Florida's 25% roof rule, roof age, and insurance (2026 guide)
Last updated
Short answer: Florida's 25% rule required a full code-compliant re-roof when 25% or more of a roof section was repaired. Now, if the roof was built under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, only the repaired part must meet current code.[1] Insurers also can't refuse to issue or renew a policy solely because a roof is under 15 years old.[2]
What is Florida's 25% roof rule now?
Florida has long required a full code-compliant re-roof when 25% or more of a roof section is repaired or replaced. State law now limits that rule. If the existing roof or section was built, repaired, or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, only the portion being repaired has to meet the current code.[1]
Does roof age affect your homeowners policy?
- An insurer may not refuse to issue or renew a policy solely because the roof is less than 15 years old.[2]
- For a roof 15 or more years old, the insurer must allow an inspection by an authorized inspector, at your expense, before requiring replacement. If the inspection shows at least 5 years of useful life remaining, the insurer can't refuse solely because of age.[2]
What are Florida's roof claim deadlines?
A new or reopened claim must be noticed within 1 year of the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months.[3]
How long do roofs last in Florida?
InterNACHI's Florida chart lists 15 to 20 years for architectural shingles, 17 to 20 for metal, and 80+ for tile.[4]
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 25% roof rule still in effect in Florida?
It still applies to older roofs. For roofs built under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, Fla. Stat. 553.844 requires only the repaired portion to meet current code.
Can my insurer drop me because my roof is 15 years old?
Not solely for age if an authorized inspection shows 5 or more years of useful life remaining (Fla. Stat. 627.7011). Insurers can still decline for other lawful reasons.
How old can a roof be for insurance in Florida?
There's no single cutoff. The law protects roofs under 15 years old from age-only refusals and gives older roofs an inspection path.
Sources
- Fla. Stat. 553.844 (roof code compliance). www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F
- Fla. Stat. 627.7011 (roof age underwriting). www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0627.7011
- Fla. Stat. 627.70132 (claim notice deadlines). www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699%2F
- InterNACHI, Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Florida Homes. www.nachi.org/florida-life-expectancy.htm
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Estimates are not quotes. Roofing, insurance, and legal details vary. Confirm with your contractor, insurer, or attorney.