Often yes. Roof age alone rarely ends a deal, but insurers and loan programs look at condition and remaining life. FHA's long standing guideline is two years of remaining life, and Citizens asks for documented remaining life on older roofs. Get a roof inspection and an insurance quote before the inspection period ends.
There is no single Florida rule that bars a roof at 15 years. What matters is what the roof can still do, and who has to be satisfied: the insurer, the loan program and the appraiser.
FHA's guideline is a remaining physical life of at least two years, with the appraiser reporting less. Citizens requires documentation of at least five years of remaining useful life for shingle or similar roofs older than 25 years. Private insurers set their own limits.
A roof inspection that estimates remaining life is the best single document to have. Pair it with an insurance quote, because a declined policy can stop the loan whatever the loan program says.
Who looks at the roof and what they ask
| Who | What they look at |
|---|---|
| FHA appraiser | Condition and at least two years of remaining physical life under the current guideline |
| Citizens | Shingle roofs over 25 years need documented remaining life of at least five years |
| Private insurers | Their own age and condition rules. Ask the agent |
| Your lender | Proof of acceptable insurance and any repairs the appraisal requires |
General summary. Rules and proposals change.
What to do
- Order a roof inspection that states remaining useful life.
- Get homeowners quotes from a private carrier and, if needed, Citizens.
- Ask the seller to repair or credit based on the inspection.
- Send the inspection and quotes to your lender.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm with your title company or attorney.
Sources
- Citizens Property Insurance, Inspections. Roof age and remaining life documentation rules. Source type: Official. Checked October 17, 2026.
- HUD, Appraisal and Property Requirements Reference Guide (archived). Two years of remaining physical life guideline. Source type: Official. Checked October 17, 2026.
- HUD, Modernization of FHA MPRs in HB 4000.1 Drafting Table (proposal). Proposed September 2026 revisions. Source type: Official. Checked October 17, 2026.