If you live in a homeowners association in Central Florida and need a new roof, a 2024 change to state law affects how the association reviews your application. This guide explains what HB 293 did, what it left alone, and how to get a reroof through architectural review without a fight. It is general information, not legal advice.
What HB 293 Changed
HB 293 amended the Homeowners’ Association Act, Fla. Stat. § 720.3035, in 2024. Two things changed for roofs:
- Associations must adopt hurricane protection specifications for each structure or improvement in the community. The specifications can cover color, style and similar factors, but they have to comply with the Florida Building Code.
- Associations may not deny an application to install, enhance or replace hurricane protection that conforms to those adopted specifications.
The statute defines hurricane protection broadly. The list includes roof systems recognized by the Florida Building Code that meet the ASCE 7-22 standard, permanent and roll-down storm shutters, impact-resistant windows and doors, polycarbonate panels, reinforced garage doors, erosion controls, exterior fixed generators and fuel storage tanks.
What It Did Not Change
- You still have to apply. Architectural review is not eliminated; the law limits denials of conforming applications.
- The association still sets the specifications. If the community’s adopted specification is a particular color family or profile, a roof outside it is not protected by the statute.
- The Florida Building Code still governs. A roof that fails code is not hurricane protection under the statute.
- Condominiums are governed by a different chapter (Fla. Stat. ch. 718); this guide covers HOAs under chapter 720.
What Counts as a Qualifying Roof System
In practice, a new roof installed under a permit to the current Florida Building Code, by a licensed contractor, using products with Florida Product Approval and installed to the high-velocity or high-wind requirements for the site, is a code-recognized roof system. Shingle, metal, tile and flat systems can all qualify. What the association can still regulate is appearance: color, profile and style, provided its specifications comply with code.
How to Get an HOA Reroof Approved
- Get the association’s specifications. Ask the management company for the adopted hurricane protection specifications and the architectural review application. If no specifications have been adopted yet, ask when the board plans to adopt them; the statute requires it.
- Get a written estimate that names the product. The application needs the manufacturer, product line, color, and usually a spec sheet or sample. A Sunny Roofing estimate lists all of it.
- Assemble the packet. Application, estimate, spec sheet, color sample, contractor license (CCC1333142) and certificate of insurance, start date.
- Submit and track. Note the date submitted. Many association documents set a response deadline; ask what it is.
- If denied, ask for the reason in writing. Compare the reason with the adopted specifications. A denial of a conforming application is what the statute prohibits. Speak with an attorney if the board will not reconsider.
For Boards
Boards that have not adopted hurricane protection specifications should do so with counsel; the statute requires it and it removes ambiguity from every future application. Specifications that name approved materials, color families and profiles by building type give owners a clear target and give the committee an objective basis for decisions. Sunny Roofing provides product and color references to associations building their lists, and handles community and clubhouse roofing for boards.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HB 293 mean my HOA has to approve any roof I want?
No. It means the association cannot deny a hurricane protection application that conforms to the specifications it adopted. Color, style and similar factors in those specifications still apply.
My HOA has not adopted any specifications. What then?
The statute requires the association to adopt them. Ask the board in writing. Until then, submit the application with full documentation and keep a record; how a board handles applications before adoption is a question for an attorney.
Does a metal roof count as hurricane protection?
A metal roof installed to the Florida Building Code and the ASCE 7-22 wind standard is a code-recognized roof system, which the statute lists as hurricane protection. Appearance rules in the adopted specifications still apply.
Can the HOA require a specific contractor?
Associations generally require a licensed and insured contractor and may ask for the license and certificate of insurance. Whether they can name a single contractor depends on the governing documents.
Sources
Fla. Stat. § 720.3035 (Homeowners’ Association Act, architectural control); Florida House of Representatives, CS/HB 293 (2024), Hurricane Protections for Homeowners’ Associations, enrolled bill and final bill analysis. Consult the current statute text and an attorney for your community’s situation.
Talk to Sunny Roofing
Sunny Roofing is a veteran-owned, BBB A+ accredited, Florida-certified roofing contractor (CCC1333142) serving Orlando and Central Florida since 2018. Every job gets a dedicated project manager, a 15-year workmanship warranty and a cleanup guarantee. Book a free inspection online or call (561) 650-1355.