Hurricane‑Proof Homes 2025: What the New FORTIFIED® Standard and Florida’s Roofing Code Mean for Buyers
Starting 1 January 2025, any project that wants a FORTIFIED® Home roof, Silver or Gold designation must follow the brand‑new 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard. Key upgrades include:
- certified FORTIFIED roofers mandatory for every job;
- impact‑rated asphalt shingles (good/excellent on the IBHS shingle scale) if you want the hail supplement;
- stricter sealed‑roof‑deck specs to keep wind‑driven rain out. FORTIFIED - A Program of IBHSBuilder
Florida is mirroring much of that language in its 2025 residential roofing code update—expect tighter rules on roof‑strap spacing, wind‑rated underlayment and inspection paperwork.
Why it matters for buyers & builders
| Change | What it does | Wallet impact |
|---|---|---|
| Certified FORTIFIED roofer required | Verifies install quality; lowers leak claims | +$0.75–$1.25 /sq ft upfront; 10–15 % insurance discount in many coastal ZIP codes |
| Sealed roof deck + metal drip edge | Keeps roof sheathing in place up to 130 mph | Adds $700–$1 100 on 2 000 sq ft roof |
| Impact shingle mandate (hail areas) | Rated for 2″ hail; fewer replacements | ~$800 upgrade vs. basic 3‑tab shingles |
Timeline
- Jan 1 2025 – IBHS opens submissions under the new rules.
- Nov 1 2025 – old standard sunsets; any in‑process homes move to 2025 requirements. FORTIFIED - A Program of IBHS
If you’re closing on new construction along the Gulf or Atlantic coasts, confirm the builder is quoting to the 2025 standard—insurance carriers in FL and AL are already telling agents they’ll require FORTIFIED documentation for best‑rate policies in 2026.
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