Family First Roofing Group Accused of Roofing Scam

Dozens of Sarasota-area homeowners are speaking out after paying thousands of dollars to Family First Roofing for projects that were never completed. Instead of new roofs, many were left with empty promises and financial losses.

The company, based in North Sarasota, has blamed the situation on “internal fraud” and embezzlement by former employees. In a statement, Family First Roofing claimed it expanded too quickly and trusted the wrong people to handle finances. This mismanagement, they allege, caused the company’s collapse.

Meanwhile, the North Sarasota Police Department has confirmed it is investigating multiple complaints. As of now, no arrests have been made, and homeowners are left waiting for answers.

Several victims say they paid large deposits upfront — in some cases tens of thousands of dollars — yet work never began. Others claim roofing crews started but left the jobs incomplete. Many now face additional costs to hire new contractors, all while their money remains tied up in the dispute.

Homeowners are now grappling not only with roofless homes but also with unexpected liens. In St. Lucie County, at least 14 homeowners have liens filed against their properties — amounting to over $164,000 — by lienholders such as dumpster companies. These liens pose potential roadblocks to selling homes or refinancing.

Family First Roofing has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, citing $1.7 million in debts and listing 71 customers among its creditors. The company has stopped taking new jobs, focusing instead, they say, on finishing existing projects through a coordinated effort with other roofing businesses, manufacturers, and community leaders.

What Rights Do Florida Homeowners Have?

Florida law provides protections for homeowners when dealing with contractor fraud, scams, or incomplete work:

• Written contracts are required. Roofing jobs over $2,500 must have a written contract that outlines scope of work, costs, start dates, and completion timelines. If these terms are violated, the contractor may be in breach of contract.
• Deposits are protected. Florida Statute §489.126 requires contractors to apply deposits toward the project or refund them if no work is started within 90 days. Taking money without performing work can be considered misappropriation or theft.
  Right to cancel. If a contractor fails to perform, homeowners can send a “Notice of Intent to Terminate Contract” and pursue legal remedies. This can include recovering deposits, damages, and even attorney’s fees in some cases.
• Civil lawsuits. Victims can also sue in civil court to recover their money. In some cases, contractors who fail to perform cannot legally file a mechanics lien against the property.
• Criminal charges may apply. If fraud is involved — such as knowingly taking deposits without intent to complete the work—contractors can face criminal charges under Florida’s theft and fraud statutes.
• Licensing complaints. Homeowners can file complaints with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). DBPR can impose fines, suspend licenses, or revoke them entirely.

Contact Us Today

Every construction project should come with a clear contract. A contract protects everyone involved; homeowners and builders should never agree to work without one.

Scams are common in the construction industry. Florida is especially known as a hot spot. Protect yourself with help from a Florida construction contract lawyer from Linkhorst Law Firm. We have handled many unique construction contract matters. To schedule a consultation today, fill out the online form or call 561-626-8880.

Source:

wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/roofing-scams-homeowners-roofing-scandal-company-blames-internal-fraud/67-2e57fae1-2fa1-419b-ac9d-5bd3fd9fc714