Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and your roof is your home's first line of defense. Preparing before a storm is far cheaper than repairing after. Here's the complete checklist every Florida homeowner should follow.
A wind mitigation inspection documents the specific features of your roof that reduce hurricane damage risk. Insurance carriers offer significant premium discounts ($800-$2,500/year) for homes with verified wind-resistant features. The report covers: roof deck attachment (8d ring-shank at 6" o.c. is the gold standard), roof-to-wall connection type (hurricane straps, clips, or single/double wraps), roof shape (hip roofs perform better than gable in high winds), secondary water barrier (self-adhered underlayment), and opening protection (impact windows/shutters).
If your roof was recently replaced by CRWP, you already have most of these features: re-nailed deck with 8d ring-shank nails, self-adhered underlayment as secondary water barrier, and compliant product approvals. A wind mitigation report documenting these features can save you significant money on insurance.
Once the storm passes and it's safe to go outside: document everything with photos and video before touching anything. Look for missing tiles, displaced shingles, exposed underlayment, water stains in the attic, and debris impact marks. Contact your insurance company to file a claim — but read our guide on filing a roof insurance claim in Florida first. Hire a licensed roofing contractor (not a storm-chaser) for temporary tarping and permanent repairs. Under FBC 706.1.1, if storm damage exceeds 25% of the roof area, the entire roof section must be replaced to current code.
Critical: Beware of out-of-state contractors who show up after hurricanes offering quick repairs. They typically lack Florida licensing, use substandard materials, and disappear when problems arise. Always verify a Florida license number (CCC or CGC prefix) and check it at myfloridalicense.com.
South Florida has the strictest wind codes in the nation. Design wind speeds: 170 mph in Palm Beach County, 175+ mph in Broward and Miami-Dade (HVHZ). All new and replacement roofing must meet these wind speed requirements with tested and approved products and attachment methods. The FBC 8th Edition (2023) requires enhanced deck attachment, secondary water barriers, and in some cases roof-to-wall connection retrofits on older homes.
Code Reference: FBC 706.1.1 — The 25% Rule. If more than 25% of your roof area is damaged by a storm, the entire roof section must be replaced to current code. This is critical for insurance claims — if the adjuster writes for 30% damage, your full roof replacement is code-required.