2025 Florida Roofing Laws That Every Sarasota Homeowner Should Know
If you’re a Florida homeowner, you know that roofing is no small matter. Between the intense heat, heavy storms, and hurricane season, your roof takes a beating. To help homeowners and contractors navigate the challenges of Florida’s extreme weather, several new roofing laws are taking effect in 2025. Let’s break down what’s changing and how it could affect you.
1. A 10-Day Cancellation Window for Roofing Contracts
Starting back in July of 2024, if you sign a roofing contract during a state of emergency (like after a storm), you now have 10 days to change your mind and cancel the contract without penalties. That means no pressure to make quick decisions after a disaster—just more time to evaluate your options.
This new rule aims to protect homeowners from rushed decisions when emotions are high. If a contractor fails to comply with this, they could face hefty fines, so you can rest assured that you’ve got the time you need to make the best choice for your home.
2. The Shift to More Resilient Roofing Materials
If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, you might want to start thinking about alternatives. Florida’s extreme weather has led the state’s insurance regulators to push for stronger materials. Asphalt shingles are known to wear down faster under the intense sun and storms, and the state is beginning to favor more durable options, like metal or clay tile roofs.
The good news? If you upgrade to these more resilient materials, you could see a drop in your insurance premiums. Plus, you’ll be making a long-term investment in the protection of your home.
3. Bye-Bye to the 25% Roof Repair Rule
Here’s a big change for those of you dealing with roof damage: The old rule that forced homeowners to replace the entire roof if more than 25% was damaged is being updated. Now, as long as your roof was built or repaired according to Florida’s building codes, only the damaged area needs to meet current standards—no need for a full replacement unless absolutely necessary.
This is a win for your wallet, as it could save you from unnecessary roof replacements and give you more flexibility in your repair options.
4. Roofing Contractors Can’t Get Involved in Insurance Claims
One of the biggest changes is that roofing contractors are now banned from getting involved in insurance claims. If you’re dealing with an insurance claim related to roof damage, you’ll need to work with a licensed public adjuster or attorney. The goal here is to keep things fair—without contractors acting as middlemen who might have a conflict of interest.
This is designed to make sure you’re getting unbiased advice when it comes to your insurance claim, ensuring that you’re treated fairly by your insurer.
5. Stronger Consumer Protections for Roofing and Public Adjuster Contracts
Along with these other changes, Florida’s new laws also offer better consumer protections when it comes to roofing and public adjuster contracts. If you feel pressured into signing a contract that you don’t fully understand, you now have more rights to cancel it without penalty. These protections are in place to help homeowners avoid predatory practices, especially during times when stress is high—like after a storm.
Bottom Line: Stay Informed and Plan Ahead
These new laws are a step in the right direction for Florida homeowners. Whether you’re looking at a roof replacement, dealing with damage after a storm, or considering an upgrade to more durable materials, understanding these changes will help you make better choices and protect your home for the future.
If you’re planning a roofing project in 2025, it’s a good idea to talk to a licensed contractor who’s up to date on these new laws. Contact us today so we can guide you through the process and ensure everything is done the right way, protecting both your home and your wallet.
Let’s take a look at why a shingled roof can become stained, and what you, the homeowner, can do to Read more
Working with a professional and trusted local roofer can help reduce expensive insurance premiums and, in most cases, at minimal Read more
