The 15-year rule
Section 627.7011(5), Florida Statutes, applies to homeowners policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2022:
- Roof under 15 years old: an insurer may not refuse to issue or renew a policy solely because of the roof’s age.
- Roof 15 years or older: before requiring replacement as a condition of coverage, the insurer must allow an inspection by an authorized inspector, at the homeowner’s expense. If the inspection shows 5 or more years of useful life remaining, the insurer can’t refuse to issue or renew solely because of roof age.
- How age is counted: from the last date 100% of the roof was built or replaced under the building code in effect at the time.
Authorized inspectors include licensed home inspectors, certified building code inspectors, licensed contractors or roofing contractors, engineers, and architects approved by the insurer. The rule doesn’t apply to mobile home policies, and insurers can still decline for other lawful underwriting reasons.
Sources: Fla. Stat. §627.7011 (homeowners policies; roof age).
Wind mitigation can lower the hurricane part of your premium
Florida requires insurers to offer discounts for features that reduce hurricane wind damage, such as roof-to-wall connections, roof-deck attachment, secondary water resistance and opening protection. A qualified inspector documents them on the state’s Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. OIR updated that form (OIR-B1-1802) for inspections on or after April 1, 2026. A completed form is valid for up to five years if the structure isn’t materially changed.
Sources: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: Wind Mitigation Resources; Florida DFS: Premium Discounts for Hurricane Loss Mitigation (consumer guide).
The state’s My Safe Florida Home program offers free wind mitigation inspections and, for eligible homes, grants for upgrades like roof improvements, impact windows and doors, and garage door reinforcement. Availability depends on program funding, so check the site for current status.
Sources: My Safe Florida Home (Florida Dept. of Financial Services).
Flood is separate
Insurers must print a notice on the declarations page of homeowners policies without flood coverage: the policy doesn’t cover flood damage, even when hurricane winds and rain caused the flood. See how to check a flood zone.
Sources: Fla. Stat. §627.7011 (homeowners policies; roof age).
If you’re buying
- Ask the seller for the roof’s permit and completion date, and any existing wind mitigation report.
- In Port St. Lucie, you can look up permit history by address on the city’s building permit property search.
- Get insurance quotes on the specific address during your inspection period, before you’re locked in.
If you’re selling
A recent wind mitigation report and roof documentation answer buyers’ first insurance questions. See the seller checklist.
More questions people ask
Can my insurer drop me because my roof is 16 years old?
Not solely because of age if an authorized inspection, which you pay for, shows the roof has at least 5 years of useful life remaining (§627.7011(5)(c), Florida Statutes). Insurers can still decline for other lawful reasons.
How long is a wind mitigation inspection good for?
OIR says a completed Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form is valid for up to five years, as long as no material changes are made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found.
Run the numbers
Talk to Isaiah
Roof age and insurance can make or break a deal on the Treasure Coast. If you’re eyeing a home, ask me and I’ll help you find the roof permit history and get insurance questions answered while you’re still in your inspection period.
Answered by Isaiah James, a licensed Florida real estate agent. A real person, not a chatbot.
Isaiah James · Coldwell Banker Realty