Roof Insurance Claims in Florida: What Homeowners Should Know Before Hiring a Roofer

Roofs and insurance are tightly linked in Florida. Insurers look closely at roof age and condition, storms create claims, and for years roof claims were a target of aggressive solicitation. Florida passed several laws to change that. Here's what they mean for you.

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and your insurer's rules control your claim.

Claim deadlines

Under current Florida law, you must give your insurer notice of a new or reopened claim within one year of the date of loss, and notice of a supplemental claim within 18 months. Report storm damage promptly, document it with photos and video, and keep receipts for temporary repairs.

Assignment of benefits

An assignment of benefits (AOB) let a contractor take over a homeowner's insurance claim and deal with the insurer directly. For residential and commercial property insurance policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, Florida law makes post-loss assignments of benefits void and unenforceable. If a roofer asks you to sign something that hands over your claim or your right to be paid, stop and read it carefully.

What roofers can't do

Section 489.147 of the Florida Statutes, passed in 2021, limits roofing contractors' claim-related practices. Among other things, a contractor can't:

• advertise in a way that encourages you to file a roof insurance claim, unless the ad includes required disclosures, including that you're responsible for your deductible
• offer anything of value, such as gifts, cash or deductible payments, in exchange for letting them inspect your roof or for filing a claim
• interpret your policy or give advice on coverage (that's for licensed public adjusters and attorneys)

Residential roofing contracts must include a notice about these prohibited practices. If it's missing, the owner can void the contract within 10 days after signing.

A 2025 change added another cancellation right: if you sign a roofing contract within 180 days after the Governor declares a state of emergency for your area, you can cancel it within 10 days after signing or before the official start date of the work, whichever comes first. This doesn't depend on whether insurance is paying.

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Roof age and your policy

Florida law says an insurer can't refuse to issue or renew a homeowner's policy solely because the roof is less than 15 years old. For roofs at least 15 years old, the insurer must let you have the roof inspected by an authorized inspector at your own expense If that inspection finds at least five years of useful life remaining, the insurer can't refuse to issue or renew the policy solely because of the roof's age.

Choosing who helps with your claim

• Your insurer's adjuster inspects and evaluates the claim for the insurer.
• A public adjuster is licensed by the state to represent policyholders for a fee. Choose one yourself, check the license and read the fee agreement.
• An attorney can advise on coverage disputes.
• A roofer should give you a written estimate for the work, not advice on your policy.

Practical steps

1. Report damage promptly and document it.
2. Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
3. Get written estimates from licensed roofers; see checking a contractor's license.
4. Read the contract carefully; see the contract checklist.
5. After the new roof, get a wind mitigation inspection to document features that may lower your premium.

For costs, see roof replacement cost in Florida; for permits and the 25% rule, see roof permits; and after a storm, read avoiding storm repair scams.