New Florida Insurance Law’s Impact Home Inspections

Although a new law was put into place earlier this year in May 2022 for Florida homeowners, Florida insurance prices aren’t dropping anytime soon. Homeowners can expect more price hikes and various difficulties with trying to obtain coverage. The law that was passed included different measures to help provide relief to insurance companies who were struggling with an abundance of claims as well as help homeowners strengthen their home coverage and claims. There are also solutions now available for costly roofing scams under the new bill signed into law.

As a home inspection company, we have seen a major uptick in the number of homeowners who needed four-point inspections and wind mitigations in Orlando, Florida. Many of our customers have complained that their insurance premiums have doubled or that their insurance company has phased out coverage in Florida. Over 400,000 Florida homeowners have been dropped by their insurance carriers since the beginning of the year. Even though the method for having your roof inspected by insurance firms has evolved, we’re here to assist you in passing with flying colors.

HOW SB2-D WILL AFFECT ROOF INSPECTIONS

Florida Statute § 627.7011(5) makes it unlawful for insurers to refuse to cover a home with a roof that is less than 15 years old because of the age of the roof. Florida Statutes Sec. 627.7011(5) bars carriers from refusing to insure a property with a roof that is less than 15 years old based only on the age of the structure. If a homeowner’s policy requires him or her to replace the roof for it to be issued or renewed, he or she may have an inspection performed at his or her expense by an independent contractor licensed under state law.

An insurance company cannot deny issuing or renewing a homeowner’s policy only because of the roof’s age if an authorized inspector says the roof has 5 years or more of useful life left after inspecting it.

Under the SB 4-D, Florida Statute § 553.844(5) was created to provide that, if a roofing system or portion thereof was first erected, repaired, or replaced per the 2007 Florida Building Code or any future versions of the Florida Building Code, then only the repaired, replaced, or recovered part is required to comply with the current version of the Florida Building Code.

Click here to learn more about SB2-D

BEFORE YOUR NEXT INSURANCE INSPECTION

Regardless of whether you need a wind mitigation report or four-point inspection here’s some friendly advice before scheduling your next appointment. We also have articles about “What’s a four-point inspection?” and “What’s a wind mitigation report?” for further reading.

• A four-point or wind mitigation inspection may be required whenever you renew or purchase a new home insurance policy.
• New construction homes built this year are not typically required to have insurance inspections until a few years later.
• Make certain your insurance provider knows if the policy entails both inspection types.
• Roof permits are the gold standard for age assessment. Any roof without a permit is deemed to be the same age as the building by insurance.
• You can find permits by contacting to your local permit office.
• Contractor paperwork for any repairs or improvements can assist you to demonstrate that the house is kept up.
• Before the inspection, make sure that there is clear access to areas such as the HVAC, attic, water heater, and electrical panels.
• Remember any leaks on the roof need to be addressed from the attic, roof and interior ceilings

If you have any questions or concerns about how this bill may affect your home inspection, feel free to reach out to us and we would be more than happy to assist you. Stay safe and insured, Florida!