Florida Roof Insurance Law — What Every Homeowner in The Villages Needs to Know (2024)
If you’re buying or selling a home in The Villages, Florida, there’s one topic you can’t afford to ignore: insurance coverage and roof age.
For years, local homeowners were told that if their roof was over 12 years old, they could be denied homeowners insurance — regardless of condition. In many cases, it happened. But here’s the good news:
Florida law changed in July 2022, and insurance companies can no longer deny coverage based solely on roof age under 15 years.
🔍 What the Law Says (Florida Statute 627.7011)
As of July 1, 2022, under Florida Statute 627.7011:
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Insurance carriers CANNOT deny or refuse to renew a homeowner’s policy if the roof is less than 15 years old.
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If your roof is 15+ years old, you can provide an inspection showing 5 or more years of useful life, and the insurer must offer coverage.
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“Roof age” is based on the most recent full replacement, not the age of the home.
This law protects homeowners, sellers, and buyers in 55+ communities like The Villages, where many properties have had roof updates.
⚠️ What the Law Does Not Cover
There is currently no similar protection for:
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HVAC systems
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Water heaters
Insurers can still use those ages to determine eligibility, request inspections, or increase premiums.
💡 What This Means for You
Even with the new protections:
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Insurers can still charge more for older roofs.
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Some policies will shift you to Actual Cash Value instead of full replacement.
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Pre-inspections may still be required.
👉 Translation: Your roof can be old — it just can’t be failing.
🧭 Local REALTOR® Insight
As a full-time REALTOR® based in The Villages, I’ve seen these changes affect countless transactions. Before you buy, sell, or renew — make sure you:
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Ask for the roof replacement date.
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Review the most recent 4-point or wind mitigation inspection.
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Understand your coverage — not just your premium.
I’ve also created a FREE one-page guide you can grab at my Open Houses or request directly.
✅ Thinking About Buying or Selling?
Let’s talk strategy. I’m here to help you make informed, prepared real estate decisions in The Villages and surrounding Central Florida communities.
Always Prepared. Semper Paratus.
