Westfall Roofing explains Florida’s 15-year roof rule for homeowners worried about insurance

Westfall Roofing is urging Florida homeowners with aging roofs to check condition and documentation before renewal problems start. The guidance comes as premiums rise and insurers scrutinize older roofs more closely under state law.

Why it matters: - Florida homeowners are dealing with higher premiums and tighter underwriting. - Roof age can affect insurance decisions, but state law gives homeowners protections before a policy is denied or nonrenewed. - A timely inspection can help homeowners avoid last-minute replacement demands and better understand coverage options.

What happened: - Westfall Roofing released guidance aimed at Florida homeowners worried their insurer could drop coverage because of an aging roof. - The company highlighted Florida Statute 627.7011 and how the 15-year roof rule works. - Westfall Roofing also said it offers a free roof-age and condition assessment.

The details: - Florida law says an insurer cannot refuse to issue or renew a homeowners policy solely because a roof is less than 15 years old. - Once a roof reaches 15 years of age, the insurer must allow a homeowner to get an inspection from an authorized inspector at the homeowner’s expense before requiring replacement as a condition of coverage. - If that inspection finds at least five years of remaining useful life, the insurer cannot refuse to issue or renew the policy solely because of roof age. - Roof age is generally measured from the last date 100% of the roof surface was built or replaced under the building code in effect at that time. - The law does not block insurers from making decisions based on other lawful underwriting factors. - Ryan Westfall, president of Westfall Roofing, said roof condition and documentation matter more as roofs get older. - Westfall said a roof reaching 15 or 20 years old does not automatically mean it must be replaced or that a homeowner will lose coverage. - Westfall said asphalt shingle roofs tend to face more scrutiny as they age. - Westfall said tile and metal roofs may be evaluated differently depending on condition and carrier underwriting guidelines. - Westfall Roofing’s free assessment is designed to show homeowners roof age, current condition and potential remaining useful life before an insurance renewal or underwriting issue.

Between the lines: - The message is less about forcing replacements and more about documentation and timing. - Homeowners with older roofs may have more leverage if they can show remaining useful life through a professional inspection. - Waiting for a carrier notice can leave homeowners with fewer options and less time to respond.

What’s next: - Westfall Roofing is encouraging homeowners approaching renewal to have roofs evaluated before an insurance issue arises. - Homeowners are being urged to know the roof’s age, condition and estimated remaining useful life before speaking with an agent or carrier. - The company said early inspection can help homeowners identify potential concerns before coverage decisions become urgent.

The bottom line: - In Florida, an older roof does not automatically mean lost coverage, but condition, age and documentation can make the difference at renewal. - More information: Westfall Roofing