Local reports reveal that Jacksonville-based Florida Roof Specialists (FRS) is under investigation by the Florida Attorney General’s Office after 131 consumer complaints. Homeowners say misleading sales practices left them with unexpected bills their insurance wouldn’t cover — and now, some are facing liens and even foreclosure.
“I Can’t Even Sleep” — Homeowners Speak Out
Felicia Shanklin, one of the homeowners caught in the dispute, told WFLA News:
“There’s nights where I’m sitting up, and I can’t even sleep… I don’t have the funds to go and just get a lawyer and try to fight them.”
Another homeowner, Chrissy Thoures, said she was promised she’d only pay a $1,000 deductible with insurance covering the rest. Instead, her insurance paid $24,000, leaving her with a shocking $13,000 balance FRS demanded in full.
How Roof Repairs Led to Foreclosure Risks
According to investigators, the contracts many homeowners signed stated that owners are responsible for any costs insurance doesn’t cover. When bills ran higher than expected, liens were placed on properties — and in some cases, foreclosure proceedings began.
Unfortunately, this isn’t unique to Florida. Similar scams have surfaced nationwide, from Las Vegas to Texas, where contractors overcharged homeowners and filed liens when payments fell short.
The Hidden Risk: Contractor Liens
A contractor’s lien allows builders to place a legal claim against your property if they believe they weren’t paid in full. Even if you think insurance will cover the bill, fine print in contracts can leave homeowners exposed.
How Florida Homeowners Can Protect Themselves
Before signing any roofing or repair contract, homeowners should take these steps:
✅ Vet the contractor thoroughly — Check reviews, BBB complaints, and licensing. (FRS, for example, had 49 BBB complaints in three years.)
✅ Get lien waivers — Request conditional lien waivers from all contractors and subcontractors to protect against frivolous claims.
✅ File a notice of completion — In Florida and other states, this can shorten the window contractors have to file liens.
✅ Review contracts carefully — Ensure you understand who’s responsible for unpaid balances if insurance falls short.
✅ Seek legal advice early — If a lien is filed, a lawyer may help negotiate or dispute claims before foreclosure becomes a threat.
The Bigger Picture: Rising Costs for Florida Homeowners
These foreclosure risks come at a time when Florida residents are already facing sky-high insurance premiums, HOA fee increases, and stricter condo safety regulations following the 2021 Surfside tragedy. For many, the financial pressure is mounting.
How Lendworth USA Helps Protect Florida Homeowners
At Lendworth USA, we understand how unexpected costs can put homeowners at risk. That’s why we provide:
- Equity-based lending to cover major repairs without jeopardizing your home.
- Refinancing solutions to lower monthly payments and free up cash flow.
- Transparent, compliant mortgage programs so borrowers never face hidden surprises.
📞 Contact Lendworth USA today to learn how to safeguard your investment and finance repairs responsibly. Don’t let a roofing bill put your Florida home — or your peace of mind — in jeopardy.