tl;dr
A BBB A+ rating means a business scored 97–100 on a 13-factor algorithm covering complaint volume, response quality, and transparency — but it's one signal, not the whole picture. Cross-check at least two platforms (Google + BBB), watch for review bursts and no response history, and always verify a Florida contractor's license at myfloridalicense.com before hiring.
Almost every homeowner checks reviews before hiring a roofer — but most people don't actually know how to read a BBB rating, or what separates a trustworthy review profile from a manipulated one. Here's what the numbers actually mean, and how to use them well before you hire anyone.
What a BBB Rating Actually Measures
The Better Business Bureau rates businesses on a scale from A+ to F, using a 13-factor algorithm — an A+ requires a score of 97–100 out of 100. The rating reflects BBB's assessment of how a business is likely to interact with customers, weighing things like:
- Complaint volume relative to the size of the business
- How quickly and in good faith the business responds to complaints
- Transparency and honest advertising
- Length of time in business
Accreditation is a separate step from the rating itself — it means a business has agreed to and passed vetting against BBB's Standards for Trust, earning the right to display the BBB seal.
One honest caveat: the BBB doesn't routinely verify state contractor licensing for businesses that haven't sought accreditation, and a complaint can be marked "resolved" even if the customer isn't fully satisfied, as long as BBB determines the business made a good-faith effort. A BBB rating is a strong signal — but it's one signal, not the whole picture.
Why Reviews Matter So Much for Hiring a Roofer
The data backs up what most people already do instinctively: 96% of consumers read online reviews at least occasionally, and a large majority check reviews specifically before hiring a home services contractor. Most consumers won't seriously consider a business rated below 4 stars, and a strong majority say they're more likely to hire a business that actually responds to its reviews — both positive and negative.
People also don't stop at one platform. Most consumers check at least two review sources — typically Google alongside Yelp, Facebook, or a local review site — before making a decision.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every profile with great numbers is what it appears to be. Watch for:
- No permanent address or license number listed anywhere on the site or contract — a real red flag for storm-chasing operators
- A burst of five-star reviews posted within days of each other, especially with generic, repetitive language
- No response history to negative reviews or complaints
- Large gaps in review activity, suggesting the business isn't consistently operating (or isn't consistently good)
- Unresolved BBB complaints with no documented attempt at resolution
Green Flags Worth Looking For
- An A or A+ BBB rating, ideally with active accreditation
- A verifiable, current Florida contractor license — you can check this yourself at myfloridalicense.com
- Consistent reviews over years, not just a recent spike
- A business that responds to reviews, including the occasional negative one, professionally
- A permanent local address and long tenure in your specific market
How to Actually Evaluate a Contractor's Reviews
Volume and recency tell you more than a perfect star rating alone. A contractor with a 4.6-star rating and hundreds of recent reviews across multiple platforms is generally a safer bet than one with a 4.9-star rating built on a handful of reviews from years ago.
Cross-check at least two platforms — Google and BBB at minimum — before making a decision, and don't be afraid to actually read a handful of the negative reviews to see how (or whether) the business responded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an A+ BBB rating actually mean?
It means the business scored 97–100 out of 100 on BBB's algorithm, which weighs complaint volume, response quality, transparency, and time in business — it's BBB's assessment of how reliably the business handles customer issues.
Is BBB accreditation the same as a good rating?
No — accreditation means a business has agreed to and passed BBB's Standards for Trust vetting; the letter-grade rating is a separate, ongoing measurement based on complaint history and business practices.
How can I tell if reviews are fake?
Watch for review bursts (many 5-star reviews posted in a short window), generic or repetitive language, and no owner responses. Consistent reviews spread naturally over months and years are a stronger signal than a sudden spike.
Should I trust a contractor with no negative reviews at all?
Be cautious. Every business that's done enough work eventually has an unhappy customer somewhere — what matters more is how the business responded, not whether a negative review exists at all.
How do I verify a Florida roofing license?
You can look up any Florida contractor's license status directly at myfloridalicense.com to confirm it's current, active, and free of disciplinary action.
See for Yourself
We'd rather you check us out than just take our word for it. Look up our license, read our reviews across platforms, and see how we respond to feedback — that's exactly the process we'd recommend for any contractor you're considering.
Read our customer reviews or request a free estimate to start the conversation.
"Hytz roofing and project manager, Shane Amy, did an exceptional job with our roof replacement. From the estimate process through the final inspection, Shane handled everything with professionalism and expedience." — Stephen Zielinski
"Nick Johnson of HYTZ Roofing is the person you want to have your roof done by. Along with his amazing workers, it was done in one day!" — Ann F.