act through IDFPR. The application packet describes a limited license for residential roofing, including buildings of eight units or fewer, and an unlimited license that adds commercial and industrial work. Every applicant names a qualifying party who must pass the state exam. The packet lists a $125 application fee, bond and insurance forms, and for businesses based in another state, workers' compensation that covers Illinois accidents under Illinois benefits. Licenses expire on December 31 of each odd-numbered year.

Kansas

The Kansas Roofing Registration Act covers any roofing contractor, including subcontractors and nonresident contractors, and registration is handled by the Attorney General. An applicant files proof of at least $500,000 in liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage or an exemption affidavit. The annual fee cannot exceed $500, and certificates expire June 30. An unregistered contractor cannot sue in a Kansas court over its roofing business.

Colorado

Colorado's statewide roofing law, C.R.S. Article 22 of Title 6, sets rules for residential roofing contracts; it does not create a license. Where licensing exists, it is local. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department around Colorado Springs requires a passed ICC exam, does not reciprocate other departments' licenses, and issues no permit without an active license. Denver's roofing guide refers to separate D-Roof Shingles and D-Roof Covering/Waterproofing contractor licenses.

Before you apply

Once you hold the credential, put the number to work. The National Roofing Directory's Verified level includes a check of your license and insurance by a person at the directory; see the membership levels or claim your listing. For states not covered here, use NRD's licensing reference.

Frequently asked questions

Does Texas require a state roofing license?

No. A 2025 Texas House bill analysis states that Texas does not currently require a state-issued license for reroofing contractors.

Can an out-of-state roofer get licensed in Florida?

Sometimes. The DBPR FAQ describes reciprocity with states that have agreements with Florida and endorsement for some long-held out-of-state licenses; roofing applicants on those routes must complete a two-hour Florida Building Code course that includes wind mitigation.

Do my subcontractors need their own credentials?

Often, yes. Kansas counts subcontractors as roofing contractors, Florida bars subcontracting roofing to unlicensed roofers, and Minnesota's DLI requires roofing subcontractors to register through its Contractor Registration Program.