Question 1

What are Florida's roofing requirements for new construction?

Accepted Answer

Florida requires roofing products and systems to meet the Florida Building Code (FBC) 8th Edition, which adopts ASCE 7-22 wind load standards. Key requirements include: minimum design pressure ratings appropriate for your wind speed zone (ranging from 130 mph to 180+ mph in HVHZ), specific deck attachment patterns, a secondary water barrier (self-adhering underlayment in HVHZ and Broward/Miami-Dade counties), and Florida Product Approvals or Notice of Acceptances (NOAs) for all primary roof cover materials. Requirements are stricter in HVHZ (Miami-Dade and Broward) than in other Florida counties.

Question 2

What is HVHZ and does it affect my project?

Accepted Answer

High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) designation applies to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Properties in HVHZ face the strictest roofing code requirements in Florida: all roofing products must hold a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA), self-adhering secondary water barriers are mandatory, and installation specifications are more prescriptive than elsewhere in the state. If you're building in Miami-Dade or Broward, plan for higher material and labor costs due to these additional requirements.

Question 3

Can I choose any roofing material for a new Florida home?

Accepted Answer

You can choose from any material that holds a Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA appropriate for your wind zone. In practice, architectural asphalt shingles, concrete tile, clay tile, and standing-seam metal are the most common for Florida residential construction. Each has different weight requirements for the framing, different warranty profiles, and different insurance implications. We advise on material selection from a code, insurance, and long-term value perspective during the pre-construction consultation.

Question 4

How does new construction roofing pricing work?

Accepted Answer

New construction roofing is typically priced per square (100 sq ft) of roof area and varies by material, roof complexity, and project location. We provide fixed-price contracts for builders, covering all labor, fasteners, underlayment, flashing, and ridge and trim work. Material costs are handled separately on most builder relationships to align with your purchasing agreements. We offer volume pricing for builders completing multiple homes per year.

Question 5

What wind mitigation features should I build into a new home?

Accepted Answer

The features with the largest insurance premium impact are: hip roof geometry (vs. gable end), structural concrete or masonry walls, secondary water barrier (self-adhering underlayment), and reinforced opening protection. If budget allows, design for a hip roof with a lower pitch and use continuous wood panel with ring-shank fasteners for the deck. These features collectively can reduce annual hurricane premiums by 30–50% for the life of the home — a financial return that dwarfs the modest construction premium.

NewConstructionRoofingBuilttoFlorida'sStrictestStandards

Everything You Need, Done Right

Building Something New? Get the Roof Right from Day One.

Our 4-Step Process

Plan Review & Specification

Permit & NOA Submittals

Installation & Inspections

Final Inspection & Wind Mitigation

New Construction Roofing FAQs

ProtectYourHomewithFlorida'sTrustedRoofers