If you own a home in Orlando with an older roof, you may have received a letter from your insurance company asking for a roof inspection, or warning that your policy won’t renew. That’s where Florida’s 15-year roof rule comes in. Here’s what the law says, what it means for your coverage, and what to do if your roof is 15 years old or older.
What Is the 15-Year Roof Rule in Florida?
In 2022, Florida added protections for homeowners to Florida Statute 627.7011. For homeowners policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2022:
- Roofs under 15 years old: An insurer cannot refuse to write or renew your policy solely because of the roof’s age.
- Roofs 15 years or older: You can have the roof inspected by an authorized inspector. If the inspection shows the roof has at least 5 years of useful life remaining, the insurer cannot refuse to write or renew the policy based on roof age alone.
Insurers can still consider the roof’s condition, material, and storm damage history. A roof in poor condition can still lead to required repairs, higher premiums, or non-renewal.
Who Can Perform the Roof Inspection?
The law allows inspections by several types of licensed professionals, including licensed roofing contractors, general and residential contractors, home inspectors, building code inspectors, engineers, and architects. The homeowner usually pays for the inspection, so it’s worth using a roofer who can also explain any repairs needed to pass.
What Inspectors Look For
- Missing, cracked, curled, or loose shingles or tiles
- Granule loss and exposed mat on asphalt shingles
- Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and walls
- Signs of leaks: soft decking, stains, or moisture in the attic
- Previous patchwork or mismatched repairs
- Overall remaining service life of the roof
What If Your Roof Doesn’t Pass?
If your roof has less than five years of life left, you generally have two options:
- Targeted repairs. Sometimes fixing a few problem areas, flashing, or damaged sections is enough to extend the roof’s life. See our roof repair services in Orlando.
- Full replacement. If the roof is at the end of its life, a roof replacement resets the clock. A new roof built to current Florida Building Code may also qualify you for wind mitigation discounts on your premium.
What About the “25% Rule”?
You may also hear about Florida’s 25% roof rule. Historically, if more than 25% of a roof needed repair within a 12-month period, the entire roof had to be brought up to current code, often meaning a full replacement. Under a 2022 change, roofs that were built or permitted under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later are exempt, so damaged sections can be repaired to code without replacing the whole roof. Older roofs may still trigger full replacement. A licensed roofer can tell you which rules apply to your home.
Tips for Orlando Homeowners With 15+ Year-Old Roofs
- Don’t wait for the renewal letter. Get an inspection 60–90 days before your policy renews so you have time to make repairs.
- Keep records. Save permits, invoices, and photos of past roof work. Insurers often ask for the roof’s installation date.
- Get a wind mitigation inspection. Features such as roof-to-wall connections, roof deck attachment, and secondary water barriers can lower premiums.
- Plan replacement before hurricane season. Roofers book up quickly after storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my insurance company drop me because my roof is 15 years old?
Not based on age alone, if an authorized inspection shows at least five years of remaining useful life. Insurers can still act on the roof’s actual condition.
How long do roofs last in Florida?
Asphalt shingle roofs typically last about 15–20 years in Central Florida, while tile and metal roofs can last much longer. See our full guide: How Long Does a Roof Last in Florida?
Does this rule apply to mobile homes?
No. The roof age protections apply to standard homeowners policies and exclude mobile home policies.
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your policy and talk to your insurance agent about your specific situation.
Need a Roof Inspection in Orlando?
LUXE Roofing & Construction (FL License CCC1335553) provides roof inspections and honest condition reports for homeowners across Orlando, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Windermere, and Winter Garden. Call (407) 794-3405 or schedule your inspection online.