Representing three plaintiffs seeking a declaration of unconstitutionality of a new Florida law that restricts the marketing and solicitation efforts of roofing contractors, CCL told a federal court that the law is aimed at discouraging homeowner claims for roofing damage, rather than its purported purpose of dissuading fraudulent claims. The case, Restoration Association of Florida v. Brown, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida.

    CCL moved for a preliminary injunction against a number of provisions in the law, all of which are designed to limit information about homeowners' insurance policies and their coverage by prohibiting roofing repair advertising that encourages homeowners to make an insurance claim, even if the policy covers that repair. In addition, it prohibits contractors from offering a "thing of value" such as a gift card or discount to encourage a homeowner to hire a roofing contractor in instances where an insurance claim might be made. It further prohibits roofing contractors from interpreting or advising the homeowner about an applicable insurance policy, prohibits payments for referrals where an insurance claim will be made, and makes the contractor the responsible party if a third-party violates legal requirements before a repair is referred to the contractor. 

   CCL has argued that most of the provisions violate the First Amendment. The State of Florida has defended by claiming that there is a close and obvious connection between the prohibitions and preventing fraud, but CCL's reply brief shows that there is none. In fact, Florida put in evidence that 90 percent of the time no fraud occurs when insurance claims are made for roofing replacement or repair. Florida homeowners have significant needs for those services because it is subject to frequent instances of severe weather, such as hurricanes.

    The court is expected to schedule a hearing on the preliminary injunction.