Choosing the right roofing system for a job in Florida is about balancing durability, climate performance, code compliance, and long-term value. Florida’s challenging climate—marked by high UV exposure, frequent storms, and heavy humidity—means roofing materials face accelerated wear. While asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and TPO are the most common choices in the state, each comes with unique strengths and trade-offs.
For a full range of roofing materials, explore our roofing materials directory.
Start with Roof Type and Jobsite Constraints
It’s a question nearly every contractor or property owner faces: “Where do I even start when choosing a roof?” The answer depends on several project-specific factors—roof slope, building type, timeline, crew familiarity, and accessibility all play critical roles.
For Florida jobs, the stakes are even higher. The Florida Building Code requires roofing systems in hurricane-prone areas to withstand winds up to 150 mph or more, with additional requirements for roof-to-wall connections and secondary water barriers (rrsa.us). Tile roofs, made from clay or concrete, are also prevalent in Florida, especially with Mediterranean-style architecture, but may be less common for storm-prone builds.
Insurance discounts are also available for homes that meet these standards, often adding significant long-term savings (myfloridacfo.com).
Asphalt Shingles—Where They Fit
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in the U.S., historically accounting for about 70–80% of the residential market. They’re favored for their affordability, straightforward installation, and variety of styles. High-quality asphalt shingles can provide reliable protection, especially when properly installed and maintained.
In Florida, the intense sun and humidity can shorten the lifespan of asphalt shingles to as little as 12–15 years, compared to 20–25 years in milder climates (southwestorlandobulletin.com). High humidity promotes the growth of mold and algae on asphalt shingles, not just affecting appearance but accelerating deterioration.
Selecting shingles with algae-resistant coatings can help address these issues.
As a trusted roofing supplier in Florida, we see asphalt shingles often chosen for residential projects where budget and speed are primary concerns. However, regular inspections for granule loss, curling, and algae growth are essential, and insurance discounts may depend on using impact-resistant or wind-rated shingle systems.
Metal Roofing—Where It Excels
Metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice in Florida, thanks to its durability, wind resistance, and energy efficiency.
Here’s how metal roofing stands out:
- Superior Wind Resistance: Metal roofs can withstand hurricane-force winds, making them a smart choice in regions subject to frequent storms (bignewsnetwork.com).
- Long Lifespan and Low Maintenance: Metal roofing can last 40–70 years with minimal upkeep, far exceeding the typical lifespan of asphalt shingles (natlawreview.com).
- Energy Efficiency: Its reflective properties can reduce cooling costs, an important factor in Florida’s hot climate.
Metal roofs are often manufactured using recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan, supporting environmentally conscious choices.
“A properly installed metal roof can last more than 50 years with minimal maintenance, far exceeding the typical 15 to 30 years offered by asphalt shingles.” (Jordan Taylor, Superior Roofing Solutions, natlawreview.com)
Case studies from hurricane-prone regions show that metal roofs frequently outperform other materials when it comes to withstanding debris and severe weather. While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term value and eligibility for insurance discounts due to durability and fire resistance are often worth the investment.
TPO Roofing—When to Consider It
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) roofing is one of the fastest-growing options in the commercial flat roofing sector, with increasing adoption in residential low-slope applications. TPO’s popularity is largely due to its energy efficiency, strong UV resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
TPO membranes are available in multiple thicknesses, with reinforced versions providing extra durability for high-traffic or storm-vulnerable roofs.
For Florida projects, TPO membranes offer excellent reflectivity, reducing roof surface temperatures and helping lower cooling costs—key benefits in the state’s heat (danesroofing.com).
TPO is especially suited for flat or low-slope roofs where ponding water and heat are concerns. Its seams are heat-welded for waterproofing, and it resists mold and chemical exposure. While TPO may not have the long track record of asphalt or metal, its rapid adoption signals growing confidence in its performance and value.
The “Order Together” Checklist That Prevents Second Runs
A missed product category can stall an entire job. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you avoid second runs and keep projects moving:
- Confirm roof system type: Asphalt, metal, or TPO—each requires different accessories.
- Check underlayment: In Florida, upgrade to a self-adhering membrane that meets secondary water barrier requirements for hurricane resilience (rrsa.us).
- Verify ventilation: Balanced intake and exhaust ventilation is crucial to prevent humidity issues and extend roof life.
- Include fasteners, sealants, and flashing: Each system has unique requirements—don’t rely on generic parts.
- Inspect for code compliance: Double-check that all chosen materials meet Florida’s strict wind and fire codes.
- Plan for delivery: Schedule your drops in advance to align with jobsite access and crew timing.
Many code violations and callbacks trace back to skipped ventilation or underlayment upgrades rather than the main roofing system.
Pro Tip: Upgrading underlayment and ventilation isn’t just about meeting code—it can also qualify homeowners for additional insurance discounts.
Before you order, browse roofing materials to confirm you’ve covered every system and accessory.
Delivery Planning Note
Too many jobsite delays are caused by delivery mishaps or last-minute component shortages. Planning ahead not only keeps your crew moving but also protects your project from weather and access surprises.
Our extended Saturday hours and app-based scheduling make jobsite coordination even more flexible for busy Florida crews.
For help with roofing material delivery, our team is ready to coordinate same-day, next-day, or Saturday options built for the Florida market.
Common Myths, Risks, and Florida-Specific Red Flags
It’s tempting to assume that all roofing advice applies equally everywhere, but Florida’s climate and codes introduce some unique risks and misconceptions:
- Myth: Metal roofs attract lightning.
Fact: Metal roofs don’t attract lightning more than other materials; they actually dissipate energy safely if struck. - Myth: TPO is always the same.
Fact: Performance can vary significantly between manufacturers—always check specifications for UV resistance and seam strength. - Risk: Overlapping materials incorrectly or skipping required underlayment can lead to moisture traps, mold, or failed inspections.
- Insurance Caveat: Some insurers may only cover actual cash value (not replacement cost) for roofs over a certain age, regardless of material.
- Code Change Alert: Florida’s building code is updated regularly—staying current is critical to avoid costly rework or compliance issues.
Homeowners often underestimate the impact of code changes on insurance eligibility—an out-of-date roof can mean much higher premiums.
Quick Comparison Table—Which Roofing System Fits Your Job?
| Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing | TPO Roofing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 12–25 years in Florida | 40–70 years | 20–30 years |
| Cost | Low upfront | Higher upfront, lower lifecycle | Moderate |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate (absorbs heat) | High (reflective) | High (reflective) |
| Maintenance | Regular inspections needed | Minimal, occasional cleaning | Regular seam and surface checks |
| Insurance Discounts | Possible with impact-rated products | Yes, for wind/fire resistance | Possible, if meets wind/impact code |
| Resale Value | Neutral | Positive | Variable (mostly commercial) |
Final Checklist and Next Steps
To make your next roofing project in Florida smooth and code-compliant:
- Match the system (asphalt, metal, TPO) to your job’s constraints.
- Confirm all code-required accessories and upgrades.
- Schedule delivery with a supplier that understands Florida’s market.
For expert advice on code compliance, permitting docs, or bilingual support, reach out to our team.
Ready to get started? Browse roofing materials or schedule delivery today.
References
- Big News Network. (2025). Florida Roofing Contractors Report Surge in Hurricane-Resistant Installation Requests Following Recent Storm Season. https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278755445/florida-roofing-contractors-report-surge-in-hurricane-resistant-installation-requests-following-recent-storm-season
- RRSA. (n.d.). What Florida Law Says About Wind Insurance and Your Roof. https://www.rrsa.us/blog/p.180618000/what-florida-law-says-about-wind-insurance-and-your-roof/
- My Florida CFO. (n.d.). Premium Discounts for Hurricane Loss Mitigation. https://www.myfloridacfo.com/docs-sf/consumer-services-libraries/consumerservices-documents/understanding-coverage/consumer-guides/premium-discounts-for-hurricane-loss-mitigation.pdf?sfvrsn=cf7d1fb8_11
- National Law Review. (2025). Roofing Expert Jordan Taylor Outlines Key Advantages Metal Roofing. https://natlawreview.com/press-releases/roofing-expert-jordan-taylor-outlines-key-advantages-metal-roofing
