Metal Roof Installation Costs by Type: Pinellas County 2026
The first thing to understand about metal roofing costs is that "metal roof" is not one product. There are several distinct types of metal roofing, each with different price points, performance characteristics, and aesthetic options. Here is what each type costs to install in Pinellas County as of 2026.
| Metal Roof Type | Cost Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 2,000 Sq Ft Roof | Lifespan | Wind Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Seam (Steel) | $12 - $18 | $24,000 - $36,000 | 40 - 60 years | 140 - 180 mph |
| Standing Seam (Aluminum) | $14 - $22 | $28,000 - $44,000 | 50 - 70 years | 140 - 180 mph |
| Corrugated Metal (Steel) | $8 - $12 | $16,000 - $24,000 | 25 - 40 years | 110 - 140 mph |
| Corrugated Metal (Aluminum) | $10 - $14 | $20,000 - $28,000 | 30 - 50 years | 110 - 140 mph |
| Stone-Coated Steel | $10 - $18 | $20,000 - $36,000 | 40 - 60 years | 120 - 155 mph |
| Metal Shingles (Steel) | $9 - $15 | $18,000 - $30,000 | 35 - 50 years | 120 - 150 mph |
These are real-world prices from our Pinellas County installations in 2026. They include all materials, labor, underlayment, trim, flashing, and standard permits. Your actual cost may vary based on roof complexity, accessibility, and the current price of steel and aluminum commodities. For a broader comparison that includes non-metal options, check our complete metal roof cost guide.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing: The Gold Standard
Standing seam is the metal roofing system I recommend most often to Pinellas County homeowners, and for good reason. The concealed fastener design eliminates the number one failure point on metal roofs (exposed screws), and the interlocking panel system creates a virtually impenetrable barrier against wind and water.
Standing Seam Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | Steel (Per Sq Ft) | Aluminum (Per Sq Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Panels and trim | $5.00 - $8.50 | $6.50 - $11.00 |
| Underlayment (high-temp synthetic) | $1.00 - $2.00 | $1.00 - $2.00 |
| Flashing and accessories | $0.75 - $1.50 | $0.75 - $1.50 |
| Labor (installation) | $4.00 - $6.50 | $4.50 - $7.00 |
| Tear-off and disposal | $1.00 - $2.00 | $1.00 - $2.00 |
| Total installed | $12.00 - $18.00 | $14.00 - $22.00 |
Steel vs. aluminum for Pinellas County: This is one of the most common questions I field. Here is the short version: if your home is within a mile of the Gulf or Tampa Bay (think Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island, Gulfport, Safety Harbor waterfront), aluminum is the better choice because it will never rust from salt exposure. Galvalume steel with a quality PVDF coating (like Kynar 500) works fine for inland locations in Pinellas Park, Largo, or northern Seminole, but it cannot match aluminum's corrosion resistance in direct salt air.
Aluminum costs more upfront, but the premium is typically 15% to 25% over comparable steel. Given that we are talking about a roof you expect to last 50+ years on a coastal Florida property, paying the aluminum premium is almost always the right call for waterfront and near-coastal Pinellas County homes.
Corrugated Metal Roofing: Budget-Friendly Metal
Corrugated metal roofing offers the lowest entry price into metal roofing. The familiar wave or rib pattern is manufactured from steel or aluminum panels with exposed fasteners. At $8 to $14 per square foot installed, corrugated metal is roughly half the cost of standing seam while still providing many of the benefits that make metal roofing attractive in Florida.
However, I want to be honest about the trade-offs. Corrugated metal roofing uses exposed screws with rubber washers to fasten panels to the roof deck. Over time, especially in Florida's intense UV environment and temperature swings, those rubber washers degrade. After 10 to 15 years, they can crack, shrink, and allow water penetration. This is the Achilles heel of corrugated metal.
For that reason, corrugated metal makes the most sense for:
- Budget-conscious homeowners who want metal's durability but cannot afford standing seam
- Rental properties where maximum ROI matters more than maximum lifespan
- Covered porches, carports, and detached garages where aesthetics are less important
- Homes where the owner plans to sell within 15 to 20 years
If you choose corrugated, plan on having the exposed fasteners inspected and potentially re-sealed every 8 to 12 years. This is a relatively inexpensive maintenance task ($500 to $1,500) that extends the roof's life significantly. Schedule a professional roof inspection at the 10-year mark to evaluate fastener condition.
Stone-Coated Steel: The Look of Tile Without the Weight
Stone-coated steel has surged in popularity across Pinellas County in recent years, and I understand why. These panels are made from 26-gauge galvalume steel coated with ceramic stone granules that mimic the appearance of clay tile, concrete tile, wood shake, or traditional shingles. You get the durability and wind resistance of metal with an aesthetic that blends seamlessly into Florida's architectural styles.
At $10 to $18 per square foot installed, stone-coated steel sits in the middle ground between corrugated and standing seam. Premium brands like Decra, TILCOR, and Gerard command higher prices but offer better warranties and more realistic profiles.
Stone-Coated Steel Cost by Profile
| Stone-Coated Profile | Cost Per Sq Ft | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel Tile Profile | $12 - $18 | Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes |
| Flat Tile Profile | $10 - $16 | Modern and contemporary homes |
| Shake Profile | $11 - $17 | Craftsman and coastal-style homes |
| Shingle Profile | $10 - $15 | Traditional and ranch-style homes |
One major advantage of stone-coated steel for Pinellas County homeowners who currently have a tile roof: the weight difference is dramatic. Concrete tile weighs 9 to 12 pounds per square foot. Stone-coated steel weighs about 1.5 pounds per square foot. This means your existing roof structure can easily support stone-coated steel without any structural modifications, which saves money on the overall project.
The stone coating also provides better noise dampening than bare metal roofing, which is a real consideration during Florida's daily summer thunderstorms. While not as quiet as concrete tile, stone-coated steel with proper underlayment is significantly quieter than bare standing seam or corrugated metal.
Labor Costs for Metal Roof Installation in Pinellas County
Labor typically represents 30% to 40% of your total metal roof installation cost. In the Pinellas County and Tampa Bay market, experienced metal roofing crews are in strong demand, and labor rates reflect that. Here is what drives labor costs:
Factors That Increase Labor Cost
- Roof pitch: Steeper roofs require more safety equipment and slow down installation. Standard pitches (4:12 to 7:12) fall in the normal labor range. Steep pitches (8:12 and above) can add 15% to 25% to labor costs. Low-slope roofs (below 3:12) require different panel profiles and may also increase costs.
- Roof complexity: Every hip, valley, dormer, skylight, and penetration requires custom cutting, flashing, and careful fitting. A simple gable roof might take a crew 3 days. A complex hip roof with dormers, multiple penetrations, and varying elevations on a home in Belleair or Old Northeast St. Pete could take 7 to 10 days.
- Height and access: Two-story and three-story homes require additional scaffolding, longer material hoisting times, and more safety equipment. Expect a 10% to 20% labor premium for multi-story installations.
- Existing roof removal: Tearing off multiple layers of old shingles, concrete tile (which is heavy and requires specialized disposal), or damaged decking adds labor time. Budget $1 to $3 per square foot for tear-off, with concrete tile on the higher end.
- Decking repairs: Once the old roof is removed, damaged or rotted decking must be replaced before the new metal roof goes on. In Pinellas County, we find decking damage on roughly 30% to 40% of re-roofing projects, particularly on older homes in areas like Seminole, Kenneth City, and parts of south St. Petersburg. Decking replacement runs $3 to $6 per square foot for affected areas.
Typical Labor Rates by Metal Roof Type
| Metal Roof Type | Labor Cost Per Sq Ft | Installation Time (2,000 Sq Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Standing Seam | $4.00 - $7.00 | 5 - 7 days |
| Corrugated | $2.50 - $4.50 | 3 - 5 days |
| Stone-Coated Steel | $3.50 - $6.00 | 4 - 6 days |
| Metal Shingles | $3.00 - $5.50 | 4 - 6 days |
Permits and Inspections for Metal Roofing in Pinellas County
Every roofing project in Pinellas County requires a building permit, and metal roofing is no exception. Your contractor should handle the entire permit process, but here is what you need to know about costs and requirements:
Permit Costs by Municipality
| Municipality | Permit Cost Range | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | $400 - $900 | 3 - 7 business days |
| Clearwater | $350 - $800 | 3 - 5 business days |
| Largo | $300 - $650 | 2 - 5 business days |
| Pinellas Park | $300 - $600 | 2 - 5 business days |
| Dunedin | $300 - $600 | 2 - 4 business days |
| Tarpon Springs | $300 - $550 | 2 - 4 business days |
| Seminole | $300 - $550 | 2 - 4 business days |
| Unincorporated Pinellas County | $350 - $700 | 3 - 7 business days |
The inspection process for metal roofing in Pinellas County typically includes two mandatory inspections: a pre-cover inspection (after underlayment installation but before metal panels go on) and a final inspection (after the project is complete). Some municipalities require a third inspection for the initial tear-off/dry-in phase. Your contractor coordinates all inspections with the local building department. For more about what inspections involve and what inspectors look for, read our complete roof inspection guide.
Insurance Savings With a Metal Roof in Florida
This is where metal roofing really shines for Pinellas County homeowners, and it is the factor that often tips the cost-benefit analysis decisively in metal's favor. Florida's insurance market is among the most expensive in the nation, and your roof is the single biggest factor in your premium calculation.
Wind Mitigation Credits
Florida law requires insurance companies to offer premium discounts for homes that meet specific wind resistance criteria. A metal roof, particularly standing seam with concealed fasteners, qualifies for the highest credits in several categories:
- Roof covering: Metal roofing rated for the appropriate wind speed zone qualifies for FBC-equivalent or enhanced roof covering credits.
- Roof deck attachment: When metal roofing is installed over properly attached roof decking (8d nails at 6 inches on center or better), you qualify for the highest deck attachment credits.
- Roof-to-wall connection: Metal roofing systems with proper clips and straps connecting the roof structure to exterior walls earn the best roof-to-wall credits.
- Secondary water resistance: The sealed underlayment required under metal roofing in Florida qualifies for the secondary water resistance credit, which is one of the most valuable wind mitigation discounts available.
Real Insurance Savings Numbers
| Scenario | Annual Premium Before | Annual Premium After | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-year shingle to standing seam | $4,500 - $7,000 | $2,800 - $5,000 | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| 15-year shingle to corrugated metal | $3,800 - $6,000 | $2,600 - $4,500 | $800 - $1,800 |
| Old tile to stone-coated steel | $4,000 - $6,500 | $2,700 - $4,800 | $1,000 - $2,200 |
These numbers are based on real feedback from Pinellas County homeowners who shared their before-and-after insurance quotes with us. Your actual savings depend on your specific policy, carrier, home location, and other factors. But the trend is clear: metal roofing delivers substantial, ongoing insurance savings that offset a significant portion of the installation cost over time.
Pro tip: Schedule a wind mitigation inspection with a certified inspector within 30 days of your metal roof installation. Send the completed form to your insurance agent and request an updated quote. Do not wait for your policy renewal, as most carriers will apply credits mid-term.
Metal Roof Installation Process: What to Expect
Knowing what the installation process looks like helps you prepare and ensures there are no surprises. Here is the typical timeline for a metal roof installation on a Pinellas County home:
Week 1 to 2: Pre-Installation
- Contract signed and deposit collected
- Building permit application submitted to local municipality
- Materials ordered (custom-cut panels can take 1 to 3 weeks for delivery)
- HOA approval obtained if applicable (many Pinellas County communities require architectural review for metal roofing)
- Permit approved and inspections scheduled
Day 1: Tear-Off
The crew arrives early (typically 7:00 AM) and begins removing the existing roof. For a standard shingle roof, tear-off takes one day for a typical 2,000-square-foot home. Concrete tile tear-off may take 1.5 to 2 days due to the weight and disposal requirements. All debris goes into a dumpster positioned in your driveway.
Day 1 to 2: Deck Inspection and Repair
Once the old roof is off, the crew inspects the roof deck for damage. Any rotted, warped, or delaminated plywood or OSB gets replaced. In Florida, we frequently find moisture damage around old roof penetrations, in valleys, and along eaves. Deck repairs are typically completed the same day as tear-off.
Day 2 to 3: Underlayment and Dry-In
The high-temperature synthetic underlayment goes down over the repaired deck. This is a critical step in Florida because it serves as the secondary water barrier. The building inspector comes for the pre-cover inspection at this stage. Once approved, panel installation begins.
Days 3 to 7: Panel Installation
This is where the magic happens. Standing seam panels are cut to length on-site using a portable roll-forming machine, then lifted into position and mechanically locked at the seams. Corrugated panels are pre-cut and screwed into place. Stone- coated steel tiles are interlocked and fastened with concealed clips. Trim, ridge caps, flashing around penetrations, and valley details are completed last.
Final Day: Cleanup and Inspection
The crew does a thorough cleanup, running magnetic sweepers across the yard and driveway to collect any stray metal scraps or fasteners. The final building inspection is scheduled, and once passed, your project is complete.
Florida Building Code Requirements for Metal Roofing
Florida Building Code requirements affect your metal roof installation cost because they dictate specific materials, methods, and inspections. Here are the key requirements that apply in Pinellas County:
- Wind speed design requirements: Most of Pinellas County falls in the 130 to 150 mph ultimate design wind speed zone per ASCE 7. All metal roofing products and their attachment methods must be rated for your specific wind zone. Coastal areas and high-rise buildings may have additional requirements.
- Product approvals: Every metal roofing product installed in Florida must have a current Florida Product Approval (searchable at floridabuilding.org) or a Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance. Products without valid approvals cannot be permitted.
- Underlayment: FBC requires a minimum of one layer of approved underlayment beneath metal roofing. For best performance and to qualify for secondary water resistance insurance credits, we install self-adhering modified bitumen membrane on all our Pinellas County metal roof projects.
- Fastener requirements: The building code specifies minimum pullout resistance, spacing patterns, and corrosion resistance requirements for all roofing fasteners. Stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners are required for metal roofing in our salt-air environment.
- Energy code compliance: Florida's energy code requires that roofing materials meet minimum solar reflectance standards. Most factory-finished metal roofing panels meet or exceed these requirements, particularly lighter colors with cool-roof rated coatings.
Metal Roof ROI Analysis for Pinellas County
Let us run the real numbers on what a metal roof investment looks like compared to sticking with asphalt shingles over a 50-year period for a typical 2,000-square-foot Pinellas County home. This is the analysis that convinces most of our customers to make the switch.
| 50-Year Cost Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Standing Seam Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Initial installation | $16,000 | $30,000 |
| Replacements (3 over 50 yrs) | $54,000 | $0 |
| Maintenance and repairs | $12,000 | $2,000 |
| Insurance savings (cumulative) | $0 | -$60,000 |
| Added home value | $0 | -$8,000 |
| 50-Year Net Cost | $82,000 | -$36,000 |
The numbers tell a compelling story. Over 50 years, the standing seam metal roof not only costs less than repeatedly replacing asphalt shingles, it actually generates a net positive return when you factor in insurance savings and added property value. This is why we tell every Pinellas County homeowner: a metal roof is not an expense. It is an investment that pays you back.
For even more detail on roofing costs across all material types, visit our comprehensive Florida roof replacement cost guide or explore our main roofing resource page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roof Installation Cost
How much does metal roof installation cost in Pinellas County?
Metal roof installation in Pinellas County costs between $8 and $22 per square foot in 2026, depending on the metal type. Standing seam steel runs $12 to $18 per square foot, standing seam aluminum costs $14 to $22, corrugated metal is $8 to $14, and stone-coated steel ranges from $10 to $18. For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, total costs range from $16,000 to $44,000 fully installed.
How much can I save on insurance with a metal roof in Florida?
Florida homeowners with properly installed metal roofs typically save $500 to $2,500 per year on insurance premiums through wind mitigation credits and new roof discounts. In Pinellas County, the average annual savings we see reported is $1,200 to $1,800 for standing seam installations with full wind mitigation inspection credits.
Do I need a permit for metal roof installation in Pinellas County?
Yes, absolutely. Pinellas County requires a building permit for all roofing work regardless of material type. Permit fees range from $300 to $1,200 depending on your specific municipality. Any reputable roofing contractor will pull the permit on your behalf and coordinate all required inspections. Be very cautious of any contractor who suggests working without a permit, as this is illegal and will create serious problems if you ever file an insurance claim or try to sell your home.
How long does it take to install a metal roof in Pinellas County?
A typical metal roof installation takes 3 to 7 days on site, plus 1 to 3 weeks of pre-installation time for permits and material ordering. Standing seam installations generally take 5 to 7 days, while corrugated and stone-coated steel take 3 to 5 days. Weather delays are common during Florida's rainy season (June through September), so spring installations tend to go more smoothly.
What is the best type of metal roof for Florida hurricanes?
Standing seam metal roofing with concealed fasteners is the best metal roof type for hurricane resistance. The mechanically locked seams and hidden clip system provide wind ratings of 140 to 180+ mph, exceeding Pinellas County's building code requirements. This system also qualifies for the highest wind mitigation insurance credits, saving you the most on annual premiums.
Is standing seam or corrugated metal better for Pinellas County?
Standing seam is the superior choice for most Pinellas County homes. It offers higher wind ratings, concealed fasteners that eliminate leak-prone screw holes, better insurance credits, and a longer lifespan. Corrugated metal costs 30% to 50% less upfront but has exposed fasteners that degrade over time and lower wind ratings. For primary residences, the standing seam premium pays for itself through insurance savings and avoided maintenance. For secondary structures like detached garages, pool houses, or rental properties, corrugated can be a smart budget choice.