We Don't Just Repair Your Roof — We Restore It

It depends on where you live and the scope of work. Florida Building Code Section 105.2.2 allows "ordinary minor repairs" without a permit — but it doesn't define a specific size or dollar amount. That's left to local building officials.

In Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, the rules are stricter. These are designated High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), and Florida Building Code Section R4402.1.3 requires permits for "all work in connection with the application, repair, or maintenance of any roofing component." That means even small repairs technically require a permit.

We pull permits on every job — not just because it's the law, but because it protects you. Unpermitted work can void your insurance, create problems when you sell, and leave you with no recourse if something goes wrong.

Under Florida Statute 627.7011(5), insurance companies cannot drop your coverage solely because of your roof's age — if a licensed contractor certifies the roof has at least 5 years of remaining useful life.

Here's how it works:

• If your roof is under 15 years old, insurers cannot refuse coverage based on age alone
• If your roof is 15 years or older, you have the right to an inspection before they can require replacement
• If that inspection shows 5+ years of useful life remaining, they cannot non-renew your policy based on roof age

As a licensed roofing and general contractor, we're authorized under the statute to perform this inspection and provide the certification letter. A comprehensive roof restoration that addresses vulnerable areas can bring your roof up to the standard needed for certification — protecting your coverage and buying you time before a full replacement.

Florida Building Code historically required that if you repair, replace, or recover more than 25% of a roof section in a 12-month period, the entire roof must be brought up to current code.

However, Florida Statute 553.844(5) changed this in 2022. Now, if your roof was permitted after March 1, 2009 (under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later), only the repaired portion needs to meet current code — not the entire roof.

This is significant for storm damage repairs. If your roof was properly permitted in the last 15 years and a hurricane damages 30% of it, you can repair just that section without being forced into a full replacement.

We verify your roof's permit history and advise you on exactly what's required under current code.

Florida Statute 627.7011(5)(a) defines "authorized inspectors" who can certify a roof's remaining useful life for insurance purposes:

• Licensed home inspectors
• Certified building code inspectors
• Licensed general, building, or residential contractors
• Professional engineers
• Professional architects

As holders of both a General Contractor license (CGC-1526236) and a Roofing Contractor license (CCC-1331464), we're fully authorized to inspect your roof and provide the certification documentation your insurance company requires.

These are two separate things that often get confused.

Contractor Licensing (Florida Statute 489.103(9)): Work under $2,500 can be performed without a contractor's license — but this doesn't apply to anyone who advertises as a contractor or if the work is part of a larger project.

Building Permits (Florida Building Code): There's no statewide dollar threshold that exempts roof work from permits. In the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (Broward and Miami-Dade), permits are required for virtually all roofing work regardless of cost.

Bottom line: Just because someone can legally do a small job without a license doesn't mean it's exempt from permits. And in South Florida, roof repairs almost always require permits. If a contractor tells you otherwise, that's a red flag.

Unpermitted roof work can cause serious problems:

• Insurance issues: Your insurer may deny a claim if they discover unpermitted work on your roof
• Sale complications: Unpermitted work shows up in title searches and can derail real estate transactions
• No inspection: Without a permit, there's no third-party verification that the work meets code
• No recourse: If something fails, you may have limited legal recourse against the contractor
• Code violations: You could be required to tear off and redo the work with proper permits

In Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone, the permit process exists to ensure your roof can withstand hurricane-force winds. Skipping it isn't just illegal — it's dangerous.