While Florida’s recent roofing and insurance law changes, such as Senate Bill 4-D, often focus on residential properties, their ripple effects are a critical concern for commercial property owners and managers. The 2025 updates introduce stricter code enforcement, influence contractor behavior, and necessitate a proactive approach to roof maintenance.
Here’s how Florida’s evolving roofing landscape impacts commercial real estate and what you should do about it.
Stricter code enforcement for repairs
For years, the “25% rule” was a major consideration for Florida property owners. If more than 25% of a roof or roof section was damaged within a 12-month period, the entire system had to be brought up to the latest building code standards.
While Senate Bill 4-D created an exemption for homeowners with roofs built after March 2009, the rule still applies to commercial properties. Any repair affecting more than 25% of a roof that predates the 2007 Florida Building Code will still trigger a mandatory full replacement to current code. This makes regular, proactive maintenance more crucial than ever for older buildings to avoid triggering this expensive requirement.
For commercial property owners, this means:
- Inspections are vital: Regular inspections can catch and fix minor issues before they reach the 25% threshold, extending the life of your roof and avoiding a costly replacement.
- Documentation is key: Detailed records of all maintenance and repairs can provide proof that your building is being properly maintained, which can be crucial during an insurance claim.
- Planning is essential: For older commercial properties, budgeting for a full roof replacement is a safer bet than relying on insurance coverage for extensive storm damage.
Contractor reluctance on smaller jobs
With the new legislation comes a more complex and liability-heavy environment for contractors. Several factors are contributing to a reported reluctance among some contractors to take on smaller or minor repair jobs:
- Increased paperwork: The new laws, including the ban on assignment of benefits (AOB) agreements, shift more of the administrative burden onto contractors. The process of dealing with insurance companies can be more time-consuming and less profitable for smaller projects.
- Risk of code violations: With stricter enforcement, a minor repair on an older roof could inadvertently trigger a code violation that results in a much larger, more expensive fix. This added risk makes some contractors hesitant to open the door to that potential complication.
- Higher costs for materials: Tariffs, such as those implemented on metal and tile in April 2025, have increased material costs. Combined with labor shortages, this means smaller jobs offer less financial incentive for contractors.
This trend can make it more difficult and time-consuming for commercial property managers to find a contractor for routine maintenance.
Navigating the new landscape
For commercial property owners, navigating these changes requires a strategic approach:
- Prioritize a proactive maintenance plan: Implement a regular inspection and maintenance schedule to address issues before they become major problems.
- Build a relationship with a reliable contractor: Find a reputable commercial roofing company that understands the new regulations and is committed to long-term partnerships, not just quick jobs.
- Budget for upgrades: Given the complexity and potential costs, it’s wise to budget for a roof replacement on older properties rather than relying on insurance.
- Review your insurance policy: Understand how your commercial policy handles claims and older roofs. More detailed documentation is now often required for claims, especially for older roofs.
By taking these steps, commercial property owners can mitigate the risks associated with Florida’s new roof laws and ensure the long-term integrity of their buildings.
Have questions or need help protecting your property? Reach out to the experts now: Contact CES Roof
