June 24, 2025
By: Chris Dawson and Luc Mazzini
On May 19, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 715 (HB 715) into law, enacting significant updates to Florida’s roofing regulations. Effective immediately, the law introduces key changes for roofing contractors and residential homeowners, particularly regarding contracts executed during a declared state of emergency.
The following outlines the most notable changes introduced by the “Roofing Services” bill, highlighting new consumer protections for homeowners and tighter compliance requirements for roofing contractors – especially in the context of declared emergency situations.
What is the “Roofing Services” bill / HB 715?
HB 715 reflects Florida’s ongoing commitment to hurricane preparedness and consumer protection by:
- Allowing roofing contractors to perform critical roof-to-wall strengthening work,
- Clarifying and tightening homeowners’ cancellation rights following emergencies, and
- Mandating clear insurance coverage notices in all residential roofing contracts.
In response to these changes, contractors should update their contract templates to include the new insurance notice and adjust cancellation language as required by HB 715, as well as train their teams on the expanded scope of roofing work and updated compliance standards. Homeowners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their cancellation rights and verify insurance coverage and policy terms with their providers before signing any roofing contract.
How are Roofing Contractors Impacted by HB 715?
Historically, licensed roofing contractors in Florida were not authorized to evaluate or improve roof-to-wall connections—commonly called “hurricane straps”—which are critical structural components that help protect buildings during high-wind events.
HB 715 changes that by expanding the definition of “roofing contractor” to include the evaluation and enhancement of roof-to-wall connections for structures with wood roof decking, as specified in Section 706 of the Florida Building Code. These enhancements must:
- Be performed in conjunction with a roof covering replacement or repair; and
- Be installed and inspected according to the Florida Building Code, the Office of Insurance Regulation’s (OIR) uniform mitigation verification inspection form, or project-specific engineering standards that exceed these requirements.
This revision provides greater flexibility for homeowners seeking to strengthen their homes against future storms and creates new business opportunities for licensed roofing contractors.
Who Benefits from HB 715?
Under previous law, homeowners who signed roofing contracts after a declared state of emergency could cancel the contracts within 10 days of signing or before work began. HB 715 keeps this 10-day cancellation right but clarifies the roofing contract must be signed within 180 days of the event that caused the emergency.
This change aims to protect homeowners from rushed or opportunistic contracts after disasters while providing clearer rules around cancellation rights.
How Does HB 715 Affect Insurance Notices in Roofing Contracts?
To increase homeowner awareness, all residential roofing contracts must now include the following advisory in bold, 14-point font:
“If the proposed work is related to an insurance claim, you, the residential property owner, should contact your insurance company to verify coverage for the proposed roofing work, including any claims, deductibles, and policy terms, before signing this contract. By signing this contract, you acknowledge that you have been advised to contact your insurance provider regarding coverage and reimbursement of the proposed work.”
This new notice requirement aims to improve homeowners’ understanding of their insurance coverage, helping to prevent disputes and reduce the likelihood of denied claims.
What Contract Formatting Changes is HB 715 Requiring?
Previously, roofing contracts signed during a state of emergency had to include a cancellation notice in 18-point bold font. HB 715 lowers this to 14-point bold font, matching the size of the new insurance notice. This subtle change helps streamline contract formatting while maintaining the prominence of required disclosures.
Conclusion
HB 715 introduces important updates to Florida’s roofing laws, enhancing consumer protections and tightening contractor requirements. By expanding roofing contractors’ scope of work, clarifying homeowners’ cancellation rights, and requiring clearer insurance notices, the law better supports both homeowners and contractors, especially during declared states of emergency. Contractors and homeowners alike should understand these changes to ensure compliance and promote stronger, safer roofing practices throughout Florida. These reforms were shaped by ongoing dialogue between key lawmakers and industry stakeholders, including efforts supported by the GrayRobinson Government Affairs and Lobbying Team.
Questions?
Contact GrayRobinson Shareholder and Government Affairs Advisor Chris Dawson or Associate Attorney Luc Mazzini, or a member of the Construction Team.