Roof inspections in East Lake-Orient Park, FL

Florida bars an insurer from refusing or non-renewing a homeowner's policy solely because the roof is under 15 years old. After your roof passes the 15-year mark, you can pay for an authorized inspector yourself. If the report shows 5 or more years of useful life, the insurer may not refuse or non-renew over age alone.

Who qualifies as an authorized inspector is up to your insurer. The statute lists licensed home inspectors, roofing contractors, engineers and architects, so confirm your insurer accepts the person before you pay.

Citizens Property Insurance also asks for proof of at least five years of remaining life on shingle roofs older than 25 years. It requires a 4-point inspection for policies on homes more than 20 years old, including mobile homes. With 79 percent of local homes built before 2000, many owners here may be asked for one.

Mobile homes follow the federal HUD code rather than the Florida Building Code. Senate staff note that the 15-year roof section does not apply to mobile home policies, so ask your insurer what it requires for yours.

An inspector records the covering, its age, remaining life, permit history and leaks. The damage list includes cracking, curling, granule loss, exposed felt, missing or loose tabs, soft decking and leaks in the attic or on ceilings.

• Buying or selling one of the many pre-1980 homes in the CDP
• An insurer letter asking for roof age or remaining life
• Right after a storm, before any repair is made
• Before ordering a wind mitigation form, which stays valid up to five years if nothing changes

Storms matter here. Hurricane Eta in 2020 brought up to 10.64 inches of rain near Sun City Center, and Hillsborough County has also seen Hermine and Irma. A property claim notice must reach your insurer within 1 year of the loss, so document damage promptly and call your insurer.