How to Follow Florida Roofing Codes and Avoid Costly Mistakes

6 Critical Florida Roofing Code Requirements

1. Wind Uplift and HVHZ Requirements

South Florida, including areas like Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade, falls under what’s called the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). This zone has even more stringent roofing requirements due to its exposure to hurricane-force winds.

In these areas, roofing systems must be engineered and tested for wind uplift resistance. This includes:

• Specific fastening patterns for underlayment and decking

• Approved products listed in the Florida Product Approval Database or Miami-Dade NOA system

• Metal panels or shingles tested for wind pressure resistance

Contractors must submit product approval numbers with the permit application to prove code compliance.

2. Underlayment Requirements

Florida requires specific types of underlayment systems to protect against water intrusion:

• Option A: Two layers of #15 felt (nailed with tin caps)

• Option B: One self-adhering modified bitumen membrane (peel-and-stick)

• Option C: Synthetic underlayment systems listed and approved for HVHZ areas

For tile roofs, the underlayment often serves as the primary water barrier — so code-compliant installation is critical.

3. Roof Decking and Re-Nailing

When re-roofing an existing structure, contractors are required to inspect the roof deck. If the existing nailing does not meet the current code, the decking must be re-nailed using 8d ring-shank nails at specific intervals (usually 6” on the edges and 6” in the field).

This ensures the sheathing doesn’t blow off during strong winds — a leading cause of total roof failure in hurricanes.

4. Secondary Water Barrier

In many cases, especially in HVHZ zones, Florida requires a secondary water barrier to be installed during a re-roof. This barrier is typically a peel-and-stick membrane installed over all roof deck seams. It provides extra leak protection if wind-driven rain penetrates the outer roofing system.

Without it, even a small gap in your roofing material could lead to major water damage inside your home.

5. Roof-to-Wall Connection Retrofits

Older homes built before 2002 may not have modern hurricane straps or clips tying the roof structure to the walls. Florida roofing codes now require contractors to inspect these connections during re-roofing and offer a roof-to-wall retrofit if they don’t meet current standards.

These retrofits:

• Improve the structural integrity of the home

• Reduce the risk of uplift during storms

• May qualify you for homeowner’s insurance discounts

6. Slope, Drainage & Flat Roof Systems

The Florida Building Code mandates that roofs have proper slope and drainage to avoid ponding water. For low-slope and flat roofs:

• Minimum slope must be 1/4 inch per foot

• Tapered insulation or cricket systems are often required

• Proper scupper and drainage outlets must be installed

Flat roof coatings (like silicone or elastomeric systems) must be applied according to manufacturer specs and meet code-approved application thickness.

Contact South Star Roofing for a professional roof assessment.