2025 Roofing Code Changes NEFL Homeowners Should Know
Florida’s roofing codes just got a major upgrade—and if you’re planning a roof replacement in 2025, this matters. A lot.
With severe storms, aging housing stock, and rising insurance claims, the Florida Building Code (FBC) has introduced new requirements that directly impact how roofs are installed in Jacksonville, Nassau, and St. Johns County.
This guide breaks down the changes so you can protect your property, avoid failed inspections, and **choose a contractor who actually follows the law.
📜 What’s New in the 2025 Florida Roofing Code?
Here are the top changes every homeowner, investor, and builder needs to know:
🔩 1. Stricter Deck Nailing Patterns**
All roof decking must now be re-nailed with minimum 8d ring shank nails spaced 6” OC on center at edges and 12” OC in the field
Applies to both shingle and metal systems
Nailing pattern must be photo-documented for wind mitigation credits
🔍 Why it matters:
A failed inspection due to improper nailing can delay your project and void insurance compliance.
🧱 2. Mandatory Secondary Water Barrier (SWB)
All roof installations must include a self-adhering underlayment or foam sealant along the joints
This applies to homes in wind-borne debris regions, including most of NEFL
Required for wind mitigation and My Safe Florida Home grant eligibility
💡 MCR Pro Tip: This step isn’t optional anymore—ask your roofer what SWB system they use.
🌪️ 3. Enhanced Wind Zone Ratings
Roof systems in Wind Zones 2 and 3 must meet stricter uplift resistance standards
This affects neighborhoods near the coast: Fernandina Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra, Yulee
Starter shingles and hip/ridge caps must match uplift resistance of the field shingles
🏠 Why it matters: If your home is within 1 mile of the coast, your materials AND installation methods must meet higher standards—or the permit can be denied.
💧 4. Underlayment Changes (No More 15# Felt)
Synthetic underlayment or peel-and-stick systems** are now required on all sloped roofs
Traditional 15# asphalt felt is no longer code-compliant
Multi-layered synthetic options may be required for pitches under 4/12
✔️ Pro Insight: We exclusively use GAF Tiger Paw® and WeatherWatch® to exceed these standards.
🔎 5. Inspection Protocols Are Tighter
Local inspectors are now checking for:
Proper valley installation
Ice & water shield placement
Flashing and drip edge attachment
SWB documentation
Shingle overlap and manufacturer specs
Inspections are more frequent for insurance-funded or My Safe Florida Home jobs
📋 That means: If your roofer skips steps—you’ll fail inspection. And that’s on you.
🧠 What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
These code updates are designed to:
Increase hurricane protection
Reduce insurance fraud
Raise the standard of roofing in Florida
But they also mean:
Costs may increase slightly due to required materials
Fly-by-night roofers will be exposed during inspection
You’ll need a contractor who understands both the building code and the permit process
🛠️ What MCR Does to Keep You Compliant
✅ We re-nail all decking with ring shank nails** and photo-document the process
✅ We install code-compliant underlayment, flashing, SWB, and starter strips
✅ We follow all new 2025 requirements, not just minimums
✅ We stay in constant contact with Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns permit offices
✅ We prepare you for insurance inspections and mitigation savings
You don’t need to know every code—we do that for you.
📍 Local NEFL Areas Most Affected by 2025 Code Updates
🔚 Final Word from MCR
The 2025 roofing code isn’t just red tape—it’s protection. When followed correctly, these rules save homes, lower insurance premiums, and extend roof life.
Call/text Morgan Conley Roofing at 904-490-8390 and schedule your code-compliant roof inspection today! Don’t trust your roof—and your insurance eligibility—to someone who’s guessing.
We follow the code. We set the standard. We’re the Roofing Revolution.
