Can a Buyer Insure My Cape Coral Home if the Roof Is 15+ Years Old in 2026?

Yes, a buyer can often insure a Cape Coral home with a roof that's 15 or more years old, because Florida law lets the homeowner get a roof inspection first, and an insurer can't refuse a policy solely over roof age if that inspection shows at least 5 years of useful life left. I'm Frank Glaab, P.A., a Realtor with Epique Realty in Cape Coral, and here's what Southwest Florida sellers should know.

What does Florida law say about roof age and homeowners insurance?

Under Florida Statutes s. 627.7011(5), an insurer may not refuse to issue or renew a homeowner's policy solely because of the age of a roof that is less than 15 years old. For a roof that is at least 15 years old, the insurer must allow an inspection by an authorized inspector, at the homeowner's expense, before requiring a roof replacement. If that inspection shows 5 or more years of useful life remaining, the insurer can't refuse the policy solely because of roof age. These rules apply to policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2022 (Florida Statutes s. 627.7011, reviewed Nov. 2026).

It doesn't cover mobile home policies, and insurers can still decline for other lawful underwriting reasons.

How is my roof's age counted?

The statute counts age from the last date 100 percent of the roof's surface was built or replaced to the building code in effect at that time. Your roof permit and the contractor's paperwork help show that date.

Should I get a roof inspection before I list my Cape Coral home?

For an older roof, it often makes sense. Buyers in Cape Coral usually need a policy in place before closing, so roof questions tend to come up during the inspection period. A recent roof report, your permit date and repair receipts answer those questions before a contract, and any problems show up before you set your price.

Can a wind mitigation report help a buyer's premium?

It can. Florida Statutes s. 627.0629 requires residential property insurance rate filings to include discounts, credits or deductible reductions for features shown to reduce windstorm loss. Since Oct. 1, 2023, insurers must describe their hurricane mitigation discounts on their websites (Florida Statutes s. 627.0629, reviewed Nov. 2026).

If I repair part of the roof, does the whole roof need to meet current code?

Not always. Florida Statutes s. 553.844(5) says if an existing roof or roof section was built, repaired or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, and 25 percent or more of it is repaired or replaced, only the repaired portion must meet the current code (Florida Statutes s. 553.844, reviewed Nov. 2026). Ask a licensed roofer how that applies to your home.

What should I do next?

Gather your roof permit date and receipts, and consider an inspection and wind mitigation report before you list. You can request a free home value estimate, browse current Cape Coral homes for sale, or read how the 2027 Lee County flood map update may affect your flood zone. Already listed a while? See my home not selling guide.

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Talk with a licensed Florida insurance agent about your specific policy.

FAQ

Can I sell a house in Florida with an old roof?

Yes. The buyer's ability to get insurance often shapes the deal, so a roof inspection helps.

Will insurance cover a 20 year old roof in Florida?

It can. For roofs 15 or more years old, Florida law lets the homeowner get an inspection, and an insurer can't refuse a policy solely over roof age if the roof has 5 or more years of useful life left.

Does a wind mitigation inspection lower insurance in Cape Coral?

It can, because Florida requires insurers' rate filings to include discounts for qualifying wind mitigation features. The amount depends on the home and the insurer.

Questions about selling a Cape Coral home with an older roof? Call or text Frank Glaab, P.A., Epique Realty, at (239) 243-6224 or email frank@movecapecoral.com.