Florida's 25% Roof Rule
Rules reviewed October 2026
For years, repairing more than 25% of a Florida roof within 12 months meant replacing the whole roof to current code. Since May 26, 2022, that no longer applies to roofs built or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later. For those roofs, only the repaired section has to meet current code.
The original rule
The Florida Building Code said no more than 25% of a roof's total area or roof section could be repaired, replaced, or recovered in any 12-month period unless the entire roof was brought up to current code. After a storm, that often turned a partial repair into a full replacement.
Source: Jimerson Birr, changes to Florida's 25% roof replacement rule.
What changed in 2022
- Senate Bill 4-D, effective May 26, 2022, added an exception to Florida Statutes s. 553.844.
- If the existing roof was built, repaired, or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or a later edition, and 25% or more of it is being repaired, replaced, or recovered, only that portion has to meet current code.
- The exception applies notwithstanding anything in the building code to the contrary, and local governments can't amend it by ordinance.
Source: Florida Statutes s. 553.844, roof requirements.
How to tell which side of the line your roof is on
- The 2007 Florida Building Code took effect March 1, 2009. A roof built or replaced after that date is likely under the 2007 code or later, though that's a rule of thumb, not a guarantee.
- Look up your home's re-roof permit with your city or county building department. The permit date tells you which code the roof was installed under.
- Roofs installed before then can still fall under the 25% rule, so a large repair on an older roof may legally require a full replacement.
Source: Jimerson Birr, changes to Florida's 25% roof replacement rule.
What it means for your quote
If a roofer says a repair has to become a full replacement because of the 25% rule, ask when the roof was last permitted and which code applied. If the roof is under the 2007 code or later, the repair may only need to bring the damaged section up to current code. If the roof is older, the full replacement may be required.
Common questions
Does the 25% rule still exist in Florida?
Yes, for older roofs. The 2022 change only exempts roofs built or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later.
My roof was replaced in 2015. Does the 25% rule apply?
Most likely not. A roof replaced in 2015 was most likely installed under the 2007 code or a later one, so only the repaired section would need to meet current code. Confirm with the permit record.
Can my city still require a full replacement?
Not for roofs covered by the exception. The statute bars local governments from amending it by ordinance.
Related Florida guides
Roof prices by city:
Sources
This page explains Florida rules in general terms. It is not legal or insurance advice.