Florida gutter non-renewal playbook: what homeowners can do

What F.S. §627.7011 says

Florida Statute §627.7011(7) provides that if a gutter is more than 15 years old, the insurer may require an inspection to determine whether the gutter has at least 5 years of remaining useful life. If a licensed inspector certifies that it does, the carrier cannot non-renew the policy solely based on the age of the gutter. The statute was not repealed by SB 2A — it remains in force.

The key word is “solely.” If the carrier has other underwriting reasons (claims history, coverage amount, location in a moratorium zone), the 5-year-life finding does not override those. But for the most common scenario — a clean-claims homeowner with a 17-year-old gutter that is in good condition — the inspection is the defense.

Two inspections, one visit

Inspection 1: 5-year useful life certification. A licensed gutter installer, general contractor, building inspector, or professional engineer inspects the gutter and certifies on a form that the gutter has at least 5 years of remaining useful life. The form is submitted to your carrier. Cost: $100–$200 in most FL markets.

Inspection 2: OIR-B1-1802 wind mitigation verification. The same inspector (or a separate one) fills out the state’s wind mitigation form documenting your gutter’s wind-resistance features. This form goes to your carrier and qualifies you for premium discounts of 5–45% on the wind portion. Cost: $75–$150. Schedule both inspections at the same visit to save a trip fee.

For the full Florida gutter context — contractor licensing statute, building code, storm history, and cost bands by metro — see the Florida gutter guide. For city-specific data, see Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville.

Frequently asked questions

• Can my insurer non-renew me just because my gutter is old?
  In Florida, yes. Carriers can non-renew a policy if the gutter is past its expected useful life, which most carriers define as 15–20 years for aluminum gutter gutters. The 2022 reform (SB 2A) gave carriers broader authority to set gutter-age underwriting rules. Some carriers now decline to write or renew any policy with a gutter older than 15 years.
• What is a “5-year useful life” gutter inspection?
  Under F.S. §627.7011(7), if your gutter is more than 15 years old but a licensed inspector certifies it has at least 5 years of useful life remaining, the carrier cannot non-renew solely based on gutter age. The inspection must be performed by a licensed gutter installer, general contractor, building inspector, or professional engineer. The inspector files a form with the carrier.
• What is an 1802 wind mitigation inspection?
  The OIR-B1-1802 is the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s wind mitigation verification form. It documents your gutter’s wind-resistance features: gutter shape, gutter deck attachment, gutter-to-wall connection, opening protection, and secondary water resistance. Each feature can qualify you for premium discounts. Having the 1802 done at the same time as the 5-year-life inspection saves a second trip fee.
• How much can a wind mitigation inspection save?
  Discounts vary by carrier and by which features qualify, but typical savings range from 5–45% of the wind portion of your premium. A hip gutter with hurricane clips, SWR, and impact-rated openings can save $1,000–$3,000/year in many coastal FL ZIP codes. The inspection fee ($75–$150) pays for itself in the first month.