What should Orlando homeowners know before hiring a roofer?

In Orlando, every residential re-roof needs a permit, a dry-in inspection while the work is in progress, and a final inspection that checks deck nailing and the secondary water barrier. Skipping the dry-in can mean tearing off part of a new roof. Hire a roofer with an active Florida roofing license, and file a Notice of Commencement if the job exceeds $5,000.

Key facts for Orlando, FL

• During Hurricane Milton in 2024, Orange County winds peaked between 55 and 75 mph, locally as high as 87 mph, according to NWS Melbourne.
• A preliminary assessment after Milton reported 188 structures affected in Orange County, 32 with major damage.
• One of five indirect deaths in Orange County after Milton was a 67-year-old man who fell off his roof while cleaning storm debris.
• Orlando reinstated a required dry-in, or in-progress, inspection for all residential re-roofs on January 1, 2020.
• Orlando's final re-roof inspection confirms roof deck nailing and the secondary water barrier.
• Orlando requires a recorded Notice of Commencement when the value of the work exceeds $5,000.
• Homeowners doing their own roofing in Orlando must sign an Owner/Builder Declaration in person at the Permitting office.

What did recent hurricanes do to Orlando roofs?

The National Weather Service's Melbourne office says Hurricane Milton's winds in Orange County peaked between 55 and 75 mph, locally as high as 87 mph. Orange County Emergency Management reported scattered downed trees and power lines. Rain totals of 4 to 8 inches, locally up to 10, caused urban and street flooding.

A preliminary assessment counted 188 structures affected, 79 with minor damage and 32 with major damage. Among five indirect deaths in the county was a 67-year-old man who fell off his roof while cleaning debris. Leave roof work to equipped crews.

How does Orlando's re-roof permit work?

The City of Orlando requires a permit for residential roof replacement or repair. The application includes a residential re-roofing form covering the project cost, roof details, underlayment, covering and fasteners. If the work is worth more than $5,000, you must file a recorded Notice of Commencement.

Since January 1, 2020, the city requires a dry-in, or in-progress, inspection (inspection code 125) on all residential re-roofs. The final inspection confirms the roof deck nailing and the secondary water barrier. If a permit issued after that date misses the dry-in, the final can fail, and some or all of the roof covering may have to come off so inspectors can check underneath.

The city also requires a completed inspection affidavit for the final. Homeowners acting as their own contractor must sign the state's Owner/Builder Declaration in person.

How should Orlando homeowners vet a roofer?

Florida requires a state roofing license. Verify it on MyFloridaLicense.com and make sure a registered (RC) license covers Orlando. Ask the roofer to confirm, in writing, that they will schedule the dry-in inspection before covering the underlayment.

State law bars contractors from offering deductible waivers or gifts for an inspection or claim. Deposits over 10 percent trigger deadlines: permits within 30 days and work within 90 days after the permit issues.

How to choose a provider in Orlando, FL

• Verify an active Florida roofing license on MyFloridaLicense.com.
• Get it in writing that the roofer will schedule the dry-in inspection (code 125).
• Ask how the bid handles deck renailing and the secondary water barrier.
• File a Notice of Commencement if the job is over $5,000.
• Make sure the inspection affidavit is completed for the final.
• Get a written, itemized estimate before signing.
• Refuse any deductible waiver or gift tied to a claim.
• Don't climb on a storm-damaged roof yourself.

Nearby

• Tampa
• All of Florida

Questions people ask

Do I need a permit to reroof in Orlando?

Yes. The City of Orlando has a residential roof permit for replacing or repairing a home's roof, with a re-roofing form, a dry-in inspection and a final inspection.

What is a dry-in inspection?

It is an in-progress inspection (code 125) that Orlando reinstated for all residential re-roofs on January 1, 2020. It lets inspectors see the underlayment and deck nailing before the covering goes on.

What happens if my roofer skips the dry-in inspection?

Orlando says the final inspection may fail, and some or all of the roof covering may need to be removed so inspectors can verify the underlayment and sheathing nailing.

When do I need a Notice of Commencement in Orlando?

The city says a recorded Notice of Commencement is required if the value of the work exceeds $5,000.

How hard did Hurricane Milton hit Orange County?

NWS Melbourne reported winds peaking between 55 and 75 mph, locally 87 mph, and a preliminary count of 188 structures affected, 32 with major damage.

Sources

• NWS Melbourne: Hurricane Milton county impact narratives (2024)
• NWS Melbourne: Hurricane Milton impacts
• City of Orlando: Apply for a Residential Roof Permit
• Florida DBPR: License search
• Florida Statutes s. 489.147 (prohibited property insurance practices)
• Florida Statutes s. 489.126 (moneys received by contractors)
• OSHA: Fall prevention campaign

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.