Florida Building Code Roofing Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

Florida has the toughest roofing building codes in the United States, and for good reason. Decades of hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe weather have shaped a code that prioritizes wind resistance, water intrusion prevention, and structural integrity above all else. If you are planning a roof replacement or new construction in Pinellas County in 2026, understanding these requirements is not optional. It is the foundation of a roofing project that will pass inspection, satisfy your insurance company, and protect your home for decades.

The Florida Building Code is updated on a three-year cycle, with each edition incorporating lessons learned from recent storms, advances in building science, and alignment with the International Building Code and International Residential Code. The version in effect throughout 2026 is the 8th Edition, adopted in 2023. This guide covers the key roofing sections, wind requirements, material standards, and permit processes that apply to residential roofing work in Pinellas County under the 8th Edition.

The 8th Edition Florida Building Code: What Changed

The 8th Edition of the Florida Building Code took effect on December 31, 2023, replacing the 7th Edition (2020). It is based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), with Florida-specific amendments that address the state's unique wind, rain, and hurricane exposure.

For roofing, the 8th Edition brought several notable updates:

• Updated wind speed maps: Refined wind speed contours based on improved meteorological data, with some areas seeing slight adjustments to their design wind speeds.
• Enhanced underlayment requirements: Clarified standards for synthetic underlayment products and their wind resistance testing requirements.
• Expanded product approval requirements: Strengthened the Florida Product Approval system, requiring more comprehensive testing documentation for roofing materials sold in the state.
• Updated references: Incorporation of current ASTM and testing standards for roofing materials, fasteners, and installation methods.
• Solar panel provisions: Updated requirements for rooftop solar installations, including attachment methods and wind resistance standards for solar racking systems.

For most homeowners in Pinellas County, the practical impact of the 8th Edition changes is relatively modest. The fundamental requirements for wind resistance, secondary water barriers, nail patterns, and permitted materials remain substantially similar to the 7th Edition. However, contractors must be working from the current edition, and permit applications referencing older code editions will not be accepted.

Key FBC Roofing Sections You Should Know

The Florida Building Code spans thousands of pages across multiple volumes. For residential roofing, the most relevant sections fall within the FBC Residential volume. Here are the sections that directly impact your roofing project:

Section R903: Weather Protection

Section R903 establishes the overarching weather protection requirements for roof assemblies. This section mandates that the roof must be designed and installed to protect the building and its contents from weather, specifically addressing:

• R903.2 - Flashing: Requires flashing at wall and roof intersections, wherever a change in roof slope or direction occurs, and around all roof penetrations. Flashing must be corrosion-resistant metal or approved alternative materials. In Pinellas County's salt-air environment, aluminum or galvanized steel flashing should be used at minimum, with stainless steel recommended for homes within a few miles of the Gulf.
• R903.2.1 - Secondary water barrier (sealed roof deck): This is one of Florida's most important code requirements. In areas with basic wind speeds of 120 mph or greater (which includes all of Pinellas County), the roof deck must include a secondary water barrier. This secondary barrier provides a backup layer of water protection if the primary roofing material is damaged or blown off during a storm.
• R903.4 - Roof drainage: Requires that all roof areas drain to a discharge point that does not cause erosion or water damage. This affects gutter design, downspout placement, and the overall slope of the roof system.

Section R905: Requirements for Roof Coverings

Section R905 is the most detailed roofing section and covers specific material requirements for every type of roof covering. The subsections most relevant to Pinellas County residential roofing include:

• R905.1 - Roof covering application: General requirements that apply to all roof coverings, including the requirement that materials must be listed in the Florida Product Approval system and installed according to manufacturer instructions and the FBC.
• R905.2 - Asphalt shingles: Specific requirements for asphalt shingle installation, including deck requirements, underlayment, fastening, and wind resistance standards. In high-wind areas like Pinellas County, shingles must meet ASTM D3161 Class F (110 mph) or ASTM D7158 Class H (150 mph) wind resistance testing.
• R905.3 - Clay and concrete tile: Requirements for tile roof installations, including attachment methods (mortar set, mechanical fastening, or adhesive set), underlayment requirements, and specific wind resistance testing for tile systems.
• R905.4 - Metal roof shingles: Standards for metal shingle products, including wind resistance testing and corrosion resistance requirements.
• R905.10 - Metal roof panels: Requirements for standing seam and other metal panel roofing systems, including structural attachment, wind uplift resistance, and seam integrity standards.

Section R906: Roof Deck Requirements

Section R906 addresses the structural roof deck that supports the roofing material. Key requirements include:

• Minimum deck thickness: Plywood and OSB roof decking must meet minimum thickness requirements based on rafter or truss spacing. For standard 24-inch on-center framing, the minimum is typically 7/16-inch OSB or 15/32-inch plywood.
• Fastening requirements: Roof deck panels must be fastened to the structural framing with specific nail sizes and spacing. In high-wind areas (all of Pinellas County), enhanced nailing patterns are required, typically 8d ring-shank nails at 4 inches on center at edges and 8 inches on center in the field.
• Re-roofing provisions: The code addresses when the existing roof deck must be inspected and potentially replaced during a re-roofing project. If existing decking does not meet current thickness or condition requirements, it must be brought up to code.

Wind Speed Maps and Design Pressures

Understanding wind speed requirements is essential for any roofing project in Pinellas County. The 8th Edition FBC uses ultimate design wind speeds (also called risk-targeted maximum component and cladding wind speeds) expressed as 3-second gust speeds in miles per hour.

What the Wind Speed Maps Show

The FBC wind speed maps divide Florida into zones based on the expected maximum wind speeds for different risk categories of buildings. For residential construction (Risk Category II), Pinellas County wind speeds generally range from 130 mph in inland areas to 150 mph or higher along the Gulf coast and barrier islands.

These numbers represent the ultimate wind speed that the building and its components (including the roof) must be designed to resist. They are significantly higher than the older nominal wind speeds used in pre-2010 codes, so direct comparison to older numbers is not meaningful. A home that previously had a 110 mph "nominal" wind speed requirement might now show a 150 mph "ultimate" wind speed requirement, but the actual engineering forces are roughly equivalent.

Exposure Categories Explained

The exposure category describes the terrain surrounding the building, which affects how wind loads are calculated:

• Exposure B: Urban and suburban areas with closely spaced buildings and trees. Provides the most wind shielding. Some inland neighborhoods in Pinellas County qualify as Exposure B.
• Exposure C: Open terrain with scattered obstructions. This is the most common designation in Pinellas County, applying to most neighborhoods that are not densely built or heavily treed.
• Exposure D: Flat, unobstructed areas facing large bodies of water. Applies to properties directly along the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay waterfronts with no significant wind barriers between the water and the building.

The combination of wind speed and exposure category determines the actual wind design pressures that the roofing system must resist. Higher wind speeds and more exposed locations result in greater pressures, which require stronger fastening, heavier materials, or more robust attachment methods.

How Wind Design Pressures Affect Your Roof

Wind does not simply push on a roof. It creates complex pressure patterns that vary across the roof surface. The highest pressures occur at corners and edges, where wind separates from the roof surface and creates powerful suction forces that try to pull the roofing material upward and off the building.

The FBC divides the roof into three zones for pressure calculation:

• Field: The interior area of the roof, away from edges and corners. This zone experiences the lowest wind pressures.
• Perimeter: The areas along the edges and ridge of the roof. Pressures here are significantly higher than in the field.
• Corner: The areas at roof corners, where two edges meet. These zones experience the highest wind pressures on the roof.

Roofing products approved for use in Florida are tested and rated for specific design pressures. The product's rated pressure must equal or exceed the calculated design pressure for each zone on your specific roof. Your contractor and the building department will verify this during the permit review process.

Secondary Water Barrier Requirements

The secondary water barrier (also called a sealed roof deck) is one of Florida's signature code requirements and one of the most important protections for your home during a hurricane. The concept is straightforward: if the primary roof covering (shingles, tile, metal panels) is damaged or blown off during a storm, the secondary water barrier provides a backup waterproof layer that keeps rain out of the building until repairs can be made.

When Is a Secondary Water Barrier Required?

Under the 8th Edition FBC, a secondary water barrier is required for:

• New construction in areas with basic wind speeds of 120 mph or greater (all of Pinellas County)
• Full re-roofing projects where the existing roof covering is completely removed
• Re-roofing projects where the roof deck is exposed during the work

For re-roofing projects that are classified as a "re-cover" (installing new material over the existing roof without removing it), the secondary water barrier requirement may not apply because the existing roof serves as the secondary layer. However, re-covers are limited in scope and frequency by the code (you generally cannot have more than two layers of roofing material).

Methods to Achieve a Secondary Water Barrier

The FBC recognizes several methods to create a compliant secondary water barrier:

The self-adhering modified bitumen method provides the most reliable secondary water barrier because it creates a continuous, fully bonded waterproof membrane. However, it is also the most expensive option. The sealed nail pattern method is the most commonly used in Pinellas County because it provides strong protection at a lower cost and uses materials that most contractors stock regularly.

Nail Patterns and Fastening Requirements

Proper fastening is the difference between a roof that survives a hurricane and one that peels off like a banana skin. The FBC specifies detailed nail patterns for both the roof deck and the roof covering, with enhanced requirements for high-wind areas like Pinellas County.

Roof Deck Nailing

The roof deck (plywood or OSB sheathing) must be fastened to the structural framing with:

• Nail type: 8d ring-shank nails (2.5 inches long, 0.131 inch diameter) or equivalent approved fasteners
• Edge nailing: 4 inches on center along all panel edges (the perimeter of each sheet where it rests on a rafter or truss)
• Field nailing: 6 inches on center in the interior of each panel (where intermediate rafters or trusses support the panel)
• Enhanced zones: At gable end walls and within 4 feet of hip or ridge locations, spacing may be reduced to 3 inches on center at edges for additional resistance

These enhanced nailing patterns are significantly more intensive than what is required in lower-wind regions, where 6-inch edge and 12-inch field spacing is common. The tighter spacing ensures the roof deck stays connected to the structural frame even when extreme suction forces are trying to pull it away.

Shingle Nailing

For asphalt shingles in Pinellas County:

• Number of nails: Six nails per shingle strip (compared to four nails in standard wind areas)
• Nail type: Minimum 12-gauge (0.105 inch diameter) with 3/8-inch minimum head diameter, corrosion-resistant
• Penetration: Must penetrate through the roof deck at least 3/4 inch, or through the full thickness of the deck if less than 3/4 inch thick
• Placement: According to manufacturer specifications, typically in a line above the adhesive strip with specific distances from each side and between nails
• Starter course: Requires sealant or self-sealing starter strips at the eave edge

Improper nail placement is one of the most common code violations found during roofing inspections in Pinellas County. Nails placed too high on the shingle miss the reinforcing layer and provide inadequate hold. Nails placed too low can crack the exposed tab of the shingle below. Your contractor should be using a nailing pattern guide and spot-checking placement throughout the installation.

Tile Fastening

Clay and concrete tile installations in Pinellas County require mechanical fastening (nails, screws, or clips) for each tile rather than relying solely on mortar or gravity. The specific fastening requirements depend on the tile profile, the roof slope, and the wind zone:

• All tiles mechanically fastened: Every tile must be individually attached to the roof deck or battens with corrosion-resistant fasteners
• Perimeter and corner tiles: Enhanced fastening with additional clips or screws at roof edges, ridges, hips, and within the first two to three courses from any edge
• Underlayment: Two layers of underlayment are typically required under tile roofs, with the first layer serving as the secondary water barrier

Underlayment Requirements

Underlayment is the layer of material installed between the roof deck and the final roof covering. It serves as a secondary moisture barrier and provides temporary weather protection during construction. The 8th Edition FBC has specific underlayment requirements based on the type of roof covering being installed.

For Asphalt Shingle Roofs

• Minimum one layer: ASTM D226 Type II (30 lb felt), ASTM D4869 Type III or IV, or approved synthetic underlayment
• Enhanced areas: Self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen underlayment at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations
• Ice barrier (not typically required in Pinellas County): Florida's warm climate generally eliminates ice dam concerns, but enhanced underlayment at eaves is still required for water protection
• Secondary water barrier: When required (all of Pinellas County), the underlayment installation method must achieve sealed roof deck status as described above

For Metal Roofs

• Minimum one layer: ASTM D226 Type II or approved synthetic underlayment
• High-temperature underlayment: For metal roofs, the underlayment must be rated for the elevated temperatures that occur under metal panels in Florida's sun. Standard felt underlayment can degrade prematurely under metal roofing.
• Slip sheet: Some metal roof manufacturers require a slip sheet between the underlayment and the metal panels to allow thermal movement without damaging the underlayment

For Tile Roofs

• Two layers recommended: The first layer of underlayment (or a self-adhering membrane) serves as the secondary water barrier. A second layer provides additional protection and is the standard practice for tile installations in Pinellas County.
• Compatibility: The underlayment must be compatible with the tile system and any batten strips or adhesive systems used for tile attachment

Synthetic vs Felt Underlayment

Synthetic underlayment has become the dominant choice for Florida roofing projects, and for good reason:

In Florida's climate, where unexpected rain during construction is a near certainty, synthetic underlayment's ability to resist water and wind during the installation process provides a practical advantage. Most reputable roofing contractors in Pinellas County now use synthetic underlayment as their standard product.

Permit Requirements for Roofing in Pinellas County

Every roofing project in Pinellas County requires a building permit, with very limited exceptions. Understanding the permit process helps you plan your project timeline and ensures compliance with the Florida Building Code.

What Requires a Permit

• Full roof replacement (tear-off and re-roof)
• Re-cover (new material over existing)
• Roof repairs exceeding a certain square footage or percentage of the total roof area (typically 25% in most jurisdictions)
• Any structural modifications to the roof system
• New roof construction
• Solar panel installation on the roof

What May Not Require a Permit

• Minor repairs (replacing a few damaged shingles or tiles, typically less than 2 roofing squares)
• Emergency temporary repairs to prevent water intrusion (though a permit for permanent repair is still required)

The Permit Process

The typical permit process for a roofing project in Pinellas County follows these steps:

1. Application submission: Your contractor submits the permit application to your local building department, including project scope, material specifications, and (for larger projects) engineering calculations.
2. Plan review: The building department reviews the application to verify code compliance. For simple re-roofs, this may be same-day or next-day. Complex projects may take 1 to 2 weeks.
3. Permit issuance: Once approved, the permit is issued and must be posted visibly at the job site.
4. Inspections: The building department performs inspections at key stages. For roofing, this typically includes a deck inspection (after old material is removed and before new underlayment is installed) and a final inspection (after all work is complete).
5. Final approval: After passing the final inspection, the permit is closed and the project is officially complete in the eyes of the building department.

Permit Fees

Permit fees vary by jurisdiction within Pinellas County but typically range from $200 to $600 for a standard residential re-roofing project. Some jurisdictions calculate fees based on the project value, while others use flat fee schedules. Additional fees may apply for plan review, re-inspections (if the initial inspection reveals issues), and technology or processing surcharges.

HVHZ Additional Requirements

The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) is a specially designated area within the Florida Building Code that encompasses Miami-Dade County and Broward County. The HVHZ has the most stringent construction requirements in the state, including requirements that go beyond the standard FBC.

Pinellas County is not in the HVHZ. However, understanding HVHZ requirements is relevant for two reasons: first, many roofing products that are marketed in Florida carry both standard FBC approval and HVHZ approval, and choosing HVHZ-approved products can provide additional performance assurance. Second, some of the HVHZ concepts have influenced standard FBC requirements over time, and understanding the full spectrum of Florida code helps you appreciate the protections built into even the standard code.

Key HVHZ Requirements That Differ from Standard FBC

While Pinellas County does not require HVHZ compliance, homeowners who want the highest level of protection can specifically request HVHZ-rated products and installation methods. Some insurance companies may offer additional discounts for HVHZ-rated roofing systems installed outside the HVHZ.

Florida Product Approval System

Every roofing product installed in Florida must be approved through the Florida Product Approval system. This system ensures that all building products sold in the state have been tested and demonstrated to meet Florida Building Code requirements.

There are two paths to product approval:

• Statewide Product Approval: Products tested and approved for use throughout Florida. These products are listed in the Florida Building Commission's Product Approval database and can be used in any Florida jurisdiction (except the HVHZ, which has its own additional requirements).
• Local Product Evaluation: Products evaluated and approved by a local building official for use within their specific jurisdiction. This path is less common and generally used for products that have not completed the statewide approval process.

When your contractor selects roofing materials, they should be able to provide the Florida Product Approval number for each product. You can verify these approvals on the Florida Building Commission website. This verification is one simple step that ensures your new roof uses code-compliant materials.

Re-Roofing Rules: What the Code Allows

The FBC has specific rules governing re-roofing (replacing an existing roof on a standing building), including limitations on re-covers and requirements for tear-offs.

Maximum Roof Layers

The code generally limits the total number of roofing layers to two. If your home already has two layers of roofing material (an original layer plus one re-cover), the next project must be a full tear-off down to the deck. This limitation exists because excessive weight from multiple layers can stress the roof structure, and buried layers make it impossible to inspect the deck for damage.

When a Tear-Off Is Required

Even if you have only one existing layer, a tear-off is required when:

• The existing roof deck is damaged, deteriorated, or does not meet current thickness requirements
• The existing roofing material is not compatible with the new material (for example, you cannot install shingles over an existing tile roof without tear-off)
• The existing roof shows evidence of moisture damage, mold, or rot in the deck or structure
• You want to take advantage of the opportunity to install a secondary water barrier (which requires access to the roof deck)

Energy Code Requirements During Re-Roofing

When re-roofing, the Florida Energy Code may require additional insulation if the existing attic insulation does not meet current minimums. For Pinellas County (Climate Zone 2), the minimum attic insulation requirement is R-38. If your attic has less than R-38 during a re-roofing project, the building department may require you to add insulation to bring it up to code. This requirement applies to full tear-off projects and may apply to re-covers depending on the jurisdiction.

Wind Mitigation Inspections and Insurance

While not technically a building code requirement, wind mitigation inspections are closely tied to code compliance and have significant financial implications for Pinellas County homeowners. A wind mitigation inspection evaluates your roof and building envelope for features that reduce vulnerability to wind damage.

Florida law requires insurance companies to offer premium discounts for homes with qualifying wind mitigation features. The inspection form (OIR-B1-1802) evaluates:

• Roof covering: FBC-compliant materials installed after 2002 receive the best rating
• Roof deck attachment: Enhanced nailing patterns (8d ring-shank at close spacing) receive better ratings
• Roof-to-wall connection: Hurricane clips, straps, or structural connectors receive credits
• Roof geometry: Hip roofs receive better ratings than gable roofs due to superior wind performance
• Secondary water barrier: Sealed roof decks receive the best rating in this category
• Opening protection: Impact-rated windows and doors or approved shutters

A new roof installed to current 8th Edition FBC standards will automatically qualify for the best ratings in several of these categories. The resulting insurance savings can be $500 to $2,000 per year or more, which over the life of the roof can amount to significant returns on the roofing investment. After your new roof is completed, schedule a wind mitigation inspection and submit the results to your insurance company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What version of the Florida Building Code is in effect in 2026?

The 8th Edition of the Florida Building Code, adopted in 2023, is in effect throughout 2026. This edition incorporates updates based on the 2021 International Building Code and International Residential Code with Florida-specific amendments. The 8th Edition took effect on December 31, 2023, and will remain in force until the 9th Edition is adopted.

What are the wind speed requirements for roofing in Pinellas County?

Pinellas County wind speed requirements generally range from 130 to 150 mph ultimate design wind speed under the 8th Edition Florida Building Code. Coastal areas and barrier islands have higher requirements. These are ultimate (3-second gust) wind speeds. Your specific requirement depends on your exact address and exposure category.

Is a secondary water barrier required for roofing in Florida?

Yes. Under Section R903.2 of the 8th Edition FBC Residential, the roof deck must include a secondary water barrier in areas where the basic wind speed is 120 mph or greater, which includes all of Pinellas County. This can be achieved through self-adhering membrane, enhanced nail patterns with approved underlayment, or foam adhesive application.

Do I need a permit for a roof replacement in Pinellas County?

Yes. A building permit is required for any roof replacement or re-roofing project in Pinellas County. Permit fees typically range from $200 to $600 depending on the project scope and your local jurisdiction. Your roofing contractor should handle the permit application.

What nail pattern is required for roof shingles in Florida?

In Pinellas County, six nails per shingle strip are typically required (versus four nails in lower-wind areas). Nails must be corrosion-resistant, minimum 12-gauge with 3/8-inch minimum head diameter, and must penetrate the roof deck at least 3/4 inch.

What is the High Velocity Hurricane Zone and does it affect Pinellas County?

The HVHZ includes Miami-Dade County and Broward County only. Pinellas County is not in the HVHZ. However, Pinellas County still has strict wind requirements due to its coastal location. Homeowners who want maximum protection can request HVHZ-rated products even though they are not required.