Is a free inspection from a contractor really free?

In Florida, yes for a legitimate local contractor. The inspection is a sales cost recovered only if you sign a replacement contract at standard pricing. A reputable Treasure Coast roofer spends 60 to 90 minutes onsite. They earn it back across the 15 to 40 jobs they close each month. The scam version (often out-of-state storm chasers after a named storm) recovers cost by creating damage, inflating a claim, or taking a deposit and disappearing. Florida Statute 626.854 bans contractors from offering rebates, gift cards, or deductible waivers in exchange for inspections. FoxHaven’s inspection includes drone footage, interior check, gutter check, and a written action plan with zero deposit required.