This isn’t a drill. Arkansas House Bill 1308 is teeing up a game-changing legal framework that targets door-to-door roofing sales—and it’s got the potential to ripple across the country faster than a summer hailstorm.
Whether you’re in Arkansas, Florida, or Minnesota, this bill sets a precedent. And if you’re not paying attention, it could blindside your sales team, wreck your marketing strategy, and hit your bottom line harder than a denied claim.
I’m breaking down the 12 most jaw-dropping implications of HB1308, what they mean for you, and why it’s time to adapt before this becomes your new reality.
Let’s go.
1. You Can’t Knock Doors Without Proof of a Storm. Period.
Forget canvassing like it’s 2019. HB1308 makes it illegal to solicit roofing jobs tied to insurance claims unless you’re packing verifiable proof of a storm event:
- Hail over 1 inch
- Wind over 40 mph
- Within the last 12 months
- On your person when knocking
No storm? No sale. That’s not just a restriction—it’s a complete rewire of how storm chasers operate.
2. Door-to-Door Rules Tighten Up (Hard)
More regulatory chokeholds incoming:
- Visible ID required: Photo, full name, company name, and company license number.
- Time restrictions: While not locked into HB1308 yet, previous versions proposed knocking only between 9am–7pm.
- No misrepresentation of storm damage—this bill’s language is crystal clear.
You’ll need to treat door knocking like regulated pharma sales—buttoned up, data-backed, and compliant from head to toe.
3. Say Goodbye to Shady Contracts and “Insurance Will Cover It” Tricks
This bill is coming for vague contracts and “don’t worry, insurance will pay for it” pitches. New requirements include:
- Fixed-price contracts with no insurance contingencies
- Clear line items for shingles, underlayment, ridge cap, ice and water shield
- Disclosure that rotted decking may not be covered by insurance
This is Florida 2.0. If your business relies on “we’ll work with your insurance,” rethink your pitch. Fast.
4. Deductibles Are No Longer a Suggestion—They’re a Mandate
Here’s the no-BS version: The homeowner must pay their deductible. And there’s zero wiggle room:
- You cannot waive, rebate, credit, or disguise it.
- Referral rewards? Fine. But they can’t go toward the deductible.
- You can’t coach the homeowner to pretend they paid. That’s now illegal.
Translation: Anyone helping a homeowner dodge their deductible is officially playing with legal fire.
5. Contractors Can Communicate With Insurance—But Read the Fine Print
Unlike other states with UPPA (Unlicensed Public Adjuster) laws, Arkansas is one of the few where contractors can communicate directly with insurers under these specific conditions:
- Verifying the date of loss
- Responding to unlicensed adjusters
- Challenging denied or underpaid damage
- Correcting missing items in the scope of work
Bottom line: You can speak—but only if it’s about facts, not policy advice.
6. Get It Wrong, Pay Big: New Penalties with Teeth
Slap on the wrist? Not anymore.
- First violation = Warning
- Second violation = Up to $5,000 per offense
And if Arkansas mirrors Florida’s playbook, you could eventually see felony charges and $10,000+ fines just for breaking these rules.
It’s not about fear—it’s about being proactive, informed, and ahead of the legal curve.
Why This Matters (Even If You’re Not in Arkansas)
Here’s the truth: This isn’t just about one bill in one state. This is how precedent becomes policy.
We saw it happen:
- Florida passed it
- Louisiana followed
- Minnesota jumped in
- Now Arkansas is next
And guess what? Your state is probably already watching.
This is the new legal blueprint for how roofing sales are regulated. If you’re still running old-school scripts and under-the-table incentives, you’re running out of time.
What You Can Do Right Now
Let’s flip the script. Be the contractor who’s not just compliant—but confident.
Here’s how to lead the pack:
- Audit your contracts: Make sure they meet the new itemization and pricing standards.
- Train your team on compliant sales language: No more “we’ll eat your deductible.”
- Build systems for storm verification: Get real-time data tools to back your canvassing.
- Update door-knocking protocols: Badges, data, and tight scripts are the new norm.
- Stay politically active: Reach out to bill sponsors and local reps. HB1308 isn’t law yet. Your voice matters.
Adapt or Get Flattened
Roofing sales isn’t dying—it’s evolving. Fast.
The real winners? The ones who stop whining and start winning with smarter systems, sharper sales, and compliant-as-hell processes.
Whether you’re a solo hustler, sales manager, or a $10M+ roofing CEO, HB1308 is your wake-up call: Modern roofing sales is about precision, professionalism, and proof.
So let’s go. Time to lead from the front.
