Roofing Guides · Updated October 2026
Florida's 25% Roof Rule: The Current Law
The Florida Building Code (Existing Building §706.1.1) says no more than 25% of a roof or roof section can be repaired, replaced or recovered in a 12-month period unless the whole roof system or section is brought up to code. Since 2022, §553.844(5), Florida Statutes (from SB 4-D), says that if the existing roof was built, repaired or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, only the portion being repaired has to meet current code. In practice, the 25% rule mainly affects older roofs.
The code text
FBC–Existing Building §706.1.1: "Not more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period unless the entire existing roofing system or roof section is replaced to conform to requirements of this code."
The 2022 change (SB 4-D → §553.844(5), F.S.)
Under the statute, if an existing roofing system or roof section was built, repaired or replaced in compliance with the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, and 25% or more of it is being repaired, replaced or recovered, only the portion being repaired, replaced or recovered has to meet the current code.
Citizens Property Insurance's adjuster job aid notes that the 2007 code took effect March 1, 2009, and treats roofs permitted on or after that date as outside the full-replacement requirement.
What counts as a "roof section"
The FBC defines a roof section by expansion joints, parapet walls, flashing (not valleys), changes in elevation, roof type, or legal description. The tie-off area needed to connect new work to old isn't counted toward the 25% (Florida Building Commission declaratory statement DS 2021-007).
Miami-Dade note
The HVHZ provisions of the FBC have their own reroofing section. Your permit reviewer applies the current requirements.
What it means for you
- Roof permitted before March 1, 2009 with more than 25% of a section damaged: replacing that whole section to code may be required.
- Roof built to the 2007 code or later: generally only the damaged portion needs to meet current code.
- Whatever the code says, insurance payment depends on your policy (Does Homeowners Insurance Pay for a New Roof in Florida?).
Not legal or insurance advice. You stay in control of your own insurance claim.
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Sources
- Florida Statutes §553.844 (2025), Windstorm loss mitigation; roof repair exception (subsection 5)
- Citizens Property Insurance Corp., job aid: Evaluating Roof Damage – 25% Rule (FBC-EB §706.1.1 as modified by SB 4-D)
- Florida Building Commission, Declaratory Statement DS 2021-007 on FBC-Existing Building §706.1.1 (roof section / tie-off)
- Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Assn. (FRSA), 'FRSA Helps Clarify the 25% Rule' (2021)
- 2023 Florida Building Code – Building, 8th ed., Chapter 15 Roof Assemblies (HVHZ §§1512–1525), via UpCodes
Sources checked October 2026. Laws, codes and prices change, so confirm current details with the source.
Frequently asked questions
Does Florida still have the 25% roof rule?
Yes. FBC-EB §706.1.1 is still in the code, but §553.844(5), F.S. (2022) exempts roofs built, repaired or replaced to the 2007 FBC or later from replacing the whole roof.
What date matters for the 2007 code?
The 2007 FBC took effect March 1, 2009, according to Citizens' guidance. Your roof's permit date is the best evidence.
Does 25% apply to the whole roof or each section?
The code applies it to the total roof area or a roof section, as defined in the FBC.
Does the tie-in area count toward 25%?
No. Per the Florida Building Commission's DS 2021-007, the tie-off area isn't counted.
Will insurance pay for a full roof under the 25% rule?
That depends on your policy, including any ordinance-or-law coverage. Ask your insurer.