If you own a home in Tampa (or you’re thinking about buying or selling one), there’s one topic that comes up constantly in conversations with our clients: the roof.
And not just “Is it leaking?” — but how old it is, whether it was permitted, and if it’s going to be insurable.
We’re Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz, and with 40+ years of combined real estate experience in the Tampa Bay market, we can confidently say this: your roof can make or break a deal faster than almost anything else. Even more than kitchens, flooring, or paint colors.
Let’s break down what Tampa homeowners should know so you can protect your home’s value and avoid last-minute surprises.
Roof Age in Tampa: Why It Matters More Than You Think
In Florida, roof age isn’t just a “maintenance detail.” It’s a major factor in:
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Home insurance approval
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Insurance premium pricing
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Buyer confidence
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Appraisal and lender requirements
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Resale value
In many Tampa neighborhoods, we see homes with roofs that are technically “fine” structurally—but the insurance company sees them differently.
Here’s the reality: once your roof gets older, you may start getting insurance pushback even if it isn’t leaking. That’s because insurers aren’t just looking at today’s condition—they’re evaluating risk.
General roof lifespan estimates we see locally:
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Shingle roofs: often 15–25 years (depending on installation quality and storm exposure)
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Tile roofs: can last longer, but underlayment issues can still trigger insurance concerns
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Metal roofs: long lifespan, but still needs proper documentation and installation
The key takeaway? Roof age isn’t just about how long it lasts—it’s about what insurance companies will accept.
Permits: The “Paper Trail” That Protects You
One of the biggest surprises for Tampa homeowners is learning that even if a roof looks great, lack of permits can create serious problems when selling or insuring the home.
A roof replacement typically requires a permit, and insurance companies (and buyers) may ask for proof. That proof usually includes:
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Permit number
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Final inspection approval
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Contractor information
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Date of completion
Why does this matter so much?
Because if a roof was replaced without a permit, it can raise red flags like:
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Was it installed correctly?
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Was it done to code?
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Will it hold up in a storm?
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Will the insurance company accept it?
From our experience helping Tampa homeowners through transactions, a missing permit can delay closing, trigger re-inspections, or force last-minute negotiations.
If you’ve replaced your roof in the past and aren’t sure if it was permitted, don’t panic—but do verify it now, before it becomes a problem later.
Insurability: The #1 Roof Issue in Tampa Real Estate Right Now
This is the part we want every homeowner, buyer, and investor to understand:
A home can be beautiful, priced right, and in a great location—but if it can’t be insured, it may not be able to close.
Insurance impacts financing, and financing impacts whether the buyer can purchase the home.
In Tampa, we’ve seen buyers fall in love with a property, get under contract, and then hit a wall because:
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the roof is considered “too old”
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documentation can’t be provided
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a four-point inspection flags concerns
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the insurer requires replacement before binding coverage
That’s why we tell our sellers all the time: roof prep is listing prep.
If you’re selling, it’s smart to gather:
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the roof invoice
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permit and inspection documents
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warranty information (if applicable)
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any recent roof repairs or certifications
If you’re buying, you want to ask early:
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How old is the roof?
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Was it permitted?
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Can the seller provide proof?
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What does the inspection show?
Emeri & Joe’s Best Advice: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The best way to protect your home’s value in Tampa is to treat your roof like an asset—because it is.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning ahead, a seller preparing to list, or an investor running numbers, here’s our honest guidance:
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Know your roof’s age (don’t guess)
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Confirm permits and final inspections
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Get your documents organized before listing
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Expect insurance to ask questions—especially on older roofs
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Don’t wait until you’re under contract to find out there’s an issue
In a market like Tampa, being prepared gives you leverage. It reduces stress, protects your pricing, and keeps deals moving smoothly.
If you want, we’re happy to help you review your roof situation and talk through what it means for your next move—whether that’s selling now, buying soon, or investing wisely.
Because in Tampa real estate, the roof isn’t just part of the home—it’s part of the strategy.
