Mike Silvers, CPRC, Owner, Silvers Systems Inc. and FRSA Technical Director
The definition of a “roofing contractor” was added to the Florida Statutes Chapter 489 in 1975. This established the services or scope of work that a roofing contractor could perform. Only once prior to May 19, 2025, has there been a major expansion in the services that roofing contractors can offer and perform. In 2008, the following was added to the definition of a roofing contractor in the statutes:
"The scope of work of a roofing contractor also includes required roof-deck attachments and
any repair or replacement of wood roof sheathing or fascia as needed during roof repair or
replacement."
Before that expansion, in many jurisdictions you had to be a Division I contractor to do any sheathing work because it was considered structural. For context, I’m paraphrasing FS 489.113:
"Contractors are subdivided into two divisions, Division I, Residential, Building and General
contractors as defined in paragraphs (a)-(c), and Division II, consisting of those contractors defined
in paragraphs (d)-(q): which includes (e) Roofing contractor."
This 2008 expansion wasn’t passed to make roofing contractors’ jobs easier, although it did, it was done to accommodate the desire to add fasteners to roof sheathing on homes permitted for construction prior to the implementation of the Florida Building Code (FBC). This was a part of the code’s extensive hurricane mitigation requirements. That change, however, made it clear to all jurisdictions in Florida that roofing contractors could do that work. This effort to address enhanced sheathing attachment has clearly worked with most of the applicable structures, having been addressed.
Now, for the first time in 17 years, another major change has once again expanded our scope of work. With the passage of HB 715 (an act relating to roofing services) along with the Governor’s signature on May 19, the following was added to the definition of a roofing contractor:
"and the evaluation and enhancement of roof-to-wall connections for structures with wood roof
decking as described in Section 706 of the Florida Building Code-Existing Building, provided that
any enhancement, which was properly installed and inspected in accordance with the Office of
Insurance Regulation uniform mitigation verification inspection form, the Florida Building Code, or
project specific engineering that exceeds these requirements, is done in conjunction with a roof
covering replacement or repair."
Yes, there is a lot there but, rest assured, it will benefit our trade in both obvious and not so obvious ways.
A roof replacement permit triggers the requirement to address many of the FBC’s hurricane mitigation sections. Yet many jurisdictions would not allow roofing contractors to evaluate, enhance or even provide estimates that addressed roof-to-wall (RTW) connections. This, when a roofing contractor is typically the only contractor who can perform roof replacement. Those days should now be behind us as the options to evaluate, provide pricing and enhance are all now available. The bill became effective when it was signed by the Governor. Make no mistake, this has real world implications for those who perform roof replacements.
On the not so obvious side, please note that the combined vote of both the House and Senate that allowed the bill to pass was 149 to 1. Yes, you read that right. Just a few years ago, when “roofers’” reputations were being trashed, linking us to fraudulent insurance scams, I’m not sure the vote might not have been the other way around. FRSA and the roofing industry have worked diligently to claw back much of our reputation that could have been permanently lost. The passage of this law now clearly states that a roofing contractor can address these RTW connections. For many contractors, the question should be, are we prepared and knowledgeable enough to jump into this complex work? If the work is not done right, our reputation will again be under attack and we could easily lose the ground we’ve gained.
A special note to all those involved in the preparation, planning, lobbying and, at times, even arm twisting that was provided by our Legislative Counsel, Chris Dawson and the whole FRSA team – my sincere thanks for making this happen.
Mike Silvers, CPRC, is Owner of Silvers Systems Inc. and is consulting with FRSA as Director of Technical Services. Mike is an FRSA Past President, Life Member and Campanella Award recipient and brings over 50 years of industry knowledge and experience to FRSA’s team.