Wind events, often associated with tropical storms and hurricanes, are a constant concern for Florida homeowners. On top of that, the insurance environment in Florida is in flux, with fewer options and more non-renewals than in previous years. The best defense against this dynamic situation is to protect your home from wind damage in the first place, and that starts with your roof.
How do you accomplish this? Read on to learn more about:
- Why wind-related weather problems are so urgent as we start 2026
- How metal roofing offers three major benefits against Florida weather
- Florida building code and roofing incentives that save homeowners money
It’s vital to see the larger picture if you own a home in Florida. Once you understand the risks and available solutions, you can make a plan to protect your property. That way, you won’t end up as one of the state’s unfortunate negative statistics for wind damage.
Increased Wind-Related Risks for Florida Homeowners
The Florida hurricane season may be over for the moment, but that doesn’t mean homeowners in the Sunshine State aren’t already thinking about the next one. Hurricane periods typically run from the beginning of June through the end of November. However, recently, the watch for hurricane season has started earlier in the Atlantic, making it longer overall, due to the formation of tropical storms as early as April and May.
Not only that, Floridians are rightfully concerned about:
- Warming ocean temperatures generating more monster tropical storms
- Degradation of coral reefs that offer some protection from hurricanes
- Hurricanes that last longer over land, producing more rain and higher winds
- Storm paths that travel further inland to areas not usually in danger
- Tornadoes and high-wind events related to or separate from hurricanes
Over a third of respondents in one survey indicated they had moved or were considering moving because of hurricane risks in Florida. While many were worried about home damage and personal safety, others were also uneasy about the rising cost of home insurance or the ability to get a policy at all. Many property owners—nearly half who submitted claims—struggled with reimbursement denials in 2024 following two Florida hurricanes.
The answer doesn’t always need to involve moving, though. Installing the right type of roofing can go a long way in preventing damage and staving off insurance claims to begin with. This is especially true when it comes to wind-related claims, which are more avoidable than claims for problems like ground-level flooding.
3 Key Metal Roofing Weather Benefits for Florida Residents
Unlike most traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or wood shakes, the best metal roofing offers multiple weather advantages for Florida homeowners. Let’s look at the top three, along with a few other benefits that may boost your bank balance.
Wind Resistance
Installing the right kind of metal roofing can prevent one of the most common types of wind damage that homeowners experience in Florida: wind uplift. This is where the roof can peel off the top of the home in large sections, blowing away and leaving the home exposed underneath.
You want to look for stone-coated metal roofing that meets Miami-Dade hurricane standards for wind resistance. We’re talking roofing that stays in place even when winds reach 120 miles per hour.
Protection from Wind-Driven Rain
Florida storms—even when they’re not hurricanes—are frequently the worst possible combination of wind and rain. High wind speeds drive rain into the smallest cracks and openings on the roof, damaging the roof decking and causing leakage inside the home.
To prevent wind-driven rain damage, you should use metal roofing that is designed with an interlocking installation system that resists water penetration. Furthermore, make sure your metal roof is installed by a qualified contractor and inspect it regularly for any damage that could allow water in. This typically occurs around flashing, chimneys, vents, dormers, skylights, and other structures that break up the surface of the roof.
Improved Energy Efficiency
The Florida Solar Energy Center states that 20% of a typical Florida home’s electric energy use comes from trying to overcome heat gains on the roof and in the attic. So if you want to lower utility bills during hot weather, it makes sense to choose a roofing material like stone-coated metal roofing, which reflects rather than absorbs heat from the sun. Even better, select a lighter color for even more reflection.
Other ways you can reduce energy expenses include:
- Insulate the attic or upper floor of the home
- Make sure windows and doors seal properly
- Reduce internally generated heat (ovens, computers, etc.)
- Insulate HVAC ducts and check for duct leakage
- Replace HVAC equipment with energy-efficient models
- Install a smart, programmable thermostat
- Use Energy Star appliances for less power draw
- Swap out incandescent bulbs for LED versions
- Cover hot water pipes and use on-demand boilers
- Employ passive cooling (shades, awnings, landscaping, etc.)
- Consider cutting your pool pump run time
Of course, if you live in the Sunshine State, why not harness all that power from above with solar panels? Be sure to choose a roof that can handle the extra weight, like metal roofing.
Additional Benefits of Metal Roofing
Choose the right brand of metal roofing and you’ll reap other benefits beyond wind resistance and energy savings:
- Resistance to hail impact damage, which can be quite costly
- The highest possible fire rating from Underwriters Laboratories
- Potential insurance discounts when others are paying more
- Increase in home value of up to 6% for equity or resale price
- Curb appeal for fussy HOAs and gated communities
- Lower maintenance and resistance to rust and oxidation
One of the biggest benefits of metal roofing is that it lasts two to three times longer than most other roofing material. This longevity translates to decades-long savings in terms of roof remodels, damage repairs, and insurance costs.
Must-Know Florida Building Code Changes and Roofing Incentives
Recent changes made to the Florida Building Code may impact your roof remodel after storm damage. Also there are further ways you can save money with state-supported incentives.
Florida Roof Replacement Law
This law has undergone a number of revisions over the last decade or so. Here are some key compliance points you need to know for 2026:
- If you have less than 25% damage to your roof and it was installed after 2007, you can have it partially repaired or replaced (a cost-saving change from the previous 100% replacement requirement).
- Reroofing now mandates secondary water barriers and hurricane straps (roof-to-wall connections).
- Unless a roof that is over 15 years old is certified to have at least 5 years of life left, it can be non-renewed for insurance coverage.
- Metal roofs are favored by building codes, even if HOAs have historically opposed them.
My Safe Florida Home Program
A roof that needs repair or replacement makes your home more vulnerable to further roof damage. If you’re not sure if your roof needs work, the My Safe Florida Home initiative offers free inspections for state homeowners. The site can also help you budget for a roof remodel, based on actual contractor prices for your area. Even better, there are grant reimbursements for people who qualify, including funds for also upgrading windows and doors against wind damage.
DECRA Roofing Protects Florida Homes from Wind Damage
Already decided a new metal roof is for you? DECRA stone-coated metal roofing is a terrific choice and ticks off everything listed on the roofing checklists above.
You can even see what DECRA would look like on your home, whether you want metal roofing that looks like shingles, shakes, or tiles. Choose a color that best matches your house, and then use our online visualization tool to see the finished result! You’ll get the perfect combination of curb appeal and superior protection from Florida’s windy weather.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in June, 2021 but has been updated with relevant information.
