What are Florida Home Insurance Roof Requirements? What Thonotosassa Homeowners Should Know

While you may know Florida is a sunny place, it still gets its fair share of challenges in coastal regions, like the constant looming threat of hurricanes and tropical storms. 

With most parts of Florida being high-risk zones for windstorms and flooding, home insurance policies, such as roofing requirements, have only gotten stricter.

…plus, the history of roofing contractor scams, questionable insurance claims, and abuse sure didn’t help this cause.

Even with constant updates to the Florida Legislature and a few policy overhauls, it’s only right for homeowners to pay much more attention to what’s going on their roofs.

Although Thonotosassa in Hillsborough County might not be a storm magnet like coastal towns, it still faces a moderate flood risk.

So, you plan on getting your roof insured or it's just plain curiosity, what should you know?

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when it comes to home insurance and Florida roof replacement law in Thonotosassa.

There have been some legislative changes in Florida’s roofing insurance law in recent years.

This is largely due to:

• Rising insurance fraud (roofing contractors convincing homeowners to file unnecessary claims),

• Increased hurricane damage leading to huge losses for insurers,

• Aging roofs are failing to meet modern wind resistance standards.

In response, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 76 (2021) and Senate Bill 2-D (2022) to reduce unnecessary roof replacements and limit lawsuits.

Before these changes, a roof as young as 10 years could be fully replaced by insurance after a claim. Now, it’s much stricter.

Insurers can pay based on actual cash value (ACV), especially for older roofs, instead of the full replacement cost. These pieces of legislation aim to:

• Limit roof claim solicitation,

• Allow insurers to deny coverage for roofs over 15 years old unless they pass an inspection,

• Require stricter wind mitigation standards from homeowners before they can qualify for discounts.

For Thonotosassa homeowners, compliance is per the general regulations and requirements that apply to Florida as a state. In simpler terms, if your roof is older than 15 years, insurers can refuse to renew your policy unless it’s in good shape.

Note:

A licensed and registered inspector determines what is in ‘good shape.’ Most insurance providers and state laws also consider a few other factors beyond this when deciding whether your roof meets the standard.

Thonotosassa homeowners fall under the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. In other words, all your roofing projects or any credible Thonotosassa roofing company you hire must follow Florida’s Building Code, specifically the 2023 update. 

The recent update essentially made adjustments to previous roof requirements for homeowners' insurance in Florida.

It addresses the following:

• New standards for materials and installation to boost water resistance and durability.

• Better protection against leaks and storm damage.

• Previously, damage exceeding 25% meant full roof replacement. But now, partial repairs get approved, saving homeowners money when possible.

• Only damaged portions get replaced if the rest of the roof is up to standard.

Permits and licenses

Any roof replacement in Thonotosassa must follow Hillsborough County permitting rules. If any unpermitted work gets done on your roof, you can get denied insurance if damage occurs.

All roof replacements or significant repairs require a permit, so endeavor to always hire licensed contractors. Roofing work in Florida must be done by a state-licensed contractor.

After the job, conduct final inspections to ensure code compliance with Florida roof replacement law. Get this done while the permit is valid.

Material and installation rules

By extension, roofs must meet material and installation requirements, including high wind resistance specs, in line with the building codes in Thonotosassa and Florida.

For instance, fasteners, shingles, metal panels, and tiles must comply with wind load criteria. 

Also, roof decks (usually made from plywood) must be securely nailed down. There are no shortcuts here. However, different insurers have different preferences.

Most insurers prefer:

• Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are best for hail and wind.

• Metal roofing since they have the longest lifespan and best wind resistance.

• Tile (concrete or clay) for their durability, but they are also heavy, and you must ensure proper structural support with their use.

Wind mitigation

To get your home roof insured according to Florida roof replacement law, you'll need a wind mitigation inspection report, which is a big deal when it comes to insurance premiums. 

Here’s what can qualify you for those big insurance discounts:

• Roof shape: The MVPs are the hip roofs (those sloped on all sides). With these, there is less chance of wind damage.

• Roof-to-wall attachments have clips or straps that tie the roof to your walls at a lower risk.

• A secondary water barrier is an extra layer that helps prevent leaks.

• Deck nailing patterns with more nails closer together increase storm resistance.

Note:

These factors could save you hundreds of dollars every year. They are a smart idea whether you live beachside or inland, like Thonotosassa.

Owing to the past years of insurance fraud and high pressure on insurers in Florida due to the precarious weather conditions, many insurers left the region.

The outcome? Less competitive offers from the remaining insurer.

To ensure you snag the best deal, let’s look at what could raise or lower your premium. Or even cause you to get denied coverage altogether, as stipulated by the Florida roof replacement law.

Roof age

How old can a roof be for insurance in Florida?

Over the past decade, there have been a few changes to the age requirement for replacement or repair insurance. Most roof types have a service life of up to 15 years. However, some insurers only accept roofs less than 15 years old. 

However, the 2022 Senate Bill 2D made provisions that require you to get an inspection report. The report should state that the roof has at least 5 more good years left before you can receive an insurance policy from an insurer.

Only shingle roof types get accepted, even if they have served for up to 25 years.

Material type

Metal and tile roofs tend to get you better coverage and rates.

Shingles are more affordable but age faster in Florida’s weather. While you are not legally required to use a specific roof material, insurers care what’s up on your roof.

Roof shape

A hip roof typically lowers insurance premiums because it offers better wind deflection during storms.

In contrast, a gable roof is more common but tends to be more vulnerable to storm damage and can impact insurance costs.

Roof decking and attachment

Using plywood nailed every six inches in the center enhances the roof's strength. Moreover, installing hurricane straps and clips significantly improves wind resistance.

…it can also positively impact your insurance outlook.

In Thonotosassa, the state of your roofing sheet determines whether you can even get insurance, how much you will pay for it, and how well your home weathers the storm.

To comply with Florida roof replacement law, you should know your roof’s age and condition, and of course, get regular inspections. 

Hire licensed contractors and always get permits. Most importantly, keep all documentation—insurers love a good paper trail.

When it comes to roofing in Thonotosassa, being smart today can save you a headache tomorrow.