What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Roof in Florida

The 24 hours after a storm does more to determine your insurance outcome and repair cost than almost anything else. Homeowners who know the right sequence protect themselves legally, financially, and structurally. Those who wait too long, clear debris themselves, or skip documentation routinely leave thousands on the table or face a denied claim.

Here is exactly what to do after storm damage to your roof in Florida, in order. If water is coming in right now, call (321) 214-7663 — we run 24/7 emergency roofing across Central Florida.

Should I go up on the roof to check the damage?

No. Wet shingles and tiles are dangerously slick, the structure may be compromised, and you risk voiding coverage if you cause further damage. Everything you need for a claim can be captured from the ground, from windows, and from inside the attic.

What should I photograph after storm damage?

Document everything before anything is moved or cleaned up. Photos and video of:

• Missing, cracked, or displaced shingles and tiles
• Bent or detached gutters and fascia
• Debris resting on the roof
• Interior ceiling stains and water entry points
• The attic — daylight through the deck, wet insulation, wet decking

Your phone date-stamps photos in the metadata automatically. This documentation is the foundation of the entire claim. Our guide to roof damage signs to look for covers what is easy to miss from ground level.

When do I need to report a storm damage claim in Florida?

Florida Statute 627.70132 gives you one year from the date of loss to report a hurricane or windstorm claim. File quickly anyway — the longer the gap, the easier it is for an insurer to argue the damage was pre-existing rather than storm-related.

Give them your policy number, the date and time of the storm, and a general description. You do not need the full scope yet. Do not sign anything from your insurer until a licensed contractor has assessed the damage. Our Florida roof insurance claim guide covers the process in full, including ACV versus RCV coverage and how the hurricane deductible works.

Who is allowed to tarp my roof in Florida?

A licensed roofing contractor. Florida requires roofing work — including emergency tarping — to be performed under a roofing licence. An unlicensed handyman can complicate your claim and void manufacturer warranties.

Tarping stops the bleeding. It prevents further water intrusion while the insurance process runs. Florida law also requires you to take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage, so failing to tarp can reduce a later water damage claim. We provide same-day emergency roof tarping and full storm damage roof repair across all ten Central Florida counties.

Should I get an inspection before the adjuster arrives?

Yes, and this is the step most homeowners skip. Have your contractor complete a full damage inspection and written report before the adjuster attends. That gives you an independent assessment to compare against their scope of loss, and it means nothing is missed when they walk the roof.

Our roof inspections are free and include a written photo report.

Can my roofer attend the adjuster inspection?

Yes, it is legal in Florida and strongly recommended. Your contractor can point out documented damage, establish the correct code position for your roof, and flag anything missed in real time. Discrepancies caught on site are far easier to resolve than disputes raised after the report is filed.

One point to get right here: the Florida 25% rule changed under Senate Bill 4-D in 2022. Roofs built or replaced to the 2007 Florida Building Code or later only need the repaired section brought to current code. A contractor still quoting the old all-or-nothing version can send your claim in the wrong direction.

Do I have to accept the first settlement offer?

No. Compare the adjuster’s scope of loss against your contractor’s report line by line. If items are missing or undervalued, a supplemental claim can be prepared with supporting documentation.

You also have the right to invoke the appraisal clause in your policy or file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services. We handle supplemental documentation as part of our insurance claim support.

Does storm damage repair need a permit?

Yes. All roofing repairs and replacements in Florida must be permitted under the performing contractor’s licence. We pull every permit under CCC1330134 — homeowners never contact the building department — and we attend the final inspection and provide warranty documentation at close.

Depending on the damage you may need a roof repair or a full replacement. Our pricing guide and Central Florida cost breakdown show what to expect, and financing is available for anything insurance does not cover.

Can a roof be replaced in the rain?

Not safely, and not properly. Decking must be dry before underlayment goes down — installing over wet decking traps moisture and causes rot beneath a brand new roof. This is why tarping matters: it protects the structure while you wait for a dry window and for the claim to settle.

What about hail damage?

Hail damage is often invisible from the ground. It shows as bruising or granule loss on shingles and as dents on soft metals — vents, flashing, gutters. Those soft-metal dents are frequently the clearest evidence a storm occurred, and adjusters look for them. Do not assume there is no damage because the roof looks intact from the driveway.

The mistakes that cost Florida homeowners the most

• Waiting too long to document. Pre-existing wear is the most common reason claims are reduced or denied. Early photos establish the storm as the cause.
• Signing an Assignment of Benefits. This transfers your claim rights to the contractor. Never sign one for roofing work.
• Using an unlicensed contractor. Verify the licence first — see how to verify a Florida roofing licence and our contractor vetting questions.
• Accepting the first offer without review. The adjuster works for the insurer. Your contractor works for you.

Get help now

We have taken hundreds of Central Florida homeowners through the full storm process — from tarping on the night of the storm to final inspection sign-off. We serve Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Garden and 44 cities across ten counties.

Call (321) 214-7663 any time, or request a free inspection. See our licences and certifications.

This guide explains Florida insurance and building code concepts for general information. It is not legal advice and does not replace your policy wording.