In Florida, the roof is the first thing an underwriter looks at. Its age and condition decide which carriers will quote, how a roof claim pays and whether you'll need an inspection before coverage starts.
What Florida law says about older roofs
Since 2022, an insurer can't refuse to write or renew a home only because its roof is less than 15 years old. For roofs 15 years or older, an insurer must allow an inspection, and if it shows at least five years of useful life left, the carrier can't refuse coverage based on roof age alone. Carriers still price roofs by age and material, so a newer roof usually means more options and better rates.
The 4-point inspection
Many carriers require a 4-point inspection on older homes, commonly around 25 to 30 years old and up. It covers the roof, electrical panel and wiring, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning. Items that often cause problems include certain older electrical panels, polybutylene plumbing and water heaters past their service life.
What to do before you buy or renew
- Get the roof permit date from the county or the seller.
- Order the 4-point and wind mitigation inspections together; many inspectors bundle them.
- Send both to us before you shop. It changes which carriers we can approach.
This article is general information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, eligibility and discounts depend on your carrier's filed rates and policy language. Talk with a licensed agent about your situation.