How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Florida Home

How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Florida Home

Florida isn’t an easy place for a roof to survive. Between blistering heat, salt exposure, tropical storms, hurricanes, and year-round humidity, your roofing material has a big job to do. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between decades of protection… or costly repairs long before their time.

As Central Florida’s trusted roofing experts, R.I.G. Roofing helps homeowners understand their options so they can make confident, long-lasting decisions. If you're planning a roof replacement, this guide breaks down what to look for, compares the most popular roofing materials, and shows which options perform best in Florida’s unique climate.

Why Your Roofing Material Matters in Florida

Florida’s climate creates extreme challenges most roofs in the U.S. will never face. When choosing a new roofing material, it must be able to handle:

UV exposure can cause some materials to crack, dry out, fade, or deteriorate faster.

Central Florida sees sudden downpours and long rainy seasons. Your roof must drain water efficiently to avoid leaks and rot.

Material weight, fastening systems, and uplift resistance are crucial.

Some materials perform better at preventing algae growth and moisture damage.

Certain materials may lead to premium savings or qualify for better windstorm protections.

This is why not all roofing materials are equally suited for Florida homes-and why choosing the right one saves money in the long run.

Top Roofing Materials for Florida Homes 

Below are the most common roofing options we install across Florida, along with what homeowners need to know about each.

1. Asphalt Shingles for Florida Roofing 

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing choice in Florida due to their affordability and improved modern performance.

Pros of Shingle Roofing

Cons of Shingle Roofing 

Shingle Roofing is best for:

Homeowners looking for a cost-effective, durable solution with good storm performance.

2. Metal Roofing for Florida Homes

Metal roofing has become increasingly popular in Florida for its strength and longevity.

Pros of Metal Roofing:

Cons of Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing is Best for:

Homeowners wanting top-level storm protection, long-term savings, and an energy-efficient roof.

3. Tile Roofing for Florida Homes

Tile roofs are iconic in many Florida neighborhoods and offer elite durability.

Pros of Tile Roofing

Cons of Tile Roofing

Tile Roofing is Best for:

High-end homes, coastal homes, and homeowners wanting unmatched longevity.

4. Stone-Coated Steel Roofing for Florida Homes 

This hybrid roofing system offers the strength of metal with the classic appearance of tile or shingles.

Pros of Stone-Coated Steel Roofing

Cons of Stone-Coated Steel Roofing

Stone-Coated Steel Roofing is best for:

Homeowners who want metal-level performance with a (much) more attractive aesthetic. For more on this option, see our related post: Why Boral Stone Coated Steel Is a Game-Changer for Roofing

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Roofing Material

Every Florida homeowner’s needs are a little different. Here’s what to weigh before making a decision:

1. Budgeting for your Florida Roof

Shingles are the most affordable, while metal, tile, and stone-coated steel fall into the premium range. However, premium roofs can save thousands over time by lasting 2–4× longer.

2. Roofing Materials for Architectural Style  & Curb Appeal

3. HOA Requirements When Choosing Roofing Materials

Some communities require certain materials or colors. R.I.G. Roofing can help you navigate approvals smoothly.

4. Longevity of Roofing Materials

If you plan to stay in your home long-term, you may benefit from investing in a roof that lasts 40–70 years.

5. Hurricane Resistance of Roofing Materials

This is crucial in Florida. Materials should have:

We always discuss storm performance with homeowners during their estimate.

6. Energy Efficiency of Roofing Materials

Metal and stone-coated steel perform extremely well in Florida heat. Shingles with reflective granules are also a smart option.

Most Popular Roofing Materials for Florida Homeowners

From our real-world experience installing roofs across 11 Central Florida counties:

🏆 Best All-Around Value:

 - Architectural Asphalt Shingles

🏆 Best for Extreme Durability:

- Metal Roofing

🏆 Best for Beauty + Strength:

- Stone-Coated Steel

🏆 Best for Mediterranean / Spanish Style  Homes:

- Tile Roofing

Choosing The Best Roofer in Central Florida

Choosing the right roofing material for your Florida home doesn’t have to be confusing, and neither does selecting the best roofer. The roofing experts at R.I.G. Roofing break it all down for you during a free, no-pressure roofing assessment. We’ll evaluate your roof, discuss your goals, walk you through samples, and help you choose the best long-term solution.

Call R.I.G. Roofing today at 1 (863) 294-4477 or visit RIGRoofing.com to schedule your free estimate.

What’s Next? Keep the Roofing Knowledge Going 👇

Now that you know how to choose the right roofing material for your Florida home, let’s keep building your roofing confidence. Up next in this series, we break down the most popular options homeowners compare every day - Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing - so you can see which one truly fits your home, budget, and lifestyle.

Curious about pricing? We’ll also walk you through Budgeting Tips for a New Roof in Florida. If you’re looking for a premium, long-lasting option, don’t miss why Stone Coated Steel is quickly becoming a game-changer for Florida homeowners. And since storms are a reality here, we finish the series with a clear, step-by-step guide on Replacing Your Roof After Hurricane Damage, so you know exactly what to do when it matters most.

👉 Keep reading and become the most informed homeowner on your block.