Start with the carrier’s actual letter and policy. Section 627.7011 of the Florida Statutes contains a roof-age rule for certain personal residential property policies: an insurer may not refuse to issue or renew solely because a roof is less than 15 years old. For an older roof, the statute describes an inspection opportunity and a five-year remaining-useful-life standard. The section also contains exceptions and does not erase other lawful underwriting grounds.
Do not turn a narrow rule into a guarantee
The statute’s text, policy type, roof age, inspection qualifications, carrier reason and current law all matter. The section includes different treatment for some policy types, including mobile homes, and the age rule does not promise coverage, price, renewal or claim payment for every property. This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Ask the carrier to identify its reason and acceptable documents in writing; use a qualified professional for advice about a disputed decision.
Build a clean property record
Keep the carrier letter, inspection report, dated photographs, contract, product documents, permit and final inspection. If mitigation credits are relevant, ask the carrier which features and forms it recognizes. Section 627.0629 requires insurers to offer actuarially reasonable credits for qualifying mitigation measures, but eligibility and amount depend on the verified feature and policy—not simply on choosing metal or an impact classification.
- Carrier letter and stated underwriting reason
- Roof installation date and permit history where available
- Inspection report from a person qualified under the applicable rule
- Product approval, permit and final inspection for completed work
- Written carrier requirements for any mitigation credit
If replacement is proposed, compare the assembly on its own merits rather than assuming a material choice produces an insurance result. Ask the carrier about documentation first and keep the answer with the project file. The current statute is available from the Florida Senate and should be read directly.