The state of Florida has suffered through a tremendous number of hurricanes and severe storms over the last couple of decades. Hurricane Andrew left a lasting legacy and a troubling memory of just how disastrous adverse weather can be as the damage in its wake cost hundreds of lives and thousands homes. Following Hurricane Andrew, new building codes were implemented throughout the state of Florida, particularly along the coastal lines of the Sunshine State.
Prior to Hurricane Andrew, Florida roofs and Florida homes were built poorly, rarely inspected, and adhered to building codes that were incredibly outdated. The Florida House Bill 7057 and the Florida Statute 553.884 apply Florida’s new building code to all homes in “High Velocity Hurricane Zones”. In these regions, Florida roofing laws are strict and extensive, ensuring that the materials used and the manner of construction will withstand high wings and otherwise adverse weather elements.
Florida Building Code roofing requirements are incredibly specific. As the high wind conditions continue to plague homes throughout Florida during hurricane season, they must be able to withstand intense pressure. There are a variety of potential roofing failures when the wind conditions are high; as such the following roofing requirements are addressed by the Florida Building Codes:
- Weather protection
- Plans review, permits, inspections, etc.
- Performance requirements
- Wind load requirements
- Reroofing laws
- Roofing with asphalt shingles
- Structural design requirements
- Florida Existing Building Code
All in all, with quality materials, proper design, meticulous craftsmanship, building code enforcements, and regular maintenance, Florida roofs will be equipped to withstand even the stronger hurricane winds that take place during hurricane season. Are you prepared to weather the storm? Contact Mark Terlep Roofing today to learn more!
I have a 50 yr old block home in central fl. It has a flat roof over the carport. To replace 400 squares I got a quote of $6800. This seems extreme. He says its because a new law says we cannot have flat roofs.. help
I own a 1,200 sqf house in Hollywood Fl 33024 built in 1968 so it’s shingle roof is attached to the tied beam with what is called @toe nail” . Is rheee a roofing Co in the market that can take care of modifying the roof to the latest Fl building code?
Please let me know and thanks in advance for your help
Carlos, please call our office at (561) 641-2228 so we can better answer your question. Thank you.
If a total roof (wood and cement tiles) is replaced in in Palm Beach county, does the roof have to be outfitted with hurricane straps?
Yes, it does.
Mark,
We have just had an asphalt shingle roof replaced with a screwed metal roof in Islamorada (Monroe County) , It is a hip roof with eves on all 4 sides. We have aluminum wrapped facia and gutters. My question is about the rubber membrane orientation with the drip edge. Should the membrane be under or on top of the drip edge. It was placed under the drip edge and not rolled over the edge to lap the aluminum facia and gutter. I was told code says it can be done either way. This makes no sense to me as normal roofing practice on a pitched roof is for water shedding. How is the code written?
Thanks, John
As a homeowner in west volusia county Florida, am I able to roof over my existing roof where there is only one layer on existing roof. I’m the homeowner doing the work, and is a permit required. I have a hip roof with a 4-12 pitch on all sides.
Hi there. Does a re-roof from shingle to cement flat tile require a structural load analysis? Is there a building code to refer to on that?
I have the same question as Mr Nulty in 2017.
There was no answer posted to his question. If you have an answer pursuant to the new roofing codes for FL, please advise: our home in the panhandle of FL was built in 1986. We purchased our home 17 years ago and it passed the pertinent inspections. My question is regarding the small covered and screened back porch attached to our home. The porch has a roof which is not the same pitch as our home but not a flat roof. Today we’re having the inspection of our replacement roof. However, the contractor gave us a quote of $7,000 to replace it. Then he said the porch addition cannot have roof tiles replaced on it. He says its because a new law says we cannot have tiles on a flat roof or a roof if it does not have a specific pitch. Please advise.