Roof inspections in The Acreage, FL

Fla. Stat. 627.7011(5) bars an insurer from declining to write or renew a homeowner's policy solely on the ground that the roof is under 15 years old. When the roof is older, you can have an authorized inspector examine it at your own cost, and the insurer has to allow that.

An inspection that finds 5 or more years of useful life remaining takes away the insurer's ability to refuse or non-renew only because of roof age. A roofing contractor can be an authorized inspector if the insurer approves. Ask your insurer or agent who it accepts.

Citizens Property Insurance sets its own lines. It wants documentation of five years of remaining life for shingle roofs older than 25 years and for tile or metal roofs older than 50. Its 4-point inspection applies to properties more than 20 years old, and the roof section of that form records material, age, remaining life, last permit and damage.

An inspector looks for the damage items insurers list: cracking, curling, heavy granule loss, exposed felt, loose or missing tabs or tiles, soft decking and leaks on attic or ceiling surfaces. The report is accompanied by photos covering every roof slope.

• Ahead of a purchase or sale, so the roof's age and condition are documented.
• Once a letter from your insurer raises the question of roof age.
• After a storm. A tornado crossed The Acreage on October 9, 2024 during Hurricane Milton.
• Before a wind mitigation form, which is valid up to five years.

Notice deadlines matter after storm damage. A new claim is barred unless the insurer gets notice within 1 year of the loss. Talk to your insurer about coverage. Florida law bars roofers from advising on it.

Roof permits in The Acreage come from the Palm Beach County Building Division, since the area is unincorporated. Confirm current permit rules with that office.