Will Insurance Pay for a New Roof in Florida?

Rules reviewed October 2026

The short version

Sudden damage, not old age

Homeowners policies generally pay for roof damage from a sudden, covered event such as a hurricane, windstorm, or hail, not for a roof that has worn out. Florida law then sets the ground rules: you have one year from the date of loss to report a claim, your insurer has 60 days to pay or deny it, and roofers can't pay your deductible or reward you for filing.

This page summarizes Florida statutes as of October 2026. Your own policy decides what's covered, so read it or ask your agent. See all 8 sources for this page.

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Deadlines to file a roof claim

You must give your insurer notice of a new or reopened claim within 1 year after the date of loss.
A supplemental claim, for additional damage or costs on a claim already filed, must be reported within 18 months after the date of loss.
For a hurricane, the date of loss is the day it made landfall. For other weather such as a windstorm or tornado, it's the date the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration verifies the event.
Take dated photos of the damage and keep receipts for emergency repairs such as tarping. Your policy will list what proof your insurer can ask for.

Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.70132.

How fast your insurer has to act

Within 7 calendar days of a claim communication, the insurer must review and acknowledge it.
Within 7 days of receiving your proof-of-loss statements, it must begin its investigation, and any physical inspection must happen within 30 days.
Within 60 days of notice of the claim, it must pay or deny it, in whole or in part, unless factors beyond its control prevent that.

Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.70131.

Deductibles that apply to roofs

Hurricane losses carry a separate hurricane deductible. Insurers must offer $500, 2%, 5%, and 10% of your dwelling coverage, and it applies once per calendar year to all covered hurricane losses.
Some policies add a separate roof deductible. By law it can't exceed the lesser of 2% of your dwelling coverage or 50% of the cost to replace the roof, and the premium must include a discount for it. You can opt out by signing a rejection form.
That roof deductible doesn't apply to hurricane damage, a tree or other hazard that punctures the roof deck, a repair covering less than 50% of the roof, or a total loss of the home.
When a roof deductible applies, the insurer may pay only actual cash value until you show proof you paid the deductible, such as a canceled check or credit card statement.

Sources: Florida Statutes s. 627.701(3), (5), and (10); s. 627.7011(3).

Rules roofers must follow on insurance jobs

A contractor can't offer you a rebate, gift, gift card, cash, coupon, or a waiver of your deductible in exchange for a roof inspection or for making a claim.
A contractor can't interpret your policy or advise you on coverage unless it's also licensed as a public adjuster, and it can't give you a repair agreement without a good faith estimate.
Every contract to repair or replace a roof must include a notice that the contractor can't offer those incentives. If the notice is missing, you can void the contract within 10 days of signing.
If you sign a roofing contract within 180 days of a declared state of emergency, you can cancel it without penalty within 10 days or by the official start date, whichever comes first.
Contractors who break these rules face discipline and fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

Source: Florida Statutes s. 489.147.

You can't sign your claim over to a roofer

For policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, Florida law says you may not assign any post-loss insurance benefit, in whole or in part. An attempted assignment is void.
In practice, that means you stay in charge of your claim and deal with the insurer directly, even if a roofer offers to handle it for you.

Source: Florida Statutes s. 627.7152(13).

If you disagree with your insurer

The Florida Department of Financial Services runs free mediation for residential property claims. The insurer pays the full $350 fee unless you miss the conference.
The dispute must be $500 or more after the deductible, over the cause of the damage or a repair amount you believe is too low. Claims involving suspected fraud or a no-coverage decision aren't eligible.
Request it online through the department or call its Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236.

Sources: Florida Statutes s. 627.7015; Florida Department of Financial Services.

Related rules for older roofs

Your insurer can't refuse or non-renew a policy solely because of roof age if the roof is under 15 years old, and older roofs can qualify with an inspection showing five years of useful life left. See our roof age and insurance guide.
If part of an older roof is damaged, a large repair can trigger a full replacement under the 25% rule. Our 25% rule guide explains when that still applies.

Common questions

Will my homeowners insurance pay for a new roof in Florida?

Policies generally pay for sudden damage from a covered event, such as wind or hail, not for a roof that has simply worn out. How much you get depends on your policy, your deductible, and whether the claim is paid at replacement cost or actual cash value. Read your declarations page or ask your agent.

How long do I have to file a roof claim in Florida?

One year from the date of loss for a new or reopened claim, and 18 months for a supplemental claim. For a hurricane, the date of loss is the day it made landfall (Florida Statutes s. 627.70132).

Can a roofer pay my deductible or give me a gift for filing a claim?

No. Florida law bars contractors from offering rebates, gifts, gift cards, cash, coupons, or a deductible waiver in exchange for a roof inspection or a claim. A contractor can be fined up to $10,000 per violation (Florida Statutes s. 489.147).

What can I do if I disagree with my insurer on a roof claim?

For most residential claims with $500 or more in dispute after the deductible, you can ask the Florida Department of Financial Services for free mediation. The insurer pays the $350 fee. Call 1-877-693-5236 or request it online.

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Related Florida guides

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Sources

This page explains Florida rules in general terms. It is not legal or insurance advice.