Wind is the peril Florida policies are built around, and it is also where the fine print lives. Two deductibles, a definition of what counts as damage, and a one-year clock all decide whether a wind claim pays. Here is how it works for a roof.
Two Deductibles
Florida policies carry a hurricane deductible, usually a percentage of the dwelling coverage, that applies when damage occurs during a named hurricane as defined in the policy. All other wind events, including tropical storms below hurricane strength, tornadoes and thunderstorm gust fronts, fall under the standard all-other-perils deductible, which is typically a flat dollar amount. Which deductible applies is the first question on every wind claim, and the storm date and weather-service records decide it.
What Counts as Wind Damage
- Missing shingles, tile or metal panels
- Creased shingles with a broken mat, which will not reseal
- Lifted shingles whose seal strip broke, even if they lie flat now
- Torn or displaced underlayment
- Bent, lifted or missing flashing, drip edge, ridge and hip caps
- Impact damage from wind-blown debris and fallen limbs
Aged, brittle shingles that would have failed in any breeze are the carrier’s usual counter-argument. Documentation that shows fresh breaks, storm-date correlation and damage patterns consistent with wind direction is what overcomes it. Sunny Roofing’s wind damage inspection is free and produces that report.
The Claim Process
- Tarp or dry in any opening the same day; mitigation is required by the policy and the cost is usually reimbursed.
- Get a free inspection with a dated photo report.
- File the claim with the date of loss within one year (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132).
- Meet the adjuster with the report in hand.
- Review the scope. Ask about matching (Fla. Stat. § 626.9744) if the repair would leave a visible patch, and about the 25 percent rule (Fla. Stat. § 553.844) if the roof predates the 2007 code.
- Schedule the work and complete the final documentation for any holdback.
Protections You Should Know
You cannot be cancelled or non-renewed for a windstorm claim (Fla. Stat. § 627.4133(3)). Insurers cannot refuse to write or renew a policy solely because of roof age on roofs under 15 years old, and older roofs can qualify with an inspection showing at least five years of remaining life. The full list of laws with statute links is on the insurance claim assistance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover wind damage on an old roof?
Yes, if the damage is from wind and not from age. The report must separate the two. Roof age affects renewal, not whether a covered loss is paid.
What if only a few shingles blew off?
It is still a covered loss if it exceeds your deductible. Small wind repairs often fall under the deductible on hurricane claims and above it on other-wind claims, which is why the deductible question matters.
Should I file a wind claim or pay for the repair?
Compare the repair estimate to the deductible that applies. If the repair is below it, pay cash. If it is above it, file; a legitimate storm claim cannot be used to drop you.
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.