WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — As Florida homeowners continue to pay for new roofs under pressure from insurance companies, the state's top insurance regulator is suggesting the most affordable option may not be a solution.
"I think asphalt shingles ... maybe it's time to start writing them out of the plot in Florida," said Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky late last year.
He made those comments during a panel discussion at the Florida Insurance Summit in Orlando in December.
"It's probably time to look past asphalt shingles," Yaworsky said. "The problem is guaranteed for 30 years. They don't last 30 years in Florida. They just don't."
Florida's heat, humidity and storms result in many experts pointing to 20 years as a more realistic lifespan for shingle roofs.
Metal and clay tiles have longer life spans, sometimes closer to 40 years.
"To me, what it looked like is that he was concerned a lot of roofing companies sell what is called 30-year shingle roofs," Melissa Burt DeVriese, president of Security First Insurance, said.
Metal and clay tile roofs also have a bigger cost, doubling the price of asphalt in many cases.
"I really think it's going to be an economic question going forward," Burt DeVriese said. "For you as a consumer what makes the most economic sense for your house and how does that impact you're insurance premium."
Matt Sczesny is determined every day to help you find solutions in Florida's coverage collapse. If you have a question or comment on homeowners insurance, you can reach out to him any time.
Read WPTV's latest "Coverage Collapse" stories below:
-
37 percent of Americans say they've gone to sleep hungry because of money issues
A survey of more than 2,000 Americans found 52 percent have cried because they didn't have enough money.
Recent study finds those shopping around with loan offers can save significantly
A recent LendingTree study has found that borrowers who compare multiple loan offers can save significantly over the life of a loan.
Many consumers are likely to switch insurance companies because of slow payouts
According to InvoiceCloud’s 2026 Consumer Claims Experiences Survey, about 15-percent of people say they got their claim payment within a week
Holiday airfares rising: Why experts say book now, not later
Holiday airfares are up 9–11% over last year. Experts say book now before prices spike further this fall.
