If you live in Florida, you know that having a strong, top-quality roof is one of the best ways to protect your home. But what qualities make the best Florida roof?
In this article, we review five key things that make roofing ideal for the Sunshine State:
- Why a qualified contractor is essential for installation and remodeling
- How building codes affect what kind of roofing to choose
- Why your insurance carrier gets a say in what roofing to select
- Which roofing materials stand up best to Florida storms and hurricanes
- How to get a weather-resistant roof that also meets HOA guidelines
If you use this blog as a checklist, you can get a roof that gives you the protection you want, plus cost savings and curb appeal.
Roofing Installed by a Qualified Contractor
Any roof you have installed—whether for a new home or a roof remodel—must be installed by a licensed, qualified contractor. An experienced, top-rated contractor knows how to:
- Check building codes for installation rules.
- Obtain necessary permits for construction.
- Help you choose the right roofing material.
- Deal with complex roofs or high buildings.
- Install more complicated roofing material.
- Complete the job to a high standard.
- Properly dispose of old roofing in a tear-off.
It’s wise not to select a contractor solely based on price. Read consumer reviews, ask for references, and check their licensing. To get a license, they’ll also have to carry at least the minimum required insurance.
Roofing Installed According to Building Codes
Every state, including Florida, has building codes that govern roofing installation. Some counties and municipalities also have their own codes. This is especially true in coastal, hurricane-prone areas of the state. Florida’s building codes are updated every three years, and new regulations, heavy on roofing changes, go into effect on December 31, 2026.
Your contractor will know which codes apply depending on your location and type of construction. Are you doing a tear-off or a roof over? Building codes will determine whether or not you can install a new metal roof over existing layers of asphalt shingles, for instance. They will also likely determine what materials you can use, and your roofing must meet your area's wind standards.
Does the underlayment, decking, or roof structure need replacement or reinforcement? If you are building a new home or doing substantial remodeling to an existing structure (e.g., adding a story or replacing the entire roof decking), you will have to add roof reinforcement. Also known as hurricane strapping, this attaches the roof more securely to the rafters to prevent it from
blowing away in a tropical storm or hurricane. The deck itself must also be fastened tightly, with fasteners that meet local wind zone specifications.
Roofing That Meets Your Insurance Carrier’s Requirements
You’re probably aware that insurance companies have been stricter with Florida property owners lately due to the increasing number of storm damage claims. Some insurance companies use drones to conduct aerial roof inspections and drop customers with subpar or aging roofs. To maintain coverage, your roof must meet your carrier’s requirements.
That might mean replacing your roof when it reaches a certain age—15 years is the “age cliff” for Florida. Insurance companies often require an inspection to renew coverage. And it’s nearly always required when purchasing or building a new home. They want to see that your roof meets local building codes and is less likely to be involved in a costly claim.
Roofing Material That Stands Up to Florida Storms and Hurricanes
Of course, Florida homeowners want roofing material that can handle the tropical storms and hurricanes that pummel the state from the Atlantic and Gulf. Most folks choose among the three most common roofing types: asphalt shingles, concrete or ceramic tile, and metal roofing.
Asphalt shingles
The big plus with asphalt shingles is that they are generally less expensive. It’s also easier for contractors to install. But at lower price points, they don’t offer the kind of protection Floridians need from high winds, hail, and driving rain. It can easily crack, warp, and lose its surface granules. If you don't repair it right away, the roof becomes more vulnerable to future damage, and aging accelerates. This is a good choice when budget is a top concern, but you still need a new roof.
Concrete and ceramic tile
Tile roofing is heavy, so it resists wind better. However, that extra weight requires extra structural support underneath, which some homes don’t have. It’s also more prone to cracking on impact from hail and flying debris (or even someone walking on the roof to inspect or clean it). Once a tile is cracked, it can let water into the layers below. That said, tile roofing lasts many decades, so it can be a good long-term investment.
Metal roofing
Another good investment is metal roofing. If you find the right stone-coated metal roofing product, it can be rated to withstand hurricane-force winds like those found in Miami-Dade County. Metal roofing with a high impact rating from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is also resistant to hail. Look for a roofing product that can handle hail of two inches or more in diameter.
Other benefits of metal roofing include:
- Excellent warranty protection from wind-driven rain during storms and hurricanes
- High UL fire rating because metal is a noncombustible material
- Potential for energy savings by reducing warm-weather cooling costs by up to 25%
- Possible insurance discounts because of its lower risk of damage claims
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Roofing That Complies with HOA Rules
Residents of many neighborhoods and gated communities in Florida must follow homeowners association (HOA) rules. This often includes what type of roofing you may choose for a roof remodel.
Luckily, some stone-coated metal roofing brands are HOA-approved, even if the homes in the community have, say, clay tile roofing. That’s because you can now get metal roofing in terracotta and sand colors stamped to look just like traditional tiles. From the curb, this roofing blends in beautifully, while still offering homeowners all the Florida weather protection they need.
DECRA Metal Roofing: A Top Choice for Florida Homeowners
When you’re ready to protect your home with the best Florida roof, DECRA stone-coated metal roofing should be at the top of your list. It’s extremely durable and weather-resistant, and it looks stunning on any home style.
Want to see what a DECRA metal roof would look like on your Florida home? Try our online visualization tool today. Looking for a qualified DECRA contractor in your area? Click on the “Find Contractor” link in the upper right corner of our website.
