Florida Homeowners' Rights & Roof Insurance
Shingle Rejuvenation, Insurance, and Florida Law
Shingle rejuvenation isn’t a "replacement", but it is a powerful tool for maintaining your roof, extending its life, and help increase chances for passing inspections—which ultimately helps you avoid an unnecessary, expensive replacement and keep your insurance active.
If you have concerns about your roof and insurance, schedule a free assessment to see how rejuvenation can help!
Can my insurance company cancel my policy just because my roof is old?
No, Florida law prevents insurance companies from canceling or refusing to renew a policy solely due to the age of the roof if it is less than 15 years old.
If your roof is 15 years or older, the insurance company must allow you to get an inspection before they can cancel your policy based on roof age. If the inspection shows that the roof has at least 5 years of life left, the insurer must renew your policy under Florida law.
If I receive a non-renewal notice because of my roof, what are my options?
If your insurer says they won’t renew your policy due to your roof:
Check if your roof is under 15 years old – If so, they cannot drop you based on age alone.
If your roof is 15+ years old, get a professional inspection – You have the legal right to an independent inspection.
If the inspection states your roof has 5+ years of life left, your insurance company must renew your policy.
If your roof doesn’t pass, you may need repairs or a replacement.
Shingle rejuvenation can help extend your roof’s life and improve its condition before an inspection, increasing the likelihood of passing.
Who can perform a roof inspection to keep my policy active?
Florida law requires that the inspection be done by an authorized professional, including:
- A licensed roofing contractor
- A licensed home inspector
- A general contractor
- A building inspector
- A professional engineer
The inspector must determine that your roof has at least 5 years of useful life remaining to qualify for continued insurance coverage.
What happens if my inspection says my roof has less than 5 years left?
If the inspection determines that your roof has less than 5 years of life left, your insurer can refuse renewal unless you repair or replace it.
However, if your roof is still in decent shape, shingle rejuvenation may help improve its condition before an inspection, making it more likely to meet the 5-year requirement.
Does Florida have a program for homeowners who can’t get insurance?
Yes. If you can’t find private insurance, Florida’s state-backed insurer, Citizens Property Insurance, is available as a last-resort option. Citizens also requires that roofs have at least 5 years of life left to qualify for coverage.
What if my insurance company refuses to renew me even after my inspection?
If you get an inspection stating that your roof has 5+ years of life left, but your insurer still refuses to renew your policy, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services or the Office of Insurance Regulation to enforce your rights.
How does shingle rejuvenation fit into Florida’s roof insurance rules?
While insurance companies don’t count rejuvenation as a new roof, the treatment:
✅ Extends the life of your roof, delaying costly replacement.
✅ Restores flexibility and improves condition, helping it pass inspections.
✅ Reduces granule loss and wear, making the roof more resistant to damage.
This means rejuvenation can be a key tool in keeping your insurance active, even if it’s not an official replacement.
Can an insurance company force me to replace my roof?
Insurance companies can require a roof replacement if an inspection determines it has less than 5 years of life left. However, they cannot demand replacement just because of age alone. If your roof is still in good condition, you have the right to keep your policy active by proving it meets the life expectancy requirement.
How can I prepare for an insurance inspection if my roof is 15+ years old?
If your roof is older and you want to improve your chances of passing an insurance inspection, consider:
- Scheduling an inspection early to know where you stand.
- Performing minor repairs (flashing, sealing small leaks, replacing missing shingles).
- Applying a shingle rejuvenation treatment to restore flexibility and reduce wear
- Cleaning your roof (removing moss, algae, and debris) to improve its appearance and performance.
A well-maintained roof is far more likely to pass inspection, keeping your insurance coverage intact.
Resources
In Florida, homeowners' rights concerning roof age and insurance coverage are primarily governed by Florida Statute § 627.7011.
Prohibition Against Non-Renewal Based Solely on Roof Age: Insurers cannot refuse to issue or renew a homeowner's insurance policy solely due to the age of a roof that is less than 15 years old.
Inspection Rights for Roofs 15 Years or Older: For roofs that are 15 years old or older, insurers must allow homeowners to have an inspection conducted by an authorized inspector at the homeowner's expense. If the inspection indicates that the roof has five years or more of useful life remaining, the insurer may not refuse to issue or renew the policy based solely on the roof's age.
These statutes ensure that homeowners are protected from insurance non-renewal solely based on the age of their roofs, provided the roofs are in adequate condition.