Florida homeowners have dealt with soaring insurance premiums, policy cancellations and a revolving door of insurers for years. After a string of costly storms and a flood of lawsuits, many national carriers pulled out of the state. Recent reforms have begun to stabilize the market and even led to modest rate decreases floridarealtors.org. At the same time, lawmakers continue to tweak building codes and insurance rules to protect consumers and strengthen homes against hurricanes. One of the most notable changes in 2025 is House Bill 715 (HB 715), also known as the “Roofing Services” bill, which updates Florida’s roofing and contract laws. This post explains what HB 715 does, why it matters, and how the changing insurance landscape affects your roof.
A shifting insurance landscape
A few years ago, Florida’s property insurance market was in crisis. Excessive litigation, high reinsurance costs and repeated storms drove insurers to raise premiums or leave the state floridapolitics.com. In response, the Legislature passed significant reforms in 2022 and 2023. According to the Insurance Information Institute, those reforms are paying off: rates are flat or even decreasing in some areas floridarealtors.org. A January 2025 report to the governor and Legislature noted that 32 companies filed for a zero‑percent rate increase and at least 17 filed for rate decreases floridarealtors.org. Eleven new private insurers entered the market within a year floridapolitics.com, increasing competition and giving consumers more options. The state‑backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has also reduced its policy count, signalling that private carriers are picking up more business floridapolitics.com.
Insurance regulators credit these improvements to a stable legal environment. Former Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty warns that undoing the reforms would scare off capital and raise costs again floridapolitics.com. The message for homeowners is clear: while rates may still be high, the market is moving in a positive direction, and there are new carriers and potential savings if you shop around.
Why HB 715 matters
On May 19 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 715 into law. The bill, which took effect immediately, addresses contracts for residential roofing work during declared states of emergency and expands the scope of work licensed roofing contractors can perform roofingcontractor.com. HB 715 was backed by the Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) and aims to protect homeowners from predatory contracts after disasters while giving contractors more flexibility to fortify roofs floridaroof.com.
Here are the key provisions:
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Expanded scope of work – Licensed roofing contractors may now evaluate and strengthen roof‑to‑wall connections, commonly called hurricane straps, when they are replacing or repairing a roof floridaroof.com. These connections help tie the roof structure to the walls of the house and can prevent roofs from lifting off during high‑wind events. Until now, contractors often needed a separate specialty license to perform this work.
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Clarified cancellation rights – The law maintains homeowners’ right to cancel a roofing contract within 10 days, but only if the contract is signed within 180 days of a declared state of emergency and the property is in the affected area clickorlando.com. This change prevents contractors from exploiting disaster declarations months later and provides homeowners a clear window to reconsider.
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Mandatory insurance notice – HB 715 requires every residential roofing contract to include a bold, 14‑point statement advising the homeowner to verify coverage, deductibles and policy limits with their insurer before signing roofingcontractor.com floridaroof.com. The notice must remind the homeowner that signing the contract acknowledges that they were advised to check coverage.
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Uniform contract formatting – For contracts signed during a state of emergency, the required cancellation notice can now be in 14‑point bold font instead of 18‑point, matching the new insurance notice floridaroof.com. This streamlines contracts while keeping disclosures prominent.
Understanding roof‑to‑wall connections
Roof‑to‑wall connections, or hurricane straps, are metal connectors that help secure the roof framing to the load‑bearing walls of a house. Many older Florida homes were built with simple toe‑nails (plain nails angled through the truss into the wall plate). During a hurricane, the lift forces can pull these nails out, causing catastrophic roof failure. Modern building codes require more robust connectors such as clips or straps that wrap around the roof truss and attach to the wall studs.
HB 715 allows roofing contractors to evaluate and enhance these connections when they are already replacing or repairing the roof floridaroof.com. The work must be done in accordance with the Florida Building Code and inspected properly. For homeowners, this means you can ask your roofer about strengthening your roof‑to‑wall connections during a re‑roof. Stronger connections may qualify you for insurance discounts and will make your home more resilient.
How the new cancellation rules protect you
After a hurricane or other disaster, roofers often canvass neighborhoods offering quick repairs. In the chaos following a storm, homeowners may sign contracts without fully understanding the terms or verifying coverage. Under previous law, homeowners could cancel a roofing contract without penalty within 10 days of signing. HB 715 narrows this right so it applies only when the contract is signed within 180 days of the declared emergency and the property is in the affected area clickorlando.com. This change discourages contractors from invoking emergency provisions long after a storm and gives homeowners a defined cancellation window.
If you sign a roofing contract within the 180‑day window, read it carefully. The contract must include a cancellation clause and the notice in bold print. You have 10 days or until the work begins (whichever comes first) to cancel without penalty. Outside of an emergency declaration, Florida’s standard consumer contract rules apply.
The importance of the insurance notice
The insurance notice required by HB 715 serves a critical purpose. Homeowners often assume that their property insurance covers any roof work, only to find out later that they did not have enough coverage or that certain damages were excluded. The new law requires contracts to advise homeowners to contact their insurance company before signing roofingcontractor.com. This gives you a chance to:
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Confirm whether the damage will be covered and under which policy (property, windstorm or flood).
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Understand your deductibles and whether a separate hurricane deductible applies.
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Learn about coverage limits and depreciation (actual cash value vs. replacement cost).
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Determine whether you need to file a claim immediately or if you can pay out‑of‑pocket and avoid a claim.
Taking a few minutes to call your agent can prevent disputes and help your claim proceed smoothly. It also ensures you are not signing a contract for work that exceeds your coverage.
How the changing market benefits consumers
The 2025 insurance environment is a stark contrast to the crisis of a few years ago. Industry experts report that rates are flat or trending downward in many areas floridarealtors.org. New insurers are entering the market, giving consumers more choices floridapolitics.com. Reforms have improved the state‑run Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and encouraged private capital floridapolitics.com. According to insurance consultant Mark Friedlander, rate filings for 2024 showed a downward trend for the first time in years, with 32 companies filing zero‑percent increases and 17 filing decreases floridarealtors.org.
While some homeowners continue to see high premiums, others—especially those with newer roofs, wind mitigation features and good claims histories—are experiencing modest reductions floridarealtors.org. The key is to shop around, compare policies and ask about discounts. Wind mitigation features such as roof‑to‑wall straps, secondary water barriers, hurricane shutters and impact‑rated doors can lower your premium. HB 715’s expansion of permitted work makes it easier for contractors to install these upgrades.
2025 hurricane outlook: Why resilience still matters
Despite encouraging insurance news, Florida remains one of the most hurricane‑prone regions in the United States. NOAA forecasts a 60 % chance of an above‑normal Atlantic hurricane season in 2025 and predicts 13 to 19 named storms, including 6–10 hurricanes and 3–5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) noaa.gov. Above‑average ocean temperatures, weak wind shear and a strong West African monsoon mean storms could form more easily and carry more energy noaa.gov.
High winds and water intrusion are the primary causes of roof damage. Even if the insurance market is stabilizing, the risk of losing your roof remains high. Strengthening your roof now—by upgrading roof‑to‑wall connections, installing secondary water barriers, sealing roof decking and keeping up with maintenance—can save you from costly repairs and insurance claims later. These improvements also align with the goals of HB 715 and may qualify you for insurance discounts.
Material matters: moving beyond asphalt shingles
During a February 2025 Chamber of Commerce summit, Florida’s Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky suggested that it might be time to look past traditional asphalt shingles. He noted that shingles marketed with 30‑year warranties often do not last 30 years in Florida’s climate clickorlando.com. Yaworsky’s comments sparked a statewide debate and were meant to encourage homeowners to consider more durable materials, such as metal or concrete tile, and to focus on home hardening clickorlando.com.
Asphalt shingles remain the most common residential roofing material because they are inexpensive and easy to install. However, Florida’s heat, humidity and high winds can degrade them quickly. Alternatives like metal panels, standing seam roofs, or clay and concrete tiles can withstand higher wind speeds and last longer. They typically cost more up front but may offer better life‑cycle value and potential insurance discounts. When planning a replacement, ask your roofer to explain the pros and cons of different materials, including durability, maintenance and energy efficiency.
What homeowners should do now
1. Review your policy – Schedule a check‑up with your insurance agent. Make sure you understand your dwelling replacement cost, windstorm deductible and whether you have flood coverage (it is usually a separate policy) floridarealtors.org. Ask how roof upgrades might lower your premium.
2. Strengthen your roof – If your roof is nearing the end of its life or you are repairing hurricane damage, talk to a licensed roofer about adding hurricane straps, secondary water barriers and other wind‑mitigation features. HB 715 makes it easier for contractors to perform these upgrades floridaroof.com. Keep trees trimmed and clean your gutters regularly to prevent water intrusion.
3. Understand emergency contracts – If you sign a roofing contract within 180 days of a declared state of emergency, remember that you have 10 days to cancel clickorlando.com. Look for the cancellation clause and insurance notice in bold print. Do not sign a contract until you have verified your coverage with your insurer.
4. Choose licensed contractors – Always hire a licensed, insured roofing contractor. HB 715’s expanded scope applies only to licensed roofers. Ask for references, verify license status and get multiple bids.
5. Consider durable materials – Explore options beyond asphalt shingles, such as metal or tile roofs. Although they cost more initially, they often last longer and may qualify for insurance discounts. Evaluate your budget, the age of your home and the aesthetic you want.
How Orange Contracting & Roofing can help
At Orange Contracting & Roofing, we stay on top of Florida’s evolving building codes and insurance requirements. Our team of licensed contractors is trained to implement the new roof‑to‑wall connection enhancements allowed by HB 715 and to ensure that every contract complies with the updated cancellation rules and insurance disclosures. We work with homeowners throughout Central Florida to assess roofs, recommend durable materials and provide wind‑mitigation upgrades tailored to your home’s needs. If you are preparing for hurricane season or considering a roof replacement, contact us for a free inspection and consultation. We will explain your options, help you understand your insurance coverage and craft a solution that protects your home and fits your budget.
Closing thoughts
Florida’s roofing and insurance landscape is changing. HB 715 strengthens consumer protections, allows roofers to perform critical structural upgrades and requires transparent contract language clickorlando.com floridaroof.com. At the same time, the insurance market is showing signs of stabilization with new carriers, flat or declining rates and improved oversight floridarealtors.org floridapolitics.com. Yet the state remains vulnerable to hurricanes: forecasters predict an above‑normal season with up to 19 named storms noaa.gov. For homeowners, the best approach is to stay informed, review insurance coverage, strengthen roofs and work with trusted contractors. With the right preparations and professional guidance, you can protect your home, lower your insurance costs and weather whatever 2025 brings.
Call Orange Contracting and Roofing at 407-205-2676 or email [email protected]
The company’s office is located at 105 Candace Dr., Suite 129, Maitland, FL 32751.