Will Florida Insurance Drop You Over Your Roof’s Age? (2026)

Short answer: Not if your roof is under 15 years old. Florida law says an insurer can’t refuse to write or renew your homeowners policy solely because of the roof’s age when the roof is less than 15 years old. If your roof is 15 or older, the insurer must let you get an inspection first, and it can’t drop you for age alone if that inspection shows at least five years of useful life left.

That’s the law in a sentence. Here’s what it means in practice, and what to do if a renewal letter has you worried.

What does Florida law say about roof age and insurance?

The rule is in Florida Statute 627.7011, which the Legislature added in 2022. It has two parts:

• Roofs under 15 years old: An insurer may not refuse to issue or renew your policy solely because of the roof’s age.
• Roofs 15 years or older: Before an insurer can require a new roof as a condition of writing or renewing your policy, it has to let you get a roof inspection from an authorized inspector (at your expense). If that inspection shows the roof has five or more years of useful life remaining, the insurer can’t refuse to issue or renew solely because of age.

The key word is solely. An insurer can still act on the roof’s condition: missing shingles, active leaks, soft decking or storm damage. Age alone just isn’t enough.

My insurer says my roof is too old. What should I do?

1. Read the letter closely. Is it asking for an inspection, a replacement, or something else? Note the deadline.
2. Check your roof’s real age. Insurers often use county permit records. If your roof was replaced more recently than they think, your permit or contractor paperwork is the proof.
3. Get a roof inspection. If the roof is 15 or older, an inspection showing five-plus years of remaining life is what the law looks at. Ask for photos and a written estimate of remaining life.
4. Get a wind mitigation inspection too. It documents how well your roof is attached and can lower your premium, whether you keep the roof or replace it.
5. Fix the small things. If the inspection finds a few problems, repairs may be all you need to keep coverage.
6. Replace only if the roof is actually near the end of its life. If you’re close anyway, replacing before your renewal date can keep you from scrambling for coverage.

How long do roofs last in Florida?

Florida sun, heat and storms are hard on roofs. Rough ranges we see in Central Florida:

• Architectural asphalt shingles: about 15–25 years
• Concrete or clay tile: 25–50 years for the tile itself, though the underlayment beneath it often needs attention sooner
• Standing seam metal: 40 years or more

That’s why so many shingle roofs hit the 15-year mark with life left in them, and why an inspection matters more than the calendar.

Can my insurer still cancel me for a roof under 15 years old?

Yes, but not because of age. If the roof is damaged, leaking or in poor condition, an insurer can act on that. Keeping up with repairs and having recent inspection photos on file is your best protection.

Does a new roof lower my insurance premium?

Often, yes. A new roof built to the current Florida Building Code usually earns better wind mitigation credits. Those credits come from things like secondary water resistance, how the roof deck is nailed down, and how the roof is tied to the walls. Ask your agent for a quote with and without the new roof before you decide.

What does Next Dimension’s roof evaluation include?

Our free roof evaluation includes photos of everything we find, an honest estimate of remaining life, and a clear recommendation: leave it, repair it or replace it. If it’s time for a new roof, we’ll tell you. If it isn’t, we’ll tell you that too. We’re a family-owned, GAF President’s Club contractor and Florida Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC1331563) with an A+ BBB rating and 700+ five-star reviews, serving The Villages, Ocala, Orlando and Tampa Bay.

Got a renewal letter about your roof? Call (352) 857-1469 for a free roof evaluation.

Related: Does Your Florida Roof Really Need to Be Replaced?

Frequently asked questions

Can a Florida insurer drop me because my roof is 15 years old?

Not for age alone, as long as an authorized inspection shows the roof has at least five years of useful life left. The insurer must let you get that inspection before requiring a replacement.

Who pays for the roof inspection?

Under Florida law the homeowner pays for the inspection the insurer must allow. Many roofers, including us, offer a free evaluation, but check whether your insurer requires a specific inspection form or licensed inspector.

Does the 15-year rule apply to tile and metal roofs?

Yes. The law refers to the roof’s age, not the material. Because tile and metal last longer than shingles, an inspection often shows plenty of remaining life.

What if my insurer says the roof is damaged, not old?

Then the age rule doesn’t protect you, because condition is a separate issue. Get an independent inspection with photos so you know whether repairs will solve it or the roof really needs replacing.

Updated October 2026. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Talk to your insurance agent about your specific policy.