Common code upgrade triggers
Roofing
- Truss tie-downs required on post-loss reroofs in HVHZ areas
- Enhanced nailing pattern (6" / 6" ring-shank)
- Secondary water barrier (peel-and-stick underlayment)
- Impact-rated roof coverings in some zones
- Ventilation requirements updated
Electrical
- GFCI protection in wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor, garage)
- AFCI protection on most circuits
- Panel upgrades if existing is obsolete
- Tamper-resistant outlets throughout
Plumbing
- Water conservation fixtures (low-flow)
- PEX requirements in some applications
- Backflow prevention on irrigation
- Pan/drain requirements on water heaters
HVAC
- SEER minimums for new installations
- Duct sealing and testing
- Refrigerant standards
Structural
- Impact windows or shutters in HVHZ
- Reinforced gables and roof-to-wall connections
- Anchor bolt or strap requirements on additions
How law-and-ordinance coverage works
Most Florida policies include law-and-ordinance coverage at:
10
% of Coverage A (typical minimum)
25
% of Coverage A (common upgrade)
50
% of Coverage A (upgraded)
This coverage pays the additional cost of code compliance beyond restoring like-for-like.
Example math
- Original roof (pre-upgrade code): $30,000 to restore
- Current code-compliant reroof: $38,000
- Delta (code upgrade): $8,000
- Law-and-ordinance pays the $8,000 delta
Why it gets missed
- Carriers scope only "like for like" by default
- Field adjusters may not know local code triggers
- Law-and-ordinance coverage isn't automatically applied
- Policyholders don't know to invoke it
How to claim
- Get code citation from permit office or contractor
- Calculate the delta explicitly
- Cite the specific policy endorsement
- Submit with supplemental if missed initially