Insurance companies across Florida have shortened the acceptable age for asphalt and composition shingle roofs from 20 years to 15 years, placing homeowners on a tighter timeline for costly replacements. Most companies now require roofs to be 15 years old or newer to qualify for the best rates, according to Robert Norberg of Arden Insurance in Lantana. The change affects thousands of Florida homeowners who carry asphalt shingle roofs, the most common roofing material in the state.
Insurers view asphalt shingles as vulnerable to Florida's intense sun and strong winds. Metal roofs receive more favorable treatment, with some companies accepting them up to 40 years old. Tile roofs also face less restrictive age limits than asphalt. The shift in standards means homeowners with roofs approaching 15 years face pressure to replace them or accept higher premiums and limited coverage options.
Melissa Burt DeVriese, president of Security First Insurance, said the age of a roof represents the biggest factor in determining homeowner insurance rates. She said replacing an old roof can save thousands of dollars annually in premiums. Vero Beach homeowner Kelly Hagen reported a premium of nearly $9,000 and said she cannot find better quotes because her roof turns 15 years old this month. Multiple insurance agents told her they cannot help her secure lower rates.
The tightened standards arrive as Florida officials point to improvements in the homeowners insurance market, including new companies entering the state and some rate declines. Homeowners in recent years have already paid thousands for roof replacements under pressure from insurance companies seeking to reduce risk exposure. The 15-year threshold now applies statewide, creating what industry observers describe as a countdown clock for property owners with asphalt shingle roofs who want to maintain affordable coverage and avoid being dropped or non-renewed by their carriers.