Florida Roof Age Rules for Insurance (2026)

Updated September 2026 · 7 min read

If your roof is approaching 15 years old, you've probably heard that Florida insurance companies are getting stricter. That's true — but the rules are more nuanced than most homeowners realize. Two 2026 bills, HB 815 and SB 808, clarified exactly when an insurer can and cannot refuse to cover you based on roof age.

Here's what the law actually says, and what you need to do if your roof is on the clock.

The 15-Year Rule, Explained

Under Florida law, an insurance company cannot refuse to issue or renew your homeowners policy solely because your roof is less than 15 years old[reference:29]. That protection is solid.

Once your roof reaches 15 years of age, the situation changes. Many carriers now flag roofs at 15 years instead of waiting until 20, and some require roofs under 10 years old for new business[reference:30][reference:31]. At 15 years, the insurer can require you to:

• Replace the roof, or
• Provide an inspection showing the roof has at least 5 years of useful life remaining[reference:32].

The Inspection Option

This is the part most homeowners don't know. For a roof that is 15 years or older, the law requires the insurer to let you have a roof inspection performed by an authorized inspector at your expense before requiring replacement as a condition of coverage[reference:33].

If the inspection determines the roof has 5 years or more of useful life remaining, the insurer cannot refuse to issue or renew your policy solely because of roof age[reference:34].

Who counts as an "authorized inspector"? SB 808 expanded the definition to include inspectors approved by the insurer and Registered Roof Consultants or Registered Roof Observers certified by the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)[reference:35].

HB 815 and SB 808: What Changed

SB 808 (effective July 1, 2026) made several key changes:

• Expanded the prohibition on nonrenewal for roofs under 15 years to apply to all property insurance policies insuring a residential structure, not just homeowners policies[reference:36].
• Created a new standard for low-slope roofs (pitch of 2 inches or less): if an authorized inspector determines the roof can be restored with a coating system that gives it 5+ years of useful life, the insurer cannot refuse coverage solely because of roof age[reference:37].
• Applied the 15-year provisions to all residential property insurance policies[reference:38].

HB 815 addresses similar territory, prohibiting insurers from refusing to issue or renew property insurance policies insuring residential structures with roofs under a specified age solely because of the roof's age[reference:39].

What to Do If Your Roof Is 15+

1. Get a roof inspection now. Don't wait for your renewal notice. If the inspection shows 5+ years of useful life, you have documentation ready.
2. Ask your insurer for their inspection requirements. Some carriers have specific inspectors they'll accept. Get it in writing.
3. If replacement is unavoidable, plan for it. Roof replacement is also a major premium reducer. A new roof can cut your insurance cost by $1,000+/year. See our insurance costs guide.
4. Consider a roof coating system if you have a low-slope roof. SB 808 specifically allows this as an alternative to full replacement.

For the full picture on what drives your premium, including roof age, construction type, and wind mitigation, see our Hillsborough insurance costs guide.