Commercial roofing in Dade City, FL

Florida's 25 percent rule limits how much of a roof can be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period without bringing the entire roof system up to current code. The rule's text says not more than 25 percent of the total roof area may be worked on in that window unless the whole covering is replaced. That threshold matters on a large flat roof, so measure the area before you plan phases.

Florida's code requires new low-slope roofs to slope at least one-fourth unit in 12, which is 2 percent. Drainage on these roofs should move water within 48 hours of rain. Ask each bidder how the new design will meet that slope and where the overflow drains will sit.

Ask every bidder to name the roof covering standard it will use. Single-ply membranes in Florida must meet listed ASTM standards, such as ASTM D6878 for thermoplastic polyolefin. Ask for the test results and the product approval number, then check that number in the state's public lookup.

Ask whether the work requires a roofing contractor's license and who the bidder will subcontract to. Florida law requires a general contractor to subcontract roofing work unless it holds a roofing certification or registration. Before you agree to anything, check the contractor's license status with the state.

Florida requires a roof repair permit to be checked against the existing roof's history. Ask each bidder whether the old covering can stay in place or whether a full tear-off to the deck is required.