How to Check a Roofer’s License in Texas?
Whether you’re a West Palm Beach, Florida homeowner hiring for a property in Texas, or managing a construction project remotely, one vital step before contracting any roofer is verifying their credentials. With the rising demand for trustworthy roofing services—especially in storm-prone states like Texas—knowing how to check a roofer’s license isn’t just due diligence. It’s essential risk mitigation.
So, how do you check a roofer’s license in Texas, especially if you’re operating from afar in West Palm Beach? Let’s break it down and look at how licensing works, what red flags to avoid, and the smart steps to verify a roofer’s credentials in the Lone Star State.
1. Understanding Texas Roofing Licenses
Here’s the twist: Texas does not require a state roofing license.
Yes, you read that right. Unlike Florida, where roofing contractors must obtain a Certified Roofing Contractor License through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Texas has no statewide roofing license requirement. This absence often surprises property owners accustomed to Florida’s stricter contractor regulations.
However, this doesn’t mean Texas roofers are entirely unregulated. Instead, roofing professionals often operate under local jurisdiction requirements and may voluntarily join professional associations, which adds layers of credibility.
2. Key Agencies and Entities to Know
Even without a statewide license requirement, there are still ways to validate a Texas roofer’s legitimacy, especially if you’re coordinating the job from West Palm Beach. These include:
a. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Although TDLR doesn’t license roofers, it’s crucial to check whether the roofer offers additional services—like HVAC or electrical—which do require state licenses. If the roofer claims to provide services beyond roofing, verify their license on the TDLR license search portal.
b. Local Municipality or County Offices
Cities like Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio may have local registration requirements. You can check with the city or county building department where the project is located.
Pro Tip: If your Texas roofing job is in Harris County, Bexar County, or Travis County, contact the local Code Compliance or Permitting Office for contractor verifications.
c. RCAT – Roofing Contractors Association of Texas
Since Texas doesn’t regulate roofers, many reputable professionals opt into voluntary licensing through RCAT. Their Licensed Roofing Contractor Program tests knowledge, experience, and financial responsibility.
You can verify a roofer’s status via the RCAT Contractor Directory:
👉 https://www.rcat.net
3. Steps to Check a Roofer’s Credentials (Remotely from West Palm Beach)
Let’s say you’re managing an estate or investment property in Texas while sipping coffee in West Palm Beach. Here’s how to vet a roofer from across the country:
✅ Step 1: Ask for Proof of Registration or License
Even if Texas doesn’t mandate licenses, a roofer should still show local registration, business licenses, and their RCAT credentials if applicable.
✅ Step 2: Verify Insurance and Bonding
Ask for:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation
- Roofing surety bonds (if local jurisdictions require them)
Note: Florida roofers need to carry these insurances, and so should Texas-based contractors.
✅ Step 3: Check Their RCAT Certification
RCAT ensures they’ve passed exams and are up-to-date on safety, building codes, and materials. For example, a certified roofer in Dallas should have RCAT status and may even be certified for residential or commercial roofing.
✅ Step 4: Search Local Permitting Offices
Use Google Maps to locate the city building department where the Texas project resides. Contact them to check if the roofer is registered or if any permits have been pulled in their name.
4. Warning Signs and Red Flags
If you’ve worked with licensed Florida roofing contractors in West Palm Beach, you already know how professional interactions should look. When dealing with Texas roofers, beware of these red flags:
- Vague answers about licensing or insurance
- Lack of business address or official website
- No proof of RCAT affiliation or local registration
- Asking for large upfront payments (especially in cash)
- Unwillingness to provide written estimates or contracts
5. Why This Matters in West Palm Beach, FL
You may ask, “Why should someone in West Palm Beach care about Texas roofing licenses?”
Here are several valid scenarios:
- Real estate investors in Florida expanding their portfolios to cities like Houston, Dallas, or Austin
- Property managers coordinating hurricane-resistant upgrades in Gulf Coast areas
- West Palm Beach-based contractors outsourcing projects in Texas
- Snowbirds or retirees splitting time between Florida and Texas residences
For all these cases, verifying a roofer’s credibility in another state is essential. Just because the location changes doesn’t mean the expectations for quality and accountability should.
6. The Power of Due Diligence
In both Texas and Florida, roofing scams increase after natural disasters, such as hurricanes, hailstorms, and tornadoes. If you own a home in Corpus Christi or Waco while living in West Palm Beach, you’re especially vulnerable to out-of-state contractor fraud.
That’s why your best defense is proactive vetting, including:
- Video consultations
- Requesting photos of licenses and insurance
- Using platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Angi to read reviews
- Asking for 3+ local references
7. Final Thought: Licensing ≠ Skill, But It Helps
Just because a Texas roofer isn’t licensed doesn’t mean they’re unqualified—but voluntary credentials like RCAT show professionalism, commitment, and ongoing education. When comparing roofers in Texas to those in West Palm Beach, it’s clear that both accountability and transparency are universal green flags.
So, how do you check a roofer’s license in Texas from Florida?
You go deeper than surface labels. You contact local offices, use RCAT resources, check insurance, and ask the right questions—even across state lines.
FAQs: Roofer Licensing in Texas vs. Florida
Q: Can a roofer work in Texas without any license?
A: Yes, but local registration and RCAT certification add crucial credibility.
Q: Do Florida roofers need licenses?
A: Absolutely. In West Palm Beach and statewide, roofers need a Certified Roofing Contractor License through the DBPR.
Q: Is there a Texas license lookup website?
A: The TDLR license lookup helps for other trades, but not roofing. Use the RCAT directory for voluntary licenses.
Q: Is hiring a roofer without a license risky?
A: It increases your legal and financial liability. Always verify insurance and check references.