Under Florida law (s. 489.126, F.S.), a contractor who takes more than 10% of the contract price as a deposit on residential work must apply for the permit within 30 days of the payment and start work within 90 days after the permit is issued. The only exceptions are just cause, or the homeowner agreeing in writing to a longer period.
The rule at a glance
See also:About SafeTech →| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Deposit over 10% of the contract price | The deadlines below apply |
| Permit application | Within 30 days of your payment |
| Work start | Within 90 days after the permit is issued |
| Exceptions | Just cause, or your written agreement to a longer period |
| If deadlines are missed | Send the contractor a written demand by certified mail |
| Money kept for work not performed | Can be a crime under s. 489.126(3) and (6), from a misdemeanor up to a first-degree felony depending on the amount |
Your contract should state the deposit, the payment schedule and when work will begin.
What a fair deposit arrangement looks like
- Deposit amount stated in the contract
- Payments tied to milestones: material delivery, dry-in and completion
- A clear start window and permit application timing
- No full payment before work is complete
How SafeTech protects your deposit
Every registered SafeTech project includes $30,000 of Contractor Directorii deposit protection at no cost. It is coverage that doesn’t depend on us. Optional $250,000 full coverage is available for 2.5% of the contract amount.
You can pay by debit card or bank transfer at no charge. Credit cards carry a 3% surcharge.
Red flags
- Large cash deposits with no written contract
- No start date
- A request to pay the full amount before the permit is issued
Why deposits exist
Contractors often order materials specific to your job, such as tile in your approved color or metal panels cut to length, before work starts. A deposit covers part of that commitment. The concern is not deposits themselves, but deposits taken with no clear plan to start.
Questions to ask about any deposit
- How much is the deposit and what does it cover?
- When will the permit be applied for?
- When will work start?
- What happens to the deposit if the project is cancelled?
- Is the deposit protected by any third party?
Paying by milestone
A typical milestone schedule looks like this. Your actual schedule is written into your contract.
| Milestone | Why it’s a good payment point |
|---|---|
| Contract signing | Secures the schedule and materials |
| Material delivery | Materials are on site |
| Dry-in / inspection passed | Work is visibly progressing |
| Final inspection | Job complete and permit closed |
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to pay a roofing deposit?
Yes, deposits are common. The contract should state the amount and the start timing.
What does Florida law say about roofing deposits?
If a contractor takes more than 10% of the contract price on residential work, it must apply for the permit within 30 days and start work within 90 days after the permit is issued, unless there is just cause or you agree in writing to a longer period (s. 489.126, F.S.).
What if my contractor took a deposit and never started?
Send a written demand by certified mail. Keeping money for work not performed can be a crime under s. 489.126, from a misdemeanor up to a first-degree felony depending on the amount.
How is my SafeTech deposit protected?
Every registered project includes $30,000 of Contractor Directorii deposit protection at no cost. $250,000 full coverage is available as an option.
Should I pay in cash?
Use a traceable payment method and get a receipt. We accept debit card or bank transfer at no charge; credit cards carry a 3% surcharge.
About the author
Roshy Rajan has worked in Broward County real estate and construction since 2006. He founded SafeTech Roofing and Windows (SafeTech Builders Inc.) after a hurricane left a friend with roof and window damage and the referrals kept coming. Florida Certified General Contractor CGC1537934 · Certified Roofing Contractor CCC1336954 · BBB Accredited.
