Jacksonville roof permits are required for a re-roof, and the work has to meet the Florida Building Code's wind rules. Here's what that means for a metal roof.
Design Wind Speed in Jacksonville
Every roof in Florida is designed for the wind speed mapped at its address. In the 2023 Florida Building Code's wind data (8th edition, still in force until the 9th edition takes effect December 31, 2026), the 120 mph line crosses far-west Duval County and the 130 mph line runs just offshore. By our reading of that map data, that puts downtown Jacksonville around 125 mph and Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra around 129 mph. Confirm your exact address on the ASCE Hazard Tool or with the building department. Jacksonville isn't in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, which covers only Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Florida Product Approval
Florida law requires roofing products to carry Florida Product Approval (an FL number) or local approval. The approval spells out what the product was tested for and how it has to be installed. Jacksonville asks for product approval information with the permit. Look up any FL number on floridabuilding.org.
The Permit and Inspections
A re-roof in Jacksonville needs a building permit, filed online through JaxEPICS with the City's Building Inspection Division at 214 N. Hogan St., (904) 255-8500. Roofing contractors pull their own permits. The city inspects the roof sheathing, the roof in progress (dry-in) and the finished job. For jobs over $2,500, Florida also requires a Notice of Commencement to be recorded. Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach have their own building departments, and Ponte Vedra is in St. Johns County.
What the Code Adds on a Re-Roof
A re-roof is when the code catches up with an older house. When the roof covering on a wood deck is replaced, the 2023 Florida Building Code requires a secondary water barrier. In wind-borne debris areas, homes valued at $300,000 or more can also need their roof-to-wall connections improved, capped at 15% of the re-roof cost. Ask the contractor what applies at your address and whether it's in the price.
HOAs and Hurricane-Rated Roofs
Florida law counts roof systems recognized by the Florida Building Code that meet ASCE 7-22 as hurricane protection. HOAs must adopt hurricane protection specifications and can't deny an application that meets them. The specifications can set color and style, and the HOA can require you to follow an existing unified building scheme. Ask for the specifications before you sign a roofing contract.
The roofing contractor handles Jacksonville roof permits for you. Ready to start? Call (904) 720-8470 for a metal roofer in Jacksonville, or read how to choose metal roofing contractors in Jacksonville.
Sources: Florida 2023 wind speed map data, ASCE Hazard Tool, Florida Statutes 553.842, Florida Product Approval search, City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division, City of Jacksonville inspections, Florida Building Code, Existing Building, 2023, sections 706.7 and 706.8, Florida Statutes 720.3035.