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Repairs ยท Martin County

Roof repair in Martin County, FL

Water makes up 27.8% of Martin County's total area, with 209 square miles of water beside 544 of land. Storms here arrive wet and from several directions. Roof repair in Martin County usually means fixing flashing, vents, valleys, ridge caps and lost shingles. Whether a repair is legal without a full re-roof depends on one 25 percent line.

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Updated October 2026

A two-lane road lined with large banyan trees whose branches arch overhead in soft morning light.
Close view across a gray shingle roof slope with a black pipe boot, a palm and a green lawn below.Our work
Photo: Hobe Sound Jupiter Island by AirportExpert, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped

Roof repair in Martin County, in short

Martin County treats temporary tarping as permit-free, but substantial roof repairs need a permit. A repair covering more than 25 percent of a roof or roof section in 12 months usually triggers a full re-roof, unless the roof already meets the 2007 Florida Building Code or later.

Sources for this answer

Martin County figures

The Martin County numbers behind this page

FEMA disaster and emergency declarations since 2016 (excluding COVID-19)
EM-3377 Hurricane Matthew; EM-3385 Hurricane Irma; EM-3419 Hurricane Dorian; EM-3533 Hurricane Isaias; EM-3584 Tropical Storm Ian; EM-3587 Tropical Storm Nicole; EM-3622 Hurricane Milton; DR-4283 Hurricane Matthew; DR-4337 Hurricane Irma; DR-4468 Hurricane Dorian; DR-4673 Hurricane Ian; DR-4680 Hurricane Nicole; DR-4834 Hurricane Milton
Median year homes were built
1986
Water share of total area
27.8%
Land area
544sq mi

Storm damage

Where Martin County roofs fail in storms

Hurricane Nicole in 2022 put the strongest sustained wind on its landfall coast, 54 knots, at the House of Refuge station in Martin County. Wind like that works at the edges of a roof first. Ridge caps, vent covers and the first rows of shingles lift before the field of the roof does.

FEMA assessment teams found that lost ridge vents can open large holes in the deck. In one example, ceilings collapsed though the only roof damage was missing ridge shingles and vent. After a storm, look at the ridge before you look anywhere else.

Flashing is the other common leak path. Leaks follow the places where the code requires flashing: wall and roof joints, changes of slope, and openings such as vent pipes and chimneys. A stain on a ceiling below a valley or a plumbing vent usually points to one of those spots.

Local weather

Tornadoes and rain add to the wind

Hurricane Milton's tornado reports on October 9, 2024 included damage to roofs and trees near Port Salerno, with several homes hit near SE Federal Highway and SE Colonial Drive. That is a narrow path of damage, and a neighbor's roof can be fine while yours is not. Check your own roof even when the street looks untouched.

Stuart averages 62.72 inches of rain a year, and 67.6 percent of it falls from May through October. At 8.49 inches of rain, August ranks as the year's soakiest month. A small opening left unrepaired in June is likely to get wet many times before the dry season.

Hurricane Ian's rain, even south of its track, flooded roadways in parts of Martin County. Rain can enter a roof through lifted shingles and failed flashing long after the wind has passed. Dry out the attic side of any leak quickly, because wet insulation and walls lead to mold.

Repair vs. replace

Repair or replace: the 25 percent rule

The code allows no more than 25 percent of a roof or roof section to be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period. Once damage passes that threshold, you have to replace the full roof or the affected section. The county's median home was built in 1986, so many roofs here have been redone at least once, and a patch could push a roof over the line.

There is an exception. If your roof was built, repaired or replaced to the 2007 Florida Building Code or a later edition, only the part being worked on must meet the current code. Local governments cannot change that exception. Ask your roofer to confirm the age of the last roof work in writing.

What to do

Permits and safe steps after a storm

Martin County's recovery guide says temporary tarping needs no permit. Roof replacements and substantial roof repairs do, and after a storm the fees are waived and review is expedited. Whether a small repair counts as minor is the building official's decision, so confirm with the Martin County Building Department.

  • Stay off the roof when thunder is audible, because lightning can strike several miles from the storm.
  • Photograph damage from the ground and from inside the attic before anything is moved.
  • Tarp open areas and keep the receipts for materials.
  • Have anyone doing repair work show you their license and read the contract before signing.

Florida law bars roofing contractors from offering anything of value for an inspection or a claim, and from advising you on coverage. Ask your insurer or agent what your policy covers and what deadlines apply. You have one year from the date of loss to file a new claim with your insurer.

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Repairs

Roof repair by town in Martin County

Roof cost estimator

See a ballpark for your roof

Answer a few questions about your roof and see a ballpark built from published Florida cost data, then get your written estimate.

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Ranges come from published Florida cost guides. They are not South Fork Roofing's prices.

Questions

Roof repair in Martin County: questions

Do I need a permit to repair my roof in Martin County?

Temporary tarping needs no permit under Martin County's Hurricane and Tropical Storm Recovery Permitting Guide. Roof replacements and substantial roof repairs do need one, and after a storm the fees are waived and review is expedited. Under Florida code, a building official may sign off on routine small repairs with no permit required. Call the Martin County Building Department with your repair details before work starts.

Source: Martin County, Hurricane and Tropical Storm Recovery Permitting Guide, read Oct 5, 2026

Related: Roof repair

How much of my roof can I repair before the whole roof must be replaced?

The code limit is 25 percent of the roof or roof section in any 12-month period. When the damage goes further, the whole roof or the section in question needs replacing or an overlay. The exception: a roof built or redone to the 2007 Florida Building Code or later only needs the repaired part to meet current code. With a median build year of 1986 in Martin County, confirm your roof's history first.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates (2020-2024), table B25035, B25034, B25024, via Census Reporter API, read Oct 5, 2026

Related: Roof repair

Where do Martin County roofs usually leak after a hurricane?

Ridge vents, flashing and the edges of the roof are the usual weak points. FEMA found that lost ridge vents can expose large deck openings, and that leaks follow flashing at wall joints, slope changes and vent pipes. Nicole's 54-knot wind at the House of Refuge station shows what the coast sees. Start with the ridge and every penetration.

Source: NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Nicole (AL172022), read Oct 5, 2026

Related: Roof repair

Is Martin County in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone?

No. The High Velocity Hurricane Zone covers only Miami-Dade and Broward counties, so Martin County follows the standard Florida Building Code. The code still treats the coast as hurricane-prone, and each address has its own design wind speed. Ask the Martin County Building Department which wind speed applies to your property.

Source: Florida Building Commission, 'Setting New Standards for Safety: The Florida Building Code' (2004 publication; wind-speed figures in it are outdated and not used), read Oct 5, 2026

Related: Roof repair

Can I put a tarp on my roof myself after a storm?

Yes, tarping is permitted without a permit in Martin County. Do it only in dry weather and stay off the roof when thunder can be heard, since NWS Miami warns lightning can strike several miles from its storm. Keep photos and receipts. A tarp is temporary, and a lasting repair of more than minor work still needs a permit.

Source: NWS Miami, Weather Safety - Lightning, read Oct 5, 2026

Related: Roof repair

Martin County

More in Martin County

Sources for this page(54)
  1. 1.Hurricane Nicole (2022). NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Nicole (AL172022). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  2. 2.FEMA disaster and emergency declarations since 2016 (excluding COVID-19): EM-3377 Hurricane Matthew; EM-3385 Hurricane Irma; EM-3419 Hurricane Dorian; EM-3533 Hurricane Isaias; EM-3584 Tropical Storm Ian; EM-3587 Tropical Storm Nicole; EM-3622 Hurricane Milton; DR-4283 Hurricane Matthew; DR-4337 Hurricane Irma; DR-4468 Hurricane Dorian; DR-4673 Hurricane Ian; DR-4680 Hurricane Nicole; DR-4834 Hurricane Milton. OpenFEMA DisasterDeclarationsSummaries v2 (declarations since 2016-01-01 for this county). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  3. 3.Hurricane Dorian (2019). NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Dorian (AL052019). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  4. 4.Hurricane Ian (2022). NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ian (AL092022). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  5. 5.Florida Building Commission, 'Setting New Standards for Safety: The Florida Building Code' (2004 publication; wind-speed figures in it are outdated and not used). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  6. 6.Hurricane Milton (2024). NOAA Storm Prediction Center, preliminary storm reports 2024-10-09. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  7. 7.NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (access data service). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  8. 8.NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (access data service). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  9. 9.Median year homes were built: 1986. U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates (2020-2024), table B25035, via Census Reporter API. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  10. 10.U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates (2020-2024), table B25035, B25034, B25024, via Census Reporter API. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  11. 11.Martin County, Hurricane and Tropical Storm Recovery Permitting Guide. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  12. 12.Permit office: Martin County Building Department. Martin County Building Department. Read Oct 10, 2026.
  13. 13.NWS Miami, Weather Safety - Lightning. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  14. 14.Water share of total area: 544 sq mi land; 209 sq mi water (27.8% of total). U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census counts (POP100, HU100) via TIGERweb tigerWMS_Census2020 layer 82 (Counties). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  15. 15.Land area: 544 sq mi. U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census counts (POP100, HU100) via TIGERweb tigerWMS_Census2020 layer 82 (Counties). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  16. 16.Water area: 209 sq mi. U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census counts (POP100, HU100) via TIGERweb tigerWMS_Census2020 layer 82 (Counties). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  17. 17.FEMA FL-RA2. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  18. 18.FBCR Ch. 9. Read Oct 4, 2026.
  19. 19.2023 Florida Building Code, Building, 8th ed., Chapter 15 (UpCodes viewer, unofficial transcription). Read Oct 5, 2026. FBC text read from UpCodes (unofficial transcription): check floridabuilding.org or the ICC viewer before quoting (spec 8.7).
  20. 20.2023 Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th ed., chapter 9 roof assemblies (ICC viewer). Read Oct 4, 2026.
  21. 21.Florida Statutes, section 553.844 (2026). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  22. 22.FBC-B 2023 Ch. 1. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  23. 23.Florida Statutes, section 489.147 (2026). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  24. 24.Florida Statutes, section 627.70132 (2026). Read Oct 4, 2026.
  25. 25.OIR form. Read Oct 4, 2026.
  26. 26.NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Nicole (AL172022), NOAA National Hurricane Center. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  27. 27.OpenFEMA DisasterDeclarationsSummaries v2 (declarations since 2016-01-01 for this county), FEMA. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  28. 28.NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Dorian (AL052019), NOAA National Hurricane Center. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  29. 29.NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ian (AL092022), NOAA National Hurricane Center. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  30. 30.NOAA Storm Prediction Center, preliminary storm reports 2024-10-09, NOAA. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  31. 31.Martin County Building Department, Martin County Building Department. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  32. 32.Fla. Stat. 489.147-, Florida Legislature. Read Oct 4, 2026.
  33. 33.U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census counts (POP100, HU100) via TIGERweb tigerWMS_Census2020 layer 82 (Counties), U.S. Census Bureau. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  34. 34.Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, inspections FAQ (updated 2026-03-17), Citizens Property Insurance. Read Oct 4, 2026.
  35. 35.miamidade.gov, miamidade.gov. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  36. 36.FRSA, "New 2023 FBC Eighth Edition is Now in Effect", 2024-02-13, floridaroof.com. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  37. 37.Miami-Dade County RER notice, Miami. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  38. 38.Florida Statutes, section 553.842 (2026), Florida Legislature. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  39. 39.Florida Building Commission, Florida Building Commission. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  40. 40.2023 Florida Building Code, Building, 8th ed., Chapter 1 (UpCodes viewer, unofficial transcription), UpCodes (Florida Building Code transcription). Read Oct 5, 2026.
  41. 41.Florida Statutes, section 713.135 (2026), Florida Legislature. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  42. 42.NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Matthew (AL142016), NOAA National Hurricane Center. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  43. 43.NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Irma (AL112017), NOAA National Hurricane Center. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  44. 44.NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Climatology, NOAA National Hurricane Center. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  45. 45.OpenFEMA FIMA NFIP Redacted Policies v2 (count query: effective on or before and terminating after 2026-10-05), FEMA. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  46. 46.OpenFEMA FIMA NFIP Redacted Claims v2 (count query), FEMA. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  47. 47.U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, county annual file co2020a.txt (estimates with imputation), U.S. Census Bureau. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  48. 48.U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey county annual files (co2025a.txt, co2020a.txt), U.S. Census Bureau. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  49. 49.City of Stuart, East Stuart Historic District, City of Stuart. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  50. 50.NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Isaias (AL092020), NOAA National Hurricane Center. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  51. 51.Wikipedia, 'List of municipalities in Florida' (cross-checked against Census 2020 TIGER incorporated places), Wikipedia. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  52. 52.U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census counts (POP100, HU100) via TIGERweb tigerWMS_Census2020 layer 28 (Census Designated Places), U.S. Census Bureau. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  53. 53.Wikipedia, 'Martin County, Florida' (revision 1375299623), Wikipedia. Read Oct 5, 2026.
  54. 54.Florida Statutes, section 489.113 (2026), Florida Legislature. Read Oct 5, 2026.

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Roof repair in Martin County

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