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Built for Tampa Bay Homeowners

Know More. Decide Better.

Florida-specific guides, state-backed resources, and practical checklists for navigating hurricane season, insurance, and roof decisions with confidence.

Written by Experts
Free to Download
Updated Annually

Practical Knowledge for Florida Homeowners

Whether you're prepping for hurricane season, decoding an insurance request, or comparing materials, start here.

Storm Prep

Hurricane Season Roof Prep: A Tampa Bay Checklist

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Here's exactly what to check (or have us check) every May so your roof is ready before the first named storm.

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Insurance

Wind Mitigation Inspections: How to Cut Your Insurance Premium

Florida law requires carriers to discount your premium for documented wind-resistance features. The OIR-B1-1802 form is a $75 to $150 inspection that saves most homeowners hundreds every year.

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Insurance

The Florida 25-Year Roof Rule, Explained

Section 627.7011 lets insurers non-renew policies on roofs over 25 years old. Here's what triggers it, how condition inspections can buy you time, and when replacement is the right call.

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Storm Damage

What to Do in the First 48 Hours After a Hurricane

You have one year to file an initial claim and 18 months to file supplements. Documentation in the first 48 hours determines whether either of those windows works in your favor.

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Materials

Shingle vs. Tile vs. Metal in the Florida Climate

Tampa Bay roofs see salt air, UV, and 150+ mph design winds. Here's a side-by-side breakdown of lifespan, wind ratings, insurance friendliness, and total cost over 25 years.

Compare materials

Choosing a Contractor

Hiring a Florida Roofer Without Getting Burned

How to verify a state license at MyFloridaLicense.com, what to check on every written estimate, and the questions every roofer should answer before you sign anything.

Learn more

Trusted Florida Resources

State agencies and programs every Tampa Bay homeowner should know about. Use them to look up your insurance carrier, verify a contractor, or apply for matching grant funds to harden your roof.

  • My Safe Florida Home

    State program offering free hurricane mitigation inspections and up to $10,000 in matching grants to harden your home, including the roof.

    Visit
  • Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

    Look up your carrier, file a complaint, and read public rate filings. The authoritative source for Florida insurance market data.

    Visit
  • FL CFO Insurance Consumer Helpline

    A free state ombudsman for homeowner-insurance disputes. Real people who can help if your carrier isn't responding.

    Call 1-877-693-5236

    Visit
  • MyFloridaLicense.com

    Verify any roofing contractor's state license before signing. Search by name or license number.

    Our license: CCC1337646

    Visit
  • FloridaDisaster.org

    Florida Division of Emergency Management. Evacuation zones, hurricane prep checklists, and real-time updates during storm season.

    Visit

Free Downloads

Printable Tools for Homeowners

Save these to your phone or print them out. They're yours to keep and share.

  • Pre-Hurricane Season Roof Inspection Checklist

    The annual May walkthrough we use on our own crew. Print it and walk your property before June 1.

    Open
  • Post-Storm Damage Documentation Template

    A photo grid and incident-log template that adjusters love. Fill it in before any contractor touches your roof.

    Open
  • Wind Mitigation Inspection Prep Sheet

    What the inspector will look for, what documents to have ready, and where to find your last permit history.

    Open
  • Florida Roofer Interview Questions

    12 questions tailored to FL homeowners. License verification, permitting practice, warranty terms, and insurance handling, all on one page.

    Open

Frequently Asked

Florida Roofing Questions, Answered

If your question isn't here, call or text us anytime. We're happy to walk you through it.

How long does a roof actually last in Florida's climate?

Architectural asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 25 years in Tampa Bay, less than the manufacturer's 30-year rating because of UV, heat, and salt air. Tile and metal can run 40 to 70+ years if properly installed and maintained. Coastal exposure shortens any roof's lifespan, especially fasteners and flashing.

My carrier is asking for a wind mitigation report. What is that?

A wind mitigation inspection documents specific construction features that resist hurricane-force wind: roof shape, deck attachment, secondary water resistance, roof-to-wall connections, and more. The inspector fills out form OIR-B1-1802 and your carrier applies discounts based on what passes. Most homeowners save several hundred dollars a year, often paying back the $75 to $150 inspection cost within a single billing cycle.

Can my insurance drop me because of my roof's age?

Yes. Under Section 627.7011, Florida carriers can non-renew a policy if your roof is over 25 years old. Some carriers act earlier, around 15 to 20 years, depending on condition. If an inspection shows 5+ years of useful life remaining, they cannot non-renew based on age alone. Replacement before the carrier's deadline is usually less expensive than the Citizens premium spike that follows non-renewal.

What does a roof replacement cost in the Tampa Bay area?

Asphalt shingle replacements on standard single-family homes typically run $10,000 to $25,000. Metal starts around $18,000 to $35,000. Concrete or clay tile runs $20,000 to $45,000. Pitch, complexity, decking condition, and permit costs all influence the final price. We provide written quotes after a free on-site inspection.

Do I need a permit, and who pulls it?

Yes. Florida and the surrounding counties require permits for any roof replacement and most significant repairs. A licensed roofing contractor (us) pulls the permit, schedules the inspections, and closes it out at completion. If a contractor offers to do work without pulling a permit, that's a major red flag.

Still Have Questions?

Our specialists are happy to answer any question. No pressure, no pitch. Just honest advice from people who know roofs.