Roofing is one of the most heavily inspected trades in Florida construction. Hurricane wind load requirements, secondary water barrier rules, and Florida Building Code specifics make roofing inspections more detailed than in most states. This guide covers what roofing contractors need to know about permits, inspections, and common failure points.
When Is a Roofing Permit Required in Florida?
A roofing permit is required in Florida for any roofing work that involves more than 25% replacement of a roof covering within a 12-month period. Re-roofing projects require permits in all Florida jurisdictions, as does any structural roof work, new construction roofing, and installation of roof-mounted equipment.
What Florida Roofing Inspections Cover
Dry-In / Underlayment Inspection
- Secondary water barrier (SWB) installation — required for new construction and re-roofing in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and other HVHZ jurisdictions
- Underlayment type and fastening per manufacturer and FBC approval
- Eave drip edge installation before underlayment
- Valley flashing installation
- Roof deck sheathing condition and fastening
Final Roofing Inspection
- Shingle or tile installation per manufacturer specifications and FBC product approval
- Ridge cap installation
- All penetrations flashed correctly (pipes, vents, skylights)
- HVAC curb flashing
- Fascia and soffit condition
- Gutter attachment at eave
Wind Mitigation and Product Approvals
Florida requires that roofing materials carry a Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) for the specific wind speed and exposure category of the project location. High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requirements in Miami-Dade and Broward are more stringent than the rest of the state.
Contractors must retain product approval documentation on-site at inspection. Using unapproved products is an automatic failure and can result in a stop-work order.
Common Florida Roofing Inspection Failures
- Secondary water barrier missing or improperly installed
- Fastening pattern does not match product approval requirements
- Product approval numbers not matching installed materials
- Flashing at wall/roof intersections incomplete
- Drip edge installed in wrong sequence (over underlayment at eave, under at rake)
- Attic ventilation inadequate per FBC Section R806
Single Trade Roofing Inspections with Tew & Taylor
Tew & Taylor provides single-trade private inspections for roofing contractors who need inspection coverage outside the municipal queue. If you’re waiting on a building department inspection to make progress, a private provider inspection gets you moving same-day or next-day depending on the municipality. Results are submitted directly to the building department. Contact us to schedule.
Work with Florida’s Most Reliable Private Provider
Tew & Taylor has been providing private inspections, plan review, and permitting support across Florida since 2008. Same-day and next-day inspections. 2-day plan review average. Licensed under F.S. §553.791.
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