Emergency Roof Repair in Florida: What to Do When Disaster Strikes

Living in Pinellas County means accepting a certain level of storm risk. Situated on a narrow peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Pinellas is exposed to hurricanes from the Gulf side, tropical storms tracking across the state, severe afternoon thunderstorms from June through October, and the occasional tornado that spins off a larger storm system. Any of these events can damage or destroy a roof with little warning.

When it happens, the adrenaline is pumping, water is coming into your house, and you need to make decisions fast. This is exactly when people make their most expensive mistakes: signing contracts with storm chasers, failing to document damage before cleanup, waiting too long to file insurance claims, or attempting dangerous DIY repairs on a compromised structure.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about emergency roof repair in Florida, from the first minutes after damage to the final permanent repair. Whether you are reading this after a storm just hit or preparing for the next hurricane season, this information could save you thousands of dollars and weeks of frustration.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

Before you worry about your roof, worry about your family. Roof damage can create structural instability, electrical hazards, and conditions that make a home dangerous to occupy.

• Check for structural compromise. If walls are leaning, ceilings are sagging, or you can see daylight through the roof structure (not just shingles missing, but actual holes through the decking), evacuate immediately. A partially collapsed roof can finish collapsing at any time, especially if it continues to rain.
• Watch for electrical hazards. Water intrusion through the roof can reach electrical wiring, junction boxes, light fixtures, and outlets. If water is dripping near any electrical components, turn off the power at the breaker panel before entering the affected area. If you cannot safely reach the breaker panel, call your utility company (Duke Energy in Pinellas County: 800-228-8485) to cut power at the meter.
• Do not go on the roof. A damaged roof is an unstable roof. Missing shingles may indicate that the decking underneath is also compromised. Wet roof surfaces are slippery. And if the storm is still ongoing or returning, conditions can deteriorate without warning. Leave the roof inspection to professionals.
• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a gas line has been damaged by a fallen tree or structural shift, evacuate immediately and call 911 or TECO Peoples Gas (877-832-6747).
• Account for everyone. Make sure all family members and pets are safe and accounted for before turning your attention to property damage.

Step 2: Document Everything Before You Touch Anything

This step is critical for your insurance claim and cannot be emphasized enough. Before you move debris, before you throw tarps, before you clean up a single thing, document the damage thoroughly.

How to Document Roof Damage

• Take wide-angle photos from the ground. Walk around the entire perimeter of your home and photograph the roof from every angle. Capture the overall scene, not just close-ups of damage. Your insurance adjuster needs to understand the scope of the event.
• Photograph specific damage points. Get close-up shots of missing shingles, holes in the decking, fallen trees or branches on the roof, damaged flashing, displaced tiles, or any visible structural damage. Include a reference object (a coin, a ruler, your hand) for scale in close-up photos.
• Record video. A slow, narrated video walkthrough is incredibly valuable for insurance claims. Describe what you see as you record. "This is the northeast corner of the house, you can see where the wind peeled back approximately 20 feet of shingles and the underlayment is exposed."
• Document interior damage. Photograph every water stain, wet ceiling, dripping area, and damaged personal property. If water is actively entering the home, video of the active leak is especially powerful for your insurance claim.
• Record the date and time. Make sure your phone's date/time stamp feature is enabled on photos. If it is not, take a screenshot of a clock or time/date display and include it in your documentation sequence.
• Save everything. Back up your photos and videos to the cloud immediately. If your phone is damaged later or the photos are accidentally deleted, your documentation is gone and your insurance claim becomes much harder to support.

Step 3: Prevent Further Damage (Temporary Repairs)

Under Florida law and under the terms of virtually every homeowner's insurance policy, you have a duty to mitigate further damage to your property after a covered loss. This means you are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent additional water intrusion after your roof is damaged. Failing to mitigate can give your insurer grounds to deny coverage for the secondary damage.

Temporary repairs are exactly what they sound like: quick, non-permanent fixes designed to keep water out until permanent repairs can be made. They are not about making the roof look good or restoring it to pre-storm condition. They are about stopping the bleeding.

Emergency Tarping

Tarping is the most common temporary repair after storm damage. A properly installed tarp covers the damaged area, extends past the ridge line (if possible), and is secured with 2x4 lumber screwed through the tarp into the roof decking. A tarp that is only held down with weights or tied to gutters will blow off in the next storm.

DIY tarping (only if safe): If the damage is on a low-slope, accessible section of roof and weather conditions are calm, a physically capable homeowner can install a basic tarp. Use a heavy-duty poly tarp (minimum 6 mil thickness, ideally reinforced), extend it at least 4 feet past the damaged area on all sides, fold the edges around 1x3 or 2x4 lumber strips, and screw through the lumber/tarp into the roof decking using 2-inch screws every 12-16 inches. This is a temporary measure and should be replaced by a professional installation as soon as possible.

Professional emergency tarping: A licensed roofing contractor will install a more secure and effective tarp system. Professional tarping in Pinellas County typically costs $500-2,500 depending on the damaged area's size, roof pitch, and accessibility. Keep the receipt. This cost is typically reimbursable through your insurance claim as a mitigation expense.

The FEMA Blue Roof Program

After a presidentially declared major disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may activate the Blue Roof Program. This program, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides free temporary roofing for qualifying homeowners.

The "blue roof" is not a standard blue tarp. It is a heavy-duty, fiber-reinforced polyethylene sheeting that is custom-fitted to the damaged section of your roof and secured with battens. It provides significantly better protection than a DIY tarp and is designed to last up to 30 days (though it often remains effective for several months).

Blue Roof Program eligibility:

• You must own the home (renters should contact their landlord)
• The home must be your primary residence
• The roof must have storm-caused damage that allows water to enter
• The home must be structurally sound enough to support workers on the roof
• The roof damage must not exceed 50% of the total roof area (for safety reasons)

How to sign up: When the Blue Roof Program is activated after a hurricane, you can register at blueroof.us or call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258). Registration is time-limited, typically opening within a week of the disaster declaration and closing 30-60 days later. Accepting a Blue Roof does not affect your insurance claim in any way.

Interior Mitigation

While addressing the exterior, do not neglect the inside of your home:

• Place buckets under active leaks and empty them regularly
• Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from wet areas
• Remove wet carpet and padding to prevent mold growth (Florida's humidity accelerates mold formation)
• Set up fans and dehumidifiers in affected areas
• If drywall ceilings are sagging with trapped water, carefully puncture the lowest point with a screwdriver (over a bucket) to release the water before the entire ceiling collapses under the weight

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

File your insurance claim as quickly as possible. Florida law gives you two years from the date of loss to file a property insurance claim for hurricane and storm damage (per the 2023 legislative reforms). However, "as quickly as possible" means hours or days, not weeks or months.

Why Speed Matters

The longer you wait to file, the harder it becomes to connect the damage to the specific storm event. Insurance companies know this and will scrutinize late-filed claims more closely. Filing within 24-72 hours, combined with time-stamped photo documentation, creates a clear causal link between the storm and the damage.

What to Have Ready When You Call

• Your policy number
• Date and time of the damage event
• Description of the damage (be specific but honest; describe what you can see)
• Photos and video (you may be asked to email or upload these)
• Temporary repair receipts (tarping costs, emergency board-up, etc.)
• Contact information for the adjuster to reach you

The Insurance Claim Timeline in Florida

After a major hurricane affecting all of Pinellas County, these timelines can stretch significantly. Adjusters are overwhelmed with claims, contractors are booked for months, and materials may be in short supply. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, some Florida homeowners waited 6-12 months for permanent repairs. Planning for this reality is part of the process.

Step 5: Find the Right Emergency Contractor (Not a Storm Chaser)

Within hours of a major storm, unfamiliar trucks with out-of-state plates start rolling into affected neighborhoods. These are storm chasers: contractors (or people posing as contractors) who travel from disaster to disaster, soliciting business from desperate homeowners. Some are legitimate but overpriced. Many are unlicensed, uninsured, or downright fraudulent.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Storm Chaser

• They knock on your door unsolicited. Legitimate local contractors have more work than they can handle after a storm. They are not walking neighborhoods looking for customers.
• Out-of-state license plates on their trucks. While some out-of-state contractors are legitimately licensed in Florida, it is a yellow flag that warrants verification.
• They ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB). An AOB transfers your insurance rights to the contractor, letting them deal directly with your insurer. Florida has restricted AOBs for property insurance claims, and signing one removes your control over the claim. Never sign an AOB.
• They want a large cash deposit before any work begins. Deposits for roofing work in Florida are normal (10-30% of the contract), but demands for 50% or more upfront, especially in cash, are a major red flag.
• They offer to "waive your deductible." This is insurance fraud. Florida law prohibits contractors from absorbing or waiving insurance deductibles as an inducement to earn business. If a contractor offers this, walk away and report them.
• They cannot provide a permanent local business address. A P.O. box, hotel address, or "we just opened an office here" is not the same as an established local business.
• They pressure you to sign immediately. "If you don't sign today, we can't guarantee availability." This is a high-pressure sales tactic, not a legitimate business practice. After a declared emergency, Florida law gives homeowners a 10-day right to cancel contracts with roofing contractors.

How to Find a Legitimate Emergency Contractor in Pinellas County

• Start with your existing contractor. If you have a relationship with a local roofing company from previous work, call them first. They will prioritize existing customers.
• Verify the Florida license. Every roofing contractor in Florida must hold a state-issued Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) or Registered Roofing Contractor (RC) license. Verify at myfloridalicense.com.
• Check for local roots. Look for contractors with a verifiable Pinellas County business address that predates the storm. Check Google Maps Street View to confirm the address is real.
• Confirm insurance. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing current general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Call the insurance company to verify the policy is active.
• Get written estimates. Even in an emergency, get at least two to three written estimates before committing to a permanent repair contract. Emergency tarping can be done immediately by whoever is available, but permanent repairs should be competitively bid.

Average Emergency Roof Repair Costs in Pinellas County

Note: Florida's price gouging statute (Florida Statute 501.160) prohibits charging "unconscionably excessive" prices for essential services during a declared state of emergency. While emergency roof repair will always cost more than scheduled work (due to urgency, after-hours labor, and working conditions), a contractor who quotes triple the normal rate during a hurricane is violating state law. Document quotes and report suspected price gouging to the Florida Attorney General's hotline: 1-866-9NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).

Hurricane Season Preparation: Reducing Your Emergency Risk

The best emergency roof repair is the one you never need. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps before hurricane season (June 1 through November 30) to reduce your risk and improve your response time if a storm does hit.

Before Hurricane Season

• Get a professional roof inspection. Have a licensed Pinellas County roofing contractor inspect your roof in April or May, before hurricane season begins. They will identify loose shingles, deteriorating flashing, compromised sealant, and any other vulnerabilities that could fail in a storm. Fixing these issues proactively costs a fraction of what emergency repairs cost after a storm.
• Clear debris from the roof and gutters. Clogged gutters cause water to back up under the roof edge during heavy rain. Debris on the roof can become projectiles in high winds. Clean everything before storm season.
• Trim overhanging branches. Any branch that extends over your roof is a falling hazard during storms. Trim branches back at least 6-10 feet from the roof surface. In Pinellas County, many trees near the coast (especially Australian pines) are notorious for breaking in even moderate winds.
• Check your attic from inside. Look for daylight coming through the roof, signs of previous water staining, soft or discolored decking, and any areas where the underlayment or decking appears compromised.
• Review your insurance policy. Know your deductible (hurricane deductibles in Florida are typically 2-5% of the dwelling coverage amount, not a flat dollar figure). Understand what is covered and what is excluded. If your policy has a separate wind/hail deductible, know what it is.
• Document your roof's current condition. Take dated photos of your roof from every angle when it is in good condition. This "before" documentation is extremely valuable if you need to file a claim later and prove the damage was storm-related, not pre-existing.

When a Hurricane Is Approaching

• Secure loose rooftop items. Satellite dishes, antennas, solar panel mounting brackets, and any rooftop equipment that is not permanently secured can become dangerous projectiles.
• Stage emergency supplies. Have tarps, plywood, 2x4s, screws, a battery-powered drill, a ladder, and flashlights ready. Even if you hire a professional for tarping, having materials on hand speeds the process.
• Know your contractor's number. Having an established relationship with a local roofer means you are not scrambling to find one in the aftermath of a storm. Ask your contractor about their post-storm emergency process.
• Photograph your entire property. Updated photos taken the day before a storm are the strongest possible evidence for an insurance claim.

Pinellas County Emergency Resources

After a major storm event, these local resources can help Pinellas County homeowners:

• Pinellas County Emergency Management: (727) 464-3800 or visit pinellascounty.org/emergency
• Pinellas County Building Department: (727) 464-3888 for permit questions about emergency repairs
• Duke Energy (power outages): (800) 228-8485 or duke-energy.com/outages
• TECO Peoples Gas (gas emergencies): (877) 832-6747
• FEMA Disaster Assistance: (800) 621-3362 or disasterassistance.gov
• FEMA Blue Roof Program: (888) 766-3258 or blueroof.us (active only after a declared disaster)
• Florida Attorney General (price gouging): (866) 966-7226
• Florida DBPR (contractor license verification): myfloridalicense.com
• National Weather Service Tampa Bay: weather.gov/tbw for real-time storm tracking

After the Emergency: Planning Your Permanent Repair

Once the immediate emergency is handled (tarping, insurance claim filed, interior damage mitigated), your focus shifts to permanent repair. This transition is where patience becomes important. The urge to get everything fixed immediately is understandable, but rushing into a permanent repair contract with the first available contractor often leads to poor outcomes.

• Get multiple estimates. Even after a major storm when contractors are scarce, get at least two to three written estimates before signing a permanent repair contract. Prices vary significantly, and the most expensive quote is not always the best work.
• Understand the permit process. All roof repair work in Pinellas County that exceeds minor patching requires a building permit. Your contractor should pull this permit. If they suggest skipping the permit, find a different contractor. Unpermitted work can void your insurance, create problems when you sell the home, and potentially violate your mortgage agreement.
• Consider upgrading. If your roof was nearing the end of its life and storm damage forces a major repair, this may be the right time for a full roof replacement rather than patching an aging system. Your insurance may cover the full replacement if the damage is extensive enough.
• Watch for mold. In Florida's humidity, mold can begin forming on wet building materials within 24-48 hours. If your home experienced significant water intrusion, have a mold assessment done before permanent repairs close up the affected areas. Sealing mold behind new drywall or roofing does not solve the problem.
• Keep all documentation. Save every receipt, contract, photo, email, and text message related to the damage and repair. You may need these for insurance supplemental claims, tax deductions, or future warranty issues.

Types of Roof Damage and What They Mean

Not all storm damage is created equal. Understanding the type and severity of damage helps you communicate with your contractor and insurance adjuster more effectively.

• Missing shingles or tiles: This is the most common storm damage and is usually repairable. If only the surface material is missing and the decking and underlayment are intact, a repair (rather than full replacement) is appropriate. However, if more than 25-30% of the roof is affected, a full replacement is often more cost-effective.
• Lifted or creased shingles: Wind can lift shingles, break the adhesive seal strip, and crease the shingle without completely removing it. These shingles are compromised and should be replaced even if they appear to be in position. Once the seal strip bond is broken, the shingle will likely blow off in the next wind event.
• Decking damage: If the decking is exposed, cracked, or penetrated, this is a more serious repair. Decking damage means water has a direct path into the attic space. Emergency tarping is critical, and permanent repair will involve replacing damaged decking sections.
• Structural damage: Broken trusses, collapsed ridge beams, or shifted framing is the most severe type of damage. This requires structural engineering assessment and may involve temporary shoring to prevent further collapse. Do not enter a home with suspected structural roof damage.
• Flashing damage: Wind can peel back or dislodge flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall/roof intersections. Flashing damage causes leaks at penetration points and is relatively inexpensive to repair but must be addressed quickly because these are the most common leak locations.
• Fallen tree or branch impact: Impact damage can crack decking, break trusses, and puncture multiple layers of the roof system. The tree must be removed carefully (often requiring a crane or skilled arborist) to avoid causing additional damage during removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after my roof is damaged in a Florida storm?

First, ensure everyone in the home is safe and evacuate if the structure is compromised. Then document all visible damage with photos and video before touching or cleaning anything. Prevent further damage by placing tarps over leaking areas if you can safely do so. Contact your insurance company within 24 hours to file a claim. Call a licensed, local roofing contractor for an emergency inspection and temporary repair. Do not climb on the damaged roof yourself, and do not sign any contracts with door-to-door storm chasers.

How much does emergency roof tarping cost in Florida?

Emergency roof tarping in Pinellas County typically costs $500-2,500 depending on the size of the damaged area and accessibility. A standard tarp installation covering a 10x10-foot area costs $500-800. Larger areas or multiple damage points run $1,000-2,500. The FEMA Blue Roof Program provides free temporary tarping when activated after a presidentially declared disaster. Emergency tarping costs are typically reimbursable through your homeowner's insurance claim.

What is the FEMA Blue Roof Program?

The FEMA Blue Roof Program is a free temporary roofing service provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after a presidentially declared major disaster. It installs heavy-duty fiber-reinforced sheeting over damaged roofs to provide temporary weather protection for up to 30 days. The program is free, does not affect your insurance claim, and is available to owner-occupied primary residences. Register at blueroof.us or call 1-888-ROOF-BLU when the program is activated.

How do I avoid storm chasers after a hurricane in Florida?

Never sign a contract with someone who knocks on your door unsolicited after a storm. Verify contractor licenses at myfloridalicense.com. Look for a permanent local business address, not a P.O. box. Never sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) document. Get at least three estimates from local Pinellas County contractors before committing. Florida law gives homeowners a 10-day right to cancel roofing contracts signed during a declared emergency.

How long do I have to file a roof damage insurance claim in Florida?

Under current Florida law, property insurance claims must be filed within two years of the date of loss. However, filing within 24-72 hours is strongly recommended. Quick filing with time-stamped photo documentation creates a clear connection between the storm and the damage. Delayed reporting makes claims harder to support and gives insurers more room to question whether the damage was storm-related.