Do You Need a Permit for a New Roof in Florida?

Yes—you absolutely need one. Florida law requires a permit for full roof replacement. That permit isn’t just a piece of paper; it ensures your new roof meets wind, fire, and construction standards. Without it, there’s no inspection by your local building department. That may sound like extra work, but you only get one shot at doing it right. At Honest Abe Roofing Orlando, we always pull permits to protect your investment.

Why Roofing Permits Are Essential in Florida

Putting up a roof involves much more than nailing shingles. Local inspectors check underlayment, flashing, fasteners, and the final roof system. If something doesn’t meet code, they let us know so we can correct it. Working with a licensed contractor who pulls permits ensures that second set of eyes is on your roof. That extra check often catches issues before they become problems. It may add a few days to the process, but it could prevent weeks or months of trouble later.

Risks of Replacing a Roof Without a Permit

Skipping a permit may save money upfront but can cost dramatically more later. Many homeowners have replaced their own roofs or hired someone who offered no permit—until insurance companies noticed. When public records don’t show a permit, insurers may cancel your policy. That’s because they view unpermitted roofs as higher risk. During a storm, your claim may be denied because your roof wasn’t inspected. That’s a gamble with your peace of mind and savings.

No Permit, No Warranty

Manufacturers of shingles or tiles set strict installation guidelines. They enforce warranty protection only when the roof is installed by a certified professional and inspected. Skip the permit process and you skip the essential documentation. When defects appear—leaks, cracking, premature wear—you may not have coverage. This can cost thousands in repairs or replacement. Honest, code-compliant installation protects your warranty.

The Impact on Your Home and Resale Value

Your biggest asset deserves the best protection from the start. Even a small mistake in installation—missing flashing, wrong nails, uneven overlap—can reduce performance over time. A permitted project means the installation is checked at multiple stages. That builds confidence in the durability of the roof you just paid for. It also benefits future resale, as buyers often check permitting history. An unpermitted roof can derail a sale or force expensive retroactive fixes.

Why We Always Pull Permits

Here at Honest Abe Roofing Orlando, permit pulling is not an option—it’s a promise. When we install your roof, we obtain the permit from the city or county office. We schedule all inspections—underlayment, shingles, final sign-off—and address every note the inspector makes. That documentation goes into your homeowner file for insurance and real estate needs. We back our work with industry-leading labor warranties and manufacturer guarantees. If anything goes wrong, we’ll make it right.

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Contractors offering a “no-permit” bargain should set off alarms. Often, they cut corners on inspections and materials. When you discover leaks after the fact, there’s no permit trail or certification to protect you. Honest Abe Roofing Orlando stands behind every job with licensed professionalism. We’re invested in doing the job right and keeping your home safe and compliant. In Florida’s climate, with heavy rains and high winds, that level of care matters more than ever.

Understanding the Role of Roof Inspections

Homeowners sometimes believe, “It’s just shingles—how hard can it be?” The truth is roofing is complex. Weather resistance, ventilation, structural support, and legal compliance all come into play. Permit inspections measure compliance with building codes that reflect local standards. They offer peace of mind, knowing your home is built to withstand whatever nature brings. A professional installation with full permitting protects you today—and tomorrow.

Smart Questions to Ask Your Roofer

What should you ask your next roofer? Simply: “Will you pull the permit before starting?” And: “Can I review the permit and inspection documentation?” A trustworthy contractor will welcome those questions. They’ll present proof of permit applications, show inspection records, and outline available warranties. At Honest Abe Roofing Orlando, we also highlight our certification with major shingle manufacturers.

The Value of a Properly Installed Roof

Let’s talk about why proper roofing matters beyond the obvious. A well-installed roof maintains indoor air quality by preventing moisture intrusion. It also contributes to energy efficiency by supporting insulation and reducing heat transfer. That translates into quieter, cooler rooms, lower energy bills, and a healthier home environment. It’s about living with comfort and security long after the crew has left. That’s the standard we aim for with every roof we build.

Insurance and Warranty Concerns

Insurers are growing more vigilant about permitting. They regularly run records checks against public databases. If your roof isn’t listed or lacks an inspection sign-off, they may increase premiums—or drop coverage altogether. Florida homeowners recently found this out the hard way after storms. Their insurers refused renewal due to unpermitted work. The result was forced replacements and massive out-of-pocket costs.

Manufacturer Protections You May Lose

It’s not only about insurance. If warranty-covered materials start failing, manufacturers will require documentation of certified installation. That documentation includes proof of proper underlayment, flashing technique, and fastener patterns—sometimes confirmed by inspection. If your roof lacks these records, you're on your own for repair or replacement. Honest Abe Roofing Orlando ensures every roof meets these specs.

Why Buyers and Appraisers Check Permits

And what about resale value? Appraisers and buyers often request to see all permitting records. Without them, they may reduce your home’s appraised value. Buyers may be wary, fearing hidden issues or uninspected work. That can translate into lower offers—or even cancelled contracts. A fully permitted and inspected roof offers transparency and trust.

Our Installation and Inspection Process

Our process is simple and thorough. First, we inspect your existing roof and determine if it needs replacement or patching. We provide a clear, itemized estimate that includes permit fees. Once approved, we handle permit application and notify you when it’s issued. We schedule the work to align with underlayment and final inspections. When the job is done, you receive your final inspection and all supporting documents.

Warranties That Protect You Long-Term

Our workmanship warranties extend from one year up to 10 years, depending on materials. Manufacturer warranties range from 25 to 50 years on select shingle lines. These warranties matter—only if your roof is installed correctly and legally. We make sure your warranties stand up when you need them most. And if an issue arises, Honest Abe Roofing Orlando takes care of it directly, no runaround.

Red Flags to Watch for in Roofing Quotes

Remember: if a roofer offers to work without pulling a permit, they’re asking you to take a gamble. They’re asking you to trust them without oversight. You’re relying solely on their word that the job is done right—which may not be enough when roofs fail. Don’t risk your home or your finances. Ask questions. Look for licensing. Demand the paperwork.

Take the Next Step with Honest Abe Roofing Orlando

When it’s time for a new roof, take the stress out of the process. Start by scheduling a free inspection with Honest Abe Roofing Orlando. We’ll meet with you at your home, assess your situation, and review next steps. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your roof will be permitted, inspected, and warrantied. That piece of mind is worth every bit of paperwork involved.

We’re proud of our reputation, and our clients say it best. On our Google My Business page, homeowners share how we handled every detail—from permits to cleanup. On Facebook and Instagram, photos show clean installations and satisfied smiles. Our YouTube channel walks you through the permitting and inspection process. We believe in transparency and accountability at every stage.

Final Thoughts

Yes—Florida law mandates a permit for roof replacement. More importantly, permits ensure inspections, compliance, and long-term protection. At Honest Abe Roofing Orlando, pulling permits is our standard procedure—not an option. It benefits your insurance, warranty coverage, property value—and most importantly, your peace of mind. Don’t settle for less than professionals who do things right.

Book your free inspection now at honestaberoofingorlando.com/schedule.