How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof in Florida?

Reviewed by Cameron Bates remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

A faulty or damaged roof can be a major problem no matter where you live – especially in an unforgiving climate like Florida’s. The high winds, heavy rainfall, and humidity can wreak havoc on your roof's flaws, and the problems can quickly stack up. If your roof has been damaged or deteriorated from years of wear and tear, it might be time to consider a roof replacement. 

Before you get the wheels rolling with a roof replacement, let's take a closer look at all the costs associated and explore your options in the Sunshine State.

The average cost of a roof replacement in Florida

On average, it costs $15,729 to replace a roof in Florida, with most homeowners spending around $15,000 for a 1,700 sq. ft. roof. This cost will vary depending on your choice of material, the square footage of the roof, the pitch and shape of your roof, and whether you are tearing off or building over the existing roof.

It is important to note that these figures and the rest you will find in this guide are estimated costs of a roof replacement in Florida. To get an exact figure for your roof replacement, you should request a quote from two to three local roofing contractors who can inspect your home in person.

Factors that affect the cost of a new roof in Florida

The roofing material you choose

With the material cost of a new roof taking up more than 50% of your budget and with each material sitting at a different price point, it is clear that the type of roofing material you opt for will significantly influence the overall project. Whether you go with a durable, more expensive option like slate, or a more delicate but cheaper option such as asphalt shingles, each roof type will have its pros and cons.

When choosing your roofing material, you must also consider whether it is viable for Florida’s unique and often extreme weather conditions. While you can use any roofing in Florida, not all are common or highly recommended. For example, an asphalt shingle roof may be a great option in some inland areas, but in Florida’s climate, it is unlikely to last.

Options such as slate and metal roofs are among the most popular choices, mainly due to their longevity and ability to withstand Florida’s harsh winds and heavy rainfall. The material dictates most of your costs because Florida’s common and popular materials tend to have a wide price range.

The size of your roof

The size of the roof is going to have a significant impact on the project’s cost. In most instances, the bigger the roof, the more material you will need, and as a result, the higher the overall costs.

As well as a larger roof increasing your material costs, it will also affect your labor costs. It will take more time and effort to install the new roof and take longer to tear out and dispose of the old one.

To work out the cost of a roof replacement based on the size of your roof, all you need to do is take the price per square foot (installed) of the material of your choice and multiply it by the square footage of your roof.

The pitch of your roof

As is the case with roofs all across the country, roofs in Florida can come in many different slopes and pitches, with each type impacting the overall cost. The pitch and slope of your roof affect the project cost because of the different materials that can be used and the installation complexities.

The pitch or slope of a roof refers to the angle of the roof and is usually presented as the inches of vertical rise over 12 inches of horizontal run. For example, a flat roof is anything from 0/12 to 2/12 but is unlikely to be seen in Florida due to the heavy rainfall. A conventional pitched roof seen on most homes in Florida is considered between 4/12 and 7/12, Roof pitches that are any steeper than this are uncommon in Florida and are more often seen in areas that see snowfall.

The shape of your roof

There are many roof types and shapes that can be found in Florida. Some of the most common include the gable, hipped, and Dutch roof. You may also find butterfly roofs on modern homes and mansards on older homes.

The cost of a roof replacement will vary depending on the type of roof. Some roofs, such as hipped and Dutch roofs, require more material and have a more complex installation process which may be more costly than other roof types. Below, you can see some of the most common roof shapes and their average costs in Florida.

Removing the old roof vs. roofing over in Florida

Whether or not you decide to remove your old roof or install a new roof over the existing one will depend on the current condition of your roof, the material that was previously used, and the material you plan on installing. Roof overs are a common option with asphalt shingles but may be done with metal roofing over a layer of asphalt. Some homeowners will opt for a roof over due to the money they will save on the cost of removing and disposing of the old roof. On average, homeowners spend about $1 per square foot to remove their old roof, but removing heavier materials like slate or metal can be as high as $4 per square foot.

While a roof over is a viable and legal option in Florida, it is rarely the recommended method. The lifespan of roofed-over asphalt shingles compared to new shingles is often a genuine concern. Add this to Florida’s extreme weather conditions of high winds, heavy downpours, and intense sunlight, and you may be looking at another roof replacement in the near future – and this time, you’ll be paying to tear off two layers instead of one.

So, while a roof over might seem tempting at the time due to the upfront savings, you may have to pay more in the long run. By not removing existing shingles, potential problems with the roof deck may also go unseen. This can lead to future repairs and more costly replacements than if the deck was visualized at the time of the original replacement.

Florida roof replacement pricing tiers

Replacing your roof on a low budget in Florida

If you need a roof replacement but are concerned with the upfront costs, opt for one of the more budget-friendly roofing materials. In Florida, your most affordable materials will be shingles or metal. It’s important to note that while these materials will help you save on upfront costs, they are not always recommended for the Florida climate and can cost you more in the long run.

Another way to lower roof replacement costs is by doing a little DIY. While the roofing installation should always be left to the professionals to abide by building codes and maintain warranties, you may be more than capable of removing the existing roof. Just make sure you have all the necessary equipment and have done your research, as every type of roof is removed a little differently.

Another great tip for achieving a roof replacement on a low budget is not settling on the first roofing contractor you talk to. Try and get quotes from at least three roofing contractors to see who can give you the best deal.

Mid-range roof replacement in Florida

With a mid-range roof replacement, you’ll have more freedom with your selections and can put more of the workload on professional roofers. With more room in the budget, you can choose between more durable and reliable materials such as concrete tiles. These materials will perform far better in the harsh Florida climate and provide a longer-lasting roof.

You won’t have to worry about trying to cut costs by doing part of the replacement yourself, either. For the little bit extra in your budget, you can leave it all in the hands of your roofing contractor and be confident that the job is being done properly.

Top-tier roof replacement in Florida

If the budget for your new roof is of no concern and you are simply looking for the best new roof for your home, we suggest opting for either a clay or slate tile roof. These materials will cost a pretty penny but are unmatched in their performance. Slate and clay tiles will hold up exceptionally well against the rain, wind, and hail seen in Florida, and their longevity means that you likely will not have to replace the roof in your lifetime.

It is also important to note that if your home hasn’t already been fitted for one of these high-end and heavy materials, it must be reinforced to support the additional load. This can be done by adding support beams, stiffening trusses, or repairing caulk with a cost range of $1,000 to $10,000.

With a high-end roof replacement, you will also have the liberty of choosing the roofing contractor with the best reputation and quality of service, regardless of the price. While a highly regarded roofing company will likely cost you more, you can be more confident in the end result.

3 Ways to Finance a new roof in Florida

Home improvement and repair loan

One option you have to finance your roof replacement is with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Title 1 loan. An FHA Title 1 loan is a fixed-rate loan used for home improvement projects such as roof repairs or anything that will make your home more liveable.

For owners of single-family homes, the FHA offers Title 1 loans of up to $25,000 with a maximum loan repayment term of 20 years. However, if you borrow over $7,500, you’ll have to offer your home as collateral to secure the roof loan. This means that if you default on the loan, the lender can seize your home.

Title 1 home improvement loans are available from a range of FHA-approved lenders. Be sure to examine multiple options, as each lender will have its interest rates and requirements.

Insurance claim

Using an insurance claim to pay for your roof replacement can be a more tricky and challenging method, but it may be worth investigating.

If you’re looking to replace your roof due to its deteriorating condition over the years, financing through an insurance policy will be virtually impossible. This is because homeowners’ insurance companies will rarely cover wear and tear on your roof. If this is your situation, you may not be able to lean on an insurance claim to finance your new roof.

However, if your roof was majorly damaged by one of Florida’s notorious weather-related events, you may have more success making an insurance claim. If your roof has substantial damage from wind or hail, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Personal loans

Another option to pay for your roof replacement in Florida is with a personal loan. To get a personal loan, you have the option of going directly to one of the many lenders offering loans or through certain roofing contractors who will offer financing options.

While a personal loan can be a great financing option for many homeowners, not everyone will get through the application process. When applying for a personal loan, the lender will look thoroughly into your financial situation. The lender will also run a hard credit history check which may temporarily affect your credit score. After examining your financial position, the lender will decide on your eligibility. You will likely need a credit score above 600 to qualify for a personal loan in Florida.

If you choose to finance your roof replacement with a personal loan, do your research. Before getting any personal loan, you should review all the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, loan length, and monthly payments. This will ensure you avoid getting stuck in a dangerous or predatory loan.

Other factors to consider

Permits in Florida

Before you alter or replace your home’s roof, you are legally obliged to obtain the relevant permits. Permits typically cost between $400 and $1,000 but vary depending on location.

In almost all cases, your roofing contractor will handle the task of acquiring building permits, so you won’t have to worry about it. However, you should discuss this with your contractor and ensure the permit cost is included in the pricing.

Contractor licensing

In your search for a roofing contractor, you should check their licensing. In some states, such as Texas, roofers are not required to have a license. In Florida, all roofers must be licensed.

Ensuring that your roofer has the proper licensing will protect you and your home and those working on your roof. To check the licensing status of a roofing contractor, visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Inspection cost in Florida

The average cost of a roof inspection in Florida is between $200 to $600.

With Florida having an unpredictable and often rough climate that brings frequent storms, it is strongly recommended that a roof inspection be conducted yearly. A professional roof inspection can help you to find faults in your roof layout and allows you to catch problems before they lead to major repairs or a complete roof replacement.

A qualified roof inspector can also provide you with possible measures that can be taken to ensure your roof is capable to withstand more harsh weather conditions.

Replacing your roof in Florida

Due to a roof replacement being a significant financial investment and often a time-consuming endeavor, homeowners often hold off on it as much as possible. However, ignoring the faults and damages of your roof will only worsen things, especially in Florida’s harsh weather conditions.

Getting on top of an issue with your roof can help you save your home from more costly damages and ensure your safety within your home. So, whether your roof is in need of some minor repairs or a whole replacement. Take a look at your options, and don’t wait for things to get worse.

If you’re still looking for more information and want to know exactly what you will pay for a new roof, the next step is to contact local roofing contractors and receive some estimates.