Many homeowners in Florida are no stranger to experiencing damage to their roof during hurricane season. Before May 26, 2022, the rule in Florida was that, if more than 25% of a roof needed to be repaired or replaced, then the entire roof system was required to be replaced to bring the entire roof up to code (the “25% Roof Replacement Rule”).
However, on May 26, 2022, SB 4-D took effect, which eliminated Florida’s 25% Roof Replacement Rule. Now, so long as the rest of the roof is in compliance with the 2007 Florida Building Code, or any subsequent versions of that code, then a full roof replacement is not required. The homeowner is only required to have the part of their roof being repaired or replaced brought up to the current version of the Florida Building Code.
Florida Building Code Standards
The current 2020 Florida Building Code provides that:
Not more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced, or recovered in any 12-month period unless the entire roofing system or roof section is replaced to conform to requirements of this code.
In other words, if more than 25% of a roof is being repaired, replaced, or recovered in any 12-month period, then the entire roof was required to be replaced to confirm to the requirements of the 2020 Florida Building Code.
New Law: Section 553.884(5), Florida Statutes
Now, as a result of SB-4D, the 25% Roof Replacement Rule is eliminated in certain situations. Section 553.884(5), Florida Statutes provides:
Notwithstanding any provision in the Florida Building Code to the contrary, if an existing roofing system or roof section was built, repaired, or replaced in compliance with the requirements of the 2007 Florida Building Code, or any subsequent editions of the Florida Building Code, and 25 percent or more of such roofing system or roof section is being repaired, replaced, or recovered, only the repaired, replaced, or recovered portion is required to be constructed in accordance with the Florida Building Code in effect, as applicable. The Florida Building Commission shall adopt this exception by rule and incorporate it in the Florida Building Code. Notwithstanding s.553.73(4), a local government may not adopt by ordinance an administrative or technical amendment to this exception.
In a nutshell, if a property owner is repairing or replacing more than 25% of its roof, and the existing roof complies with the 2007 Florida Building Code, or any subsequent editions of the Florida Building Code, the property owner is no longer required to have the entire roof replaced. The homeowner will only need to repair or replace the parts of the roof that are damaged.
Chances are, if a roof was constructed or replaced after March 1, 2009 (the effective date of the 2007 Florida Building Code), the roof likely complies with the requirements of the 2007 Florida Building Code, and the property owner will not be required to complete a full roof replacement. Further, as the Florida Building Code is updated every three years, this change should be reflected in the 2023 Florida Building Code.
Conclusion
If a roof was constructed prior to March 1, 2009, the roof is likely still governed by Florida’s 25% Roof Replacement Rule. However, if it was constructed after March 1, 2009, homeowners are now able to repair or replace only the parts of their roof that are damaged, instead of repairing the entire roof, resulting in less-costly roof repairs.
FAQs
Florida Building Code 25% Reroofing Rule
Not more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period unless the entire roofing system or roof section conforms to requirements of this code.
What is the new 25% rule in Florida? ›
Florida Building Code 25% Reroofing Rule
Not more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period unless the entire roofing system or roof section conforms to requirements of this code.
What is the new law on roof replacement in Florida? ›
Getting full roof replacements covered by insurance is more difficult. In May 2022, Florida's 25% Roof Replacement Rule was eliminated and replaced with Senate Bill 4-D. The law originally stated that if more than 25% of the roof was damaged, the entire roof would need to be replaced to meet code requirements.
How much will a new roof lower my homeowners insurance in Florida? ›
But your premium is meant to be lower the more protected your home is, so materials like tile and metal could offer increased savings. 4. Q: How much can I expect to save on my homeowners insurance by replacing my roof? A: Generally, homeowners can save five to 35 percent on their total policy by replacing their roof.
Do I have to replace my roof every 10 years in Florida? ›
Many Providers Require a 10-Year Replacement Before Coverage
There is some wiggle room, however; for example, providers may require a replacement for different roof materials after varying periods of time: Asphalt shingles: 10–15 years. Tile: 15–25 years. Metal: 15–30 years.
What is the 25% roofing rule in Florida? ›
If you're a homeowner in Florida, you may have heard of the “25% rule” when it comes to roofing. This rule refers to the requirement that if more than 25% of your roof is damaged, it must be replaced in accordance with the Florida Building Code.
What is the 15 year roof rule in Florida? ›
(c) For a roof that is at least 15 years old, an insurer must allow a homeowner to have a roof inspection performed by an authorized inspector at the homeowner's expense before requiring the replacement of the roof of a residential structure as a condition of issuing or renewing a homeowner's insurance policy.
How much is the average roof replacement in Florida? ›
On average, for a typical asphalt shingle roof replacement, you can expect to pay anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000 for a smaller or simpler roof, while larger or more complex roofs can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more. If you opt for higher-end materials like metal roofing or tile, the cost can be higher.
How old can a roof be to get homeowners insurance in Florida? ›
Florida Insurance Regulations
Currently, insurance companies are required to inspect your home and roof before denying coverage, no matter how old your roof is. Your roof must also show that it has at least five more years of good use left in it, if it is older than 15 years.
What is the new insurance law in Florida in 2024? ›
Effective Date: July 1, 2024 with some provisions effective on May 13, 2024, the day Governor DeSantis signed the bill. Allows surplus lines insurance companies that meet certain financial requirements to take out policies from Citizens for dwellings that are not primary residences or homestead properties.
Upon installing or upgrading your roof, contact your insurance provider to inform them. You will have to provide new photo documentation, which is an important step to get all potential discounts. Be patient, as the approval process could take several weeks.
Is insurance cheaper with a metal roof in Florida? ›
A metal roof can even lower your homeowner's insurance by 25%. And a metal roofing system offers unmatched durability, lasting 3 times longer.
What is the best roof for insurance in Florida? ›
Your roof's shape really does change your insurance rates in Florida. Hip roofs are a popular pick - these are roofs with better wind resistance. Insurers tend to really love them because it makes for better premium rates. It all comes down to how well your house can stand up to, well, scary weather.
What is the roof law in Florida? ›
Florida law requires that you perform almost all roofing work as a licensed roofing contractor. If you are caught performing roofing installation or repair without a required license, you could face fines and penalties. You may even be barred from obtaining a contractor's license in the future.
Can I get homeowners insurance with a 17 year old roof in Florida? ›
And for roofs that are older than 15 years, insurers would have to allow an insurance agent or homeowners to have an inspection on the roof's condition before refusing coverage.
Can a homeowner replace their own roof in Florida? ›
Florida law requires that all roofing work be done by a contractor licensed to perform such work.
How often do you have to replace your roof in Florida? ›
In Florida, shingle roofs last anywhere from 18 to 25 years. The lifespan mostly depends on the quality of the shingles. Today's shingles are made with a fiberglass mat trapping the granules, giving the asphalt base layer more protection. Shingles with a better-quality fiberglass mat last longer.
How much damage does a roof need to be replaced? ›
The Extent of Damage.
Minor, localized issues can often be effectively remedied with roof repairs. However, once the damage exceeds 25-30% of the total roof area, a full replacement is usually the better option. This is because extensive roof damage is almost always accompanied by compromised structural integrity.
