Insurance
Florida's 15-year roof rule: what the law actually says
Plenty of sites claim a new law took effect on July 1, 2026. It did not: that bill died in committee. Here is what is actually on the books.
If you own a home in Orlando and your roof is past fifteen years old, you have probably already had the letter from your insurer asking for an inspection — or flatly announcing a non-renewal. Before you agree to a full roof replacement, it is worth knowing what the law entitles you to.
What the statute on the books says
The rule that applies is Florida Statute 627.7011, which came out of the 2022 and 2023 insurance reforms. It establishes three specific things:
Roof under 15 years old
The insurer cannot refuse to issue or renew your policy solely because of the age of the roof.
Roof 15 years or older
Before requiring replacement as a condition of issuing or renewing, the insurer must allow you to have an inspection performed by an authorized inspector, at your expense.
If the inspection comes back clean
If the authorized inspector determines the roof has five years or more of useful life left, the insurer cannot refuse to issue or renew solely because of its age.
What to do when the letter arrives
- Read what is actually being asked: an inspection, or a replacement outright?
- Check the deadline. It is usually 30 or 45 days, and it goes fast.
- Have the roof inspected before you agree to anything. That is your right, and it is on your dime.
- If the inspection says five or more years of life, send it to the insurer in writing and keep proof of delivery.
- If the roof genuinely is at the end, get two estimates and ask about financing before you decide.
How long a roof actually lasts in Florida
An asphalt shingle roof typically gives you fifteen to twenty years here, less if it has taken several hard storms. Florida sun and humidity wear it faster than most states, which is exactly why insurers scrutinize age. Sixteen years old does not mean finished — but it is not unusual for it to be.
An honest piece of advice
If the roof really has reached the end, fighting the non-renewal only postpones the problem and leaves you on a more expensive policy. If it has life left, the inspection saves you a five-figure expense. The only way to find out which case you are in is to have someone get up there and look.
Sources
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