Guide
Florida roof rules, in plain language
A summary of the Florida rules that most often come up when Clearwater homeowners replace a roof. Each one links to the source. Laws change: read the linked text and ask your contractor or building department how it applies to your home.
Permits: who issues yours
A roof replacement needs a building permit, and in Pinellas County which office issues it depends on where you live. According to the county list of building departments: the City of Clearwater issues permits in Clearwater, (727) 562-4567; Dunedin and Largo have their own departments; and Pinellas County Building Services handles Safety Harbor, Oldsmar and unincorporated areas such as Palm Harbor, (727) 464-3888.
Your contractor normally pulls the permit. Ask to see it, and don't pay the final installment until the final inspection has passed.
The rules at a glance
Licensing
Roofing contractors in Florida must be licensed by the state. Search by name or license number at myfloridalicense.com.
The 25% rule
For roofs built, repaired or replaced to the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, only the portion being repaired, replaced or recovered must meet current code, even at 25% or more (s. 553.844(5)).
Upgrades on replacement
A roof replacement on a site-built single-family home must include the statute's secondary water barrier and roof-deck attachment methods; some higher-value homes in the wind-borne debris region also need roof-to-wall connection work within a cost limit (s. 553.844(3)).
Roof age and insurance
For a roof at least 15 years old, an insurer must allow an inspection before requiring replacement, and may not refuse to issue or renew solely because of age if the roof has at least five years of useful life left (s. 627.7011(5)).
Wind mitigation credits
Insurers must offer premium credits for wind-resistant features, documented on the state's uniform mitigation verification form (s. 627.0629).
Claim deadlines
Notice of a new or reopened property insurance claim must be given within one year of the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months (s. 627.70132).
Contractors and insurance claims
Florida tightened the rules on roofing contractors and insurance claims in 2021. Under s. 489.147, a contractor may not offer rebates, gifts, gift cards, cash, coupons or deductible waivers in exchange for letting them inspect your roof or for making a claim, may not interpret your policy or advise you on coverage unless licensed as a public adjuster, and may not pay or accept money for referring work paid by property insurance.
The same law requires advertisements urging roof claims to warn that you are responsible for your deductible and that waiving a deductible or filing a false claim is insurance fraud. For contracts signed within 180 days after a declared state of emergency, homeowners can cancel within 10 days of signing or before work officially starts, whichever comes first.
This site does not help with insurance claims and does not refer claim work. If you have storm damage, contact your insurer.
Checklist
Before work starts
- License checked at myfloridalicense.com
- Proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance received
- Written contract with full scope and price
- Permit pulled and posted
- HOA approval in hand, if your community requires it
Thinking about a new roof?
Talk to a Clearwater roofing contractor
Call and you are connected with an independent roofing contractor serving Clearwater, Dunedin, Largo, Safety Harbor and Palm Harbor. Ask them to look at the roof and price the replacement.
Planning a new roof? Speak with a local roofing contractor.
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