Choosing the Right Roofing Professional: Your Complete Guide to Florida’s CCC, CRC, and CBC License Classifications
When it comes to protecting your most valuable investment—your home—understanding the different types of contractor licenses in Florida is crucial. The state’s complex licensing system can be confusing for homeowners, but knowing the distinctions between CCC (Certified Roofing Contractor), CRC (Certified Residential Contractor), and CBC (Certified Building Contractor) licenses will help you make informed decisions when hiring roofing professionals.
Understanding Florida’s Roofing License System
The state of Florida requires a license for roofing work. Licenses are issued through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). Specifically, the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) regulates the construction industry and issues construction licenses. This regulatory framework ensures that contractors possess the necessary experience, knowledge, and financial stability to perform quality work.
Florida offers two designations for all contractors: A “certified contractor” means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “C.” A “registered contractor” means any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued.
CCC License: The Roofing Specialist
Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issues a certified license number beginning with the letters “CCC” (often called a “CCC license”) followed by six or seven digits. This CCC designation verifies that you are state-certified to perform roofing work. Certified contractors may offer “unlimited” roofing services statewide, meaning they do not need additional local licensing in each jurisdiction.
According to Florida Statute 489.105(3)(e), “Roofing contractor means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the roofing trade and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design, when not prohibited by law, and use materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all kinds of roofing, waterproofing, and coating.” The scope of work of a roofing contractor also includes all of the following and any related work: skylights; required roof-deck attachments; any repair or replacement of wood roof sheathing or fascia as needed during roof repair or replacement.
To obtain a CCC license, contractors must meet stringent requirements including four years of roofing trade experience (with at least one year in a supervisory role) and pass two comprehensive exams: the Business and Finance exam and the Roofing Trade Knowledge exam.
CRC License: The Residential Specialist
A Florida CRC license is required to construct, remodel, repair, or improve one-family, two-family, or three-family residences that do not exceed two habitable stories in height. They can also work on accessory use structures in connection with residential buildings. CRCs are limited to residential projects with up to three units and two stories.
This license is ideal for contractors who focus exclusively on residential work. Pick a CRC License if: You only work on homes (1-3 units, ≤2 stories). If you are focused solely on residential construction within the specified limits, the Florida CRC license may suffice.
CBC License: The Building Contractor
CBCs (Florida Building Contractors) have broader authority compared to CRCs, allowing them to work on both residential and commercial projects. They can engage in more diverse construction activities, including larger and more complex projects. The Florida Building License (CBC Certified Building Contractor) covers the scope of the residential license plus the construction of commercial buildings up to three stories in height.
Choose a CBC License if: You want flexibility for both residential and commercial projects (up to 3 stories). However, if you want the flexibility to work on both residential and commercial projects and handle a broader range of construction activities, a CBC license would be more appropriate.
Why License Classification Matters for Consumers
Understanding these distinctions is essential when searching for a licensed roofer near me. Each license type represents different levels of expertise, experience, and scope of work authorization. It is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without a license.
When evaluating contractors, consumers should verify that the license type matches their project needs. For residential roofing projects, both CCC and CRC licensed contractors are qualified, but CCC contractors bring specialized roofing expertise. For commercial projects or mixed-use buildings, CBC or CCC licenses are necessary.
Choosing Quality: The Aastro Roofing Advantage
Companies like Aastro Roofing Company exemplify what consumers should look for in a licensed contractor. Centrally located in Deerfield Beach, Aastro Roofing Company is managed and operated by family members with a vested interest in our company’s success and the satisfaction of our customers. We’re a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and treats your roofing projects as if it were our own.
With over 70 years of experience, we’re South Florida’s experts in Commercial and Residential Roofing. The company’s commitment to excellence is evident in their approach: “integrity, accountability, professionalism, and ensuring we’re the most knowledgeable roofers in the industry. We live out our core values every day and make sure that our technicians do, too.”
Aastro Roofing is a licensed roofing contractor serving Broward and Palm Beach County, FL, specializing in roof repairs, replacements, and restorations for both residential and commercial properties. Their comprehensive services and family-oriented approach demonstrate the level of professionalism consumers should expect from properly licensed contractors.
Red Flags to Avoid
When hiring roofing contractors, be wary of those who cannot provide proper license verification, offer significantly below-market pricing, or pressure you into immediate decisions. Contractors and property owners must use caution when hiring a roofing contractor and take the time to check that the contractor is appropriately licensed before signing a contract. The public can verify licenses through DBPR’s online search system or by calling your local building department.
Making the Right Choice
Understanding Florida’s CCC, CRC, and CBC license classifications empowers you to make informed decisions about your roofing project. Whether you need specialized roofing expertise (CCC), residential construction services (CRC), or broader building capabilities (CBC), verifying proper licensing protects your investment and ensures quality workmanship.
Remember that the most expensive contractor isn’t always the best choice, nor is the cheapest always the worst. Focus on finding properly licensed professionals with strong reputations, comprehensive insurance coverage, and a commitment to quality—qualities exemplified by established companies like Aastro Roofing that have built their success on integrity and customer satisfaction.