Metal Roof vs Shingles in Florida (2025) | The Ultimate Guide

The question of “metal roof or shingles?” isn’t just about picking a material. 

It’s about protecting your home, your family, and your investment, through heatwaves, hurricanes, and yes, even the unpredictable world of Florida insurance. 

This decision is a big one. Not just because your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, but because it also affects your resale value, your insurance premiums, and your energy bills. 

And let’s be honest, your peace of mind every time a storm rolls in off the Gulf.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about metal roofs versus shingles in Florida. 

We’ll talk about performance in Florida’s wild weather, cost differences, long-term maintenance, insurance implications, and what makes the most sense based on your plans for your home.

Let’s get you the knowledge you need to make the call that’s best for you, and let’s do it with clarity, not sales pitches. 

Ready? Let’s dive in

Metal Roof vs Shingles At A Glance

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the key differences between metal roofs and shingles—covering lifespan, cost, durability, energy efficiency, and more—so you can quickly see which option best fits your Florida home.

 

Feature	Metal Roof	Shingle Roof
Lifespan	40-70 years	15-30 years
Cost	$8-$14/sq ft	$3-$5/sq ft
Durability	Extremely high	Moderate
Energy Efficiency	Excellent	Poor to Fair
Insurance Perks	Sometimes	Rare
HOA Friendly	Sometimes Not	Usually Yes

Cost Comparison – What You’ll Pay in 2025

Let’s talk dollars and sense. One of the first things homeowners ask me when we’re walking a roof is: “How much is this going to cost me?” And I get it, cost matters. But when it comes to roofing in Florida, you can’t just think about the upfront number, you’ve got to think long game.

1. Shingle Roof Costs

Shingles are the go-to for budget-conscious homeowners. 

In 2025, you’re looking at $3–$5 per square foot, which usually means a total cost between $9,000 and $15,000 for an average Florida home, depending on the roof size and complexity.

They’re faster to install, easier to find labor for, and a solid option if you’re planning to move within the next 7–10 years. 

You’ll get a roof that looks good and keeps you dry, for a while.

But you’re likely replacing again in 15–20 years, and possibly patching or repairing after every major storm. Those repair costs add up over time.

2. Metal Roof Costs

Metal roofing? You’re looking at a bigger upfront investment, $8–$14 per square foot, which usually means $18,000 to $30,000+ total. 

And yes, some premium installs can go higher, especially if you’re choosing custom colors, complex rooflines, or high-end finishes.

But here’s the trade-off: you’re not replacing that roof again for 40–70 years. 

You’ll have fewer repairs, better energy efficiency, and, if you install it right, a roof that pays for itself over time in savings and peace of mind.

One client of ours recently told us,

“We got quoted $22K for shingles and $47K for metal. But we chose metal for peace of mind and solar compatibility.”

Another family we helped chose a roof-over metal install, which means we installed directly over their old shingles. The whole thing cost just $8,500 and they didn’t even need a dumpster. 

Less mess, less waste, and a durable result.

Now let’s see which material wins when it comes to installation and maintenance of your roof.

Helpful resource → Roof Replacement Cost Florida

Installation & Maintenance Comparison

Let’s be real for a second: a roof is only as good as the people who install it. 

You could buy the highest-rated metal or the best asphalt shingles on the market, but if it’s put on wrong, you’re buying yourself a future problem.

Installation quality is everything so let’s compare how each roof type stacks up in terms of install difficulty and long-term upkeep.

Installation Complexity

Shingle roofs are the bread and butter of roofing in Florida. 

They’re relatively simple to install, the labor pool is wide, and many roofers can finish a job in a day or two. That’s great if you’re in a rush or need something budget-friendly.

But metal roofs? That’s a different story. 

They require specialized tools, custom measurements, and precision at every seam. Fewer crews are trained to do it right, and those who are often book out weeks ahead, because people know the difference.

Maintenance Over Time

When the roof is up, the job isn’t quite done, you’ve still got to think about what it’ll take to maintain that roof over the years.

Shingles need a little more love. After a few summers, you might start seeing curling, missing granules, or even minor leaks after storms. Add in algae growth, Florida humidity, and falling branches, and you’re likely looking at spot repairs every few years. 

And by the 15–20 year mark? You’re likely due for a full replacement.

Metal, on the other hand, is a lower-maintenance powerhouse, but that doesn’t mean zero effort. 

Yes, you’ll want to rinse off debris and pollen, especially near trees. Every few years, it’s smart to check fasteners, flashing, and coating integrity. In some cases, a repaint may be needed after 20–30 years, depending on the finish you choose. 

But if installed correctly, that’s about it.

Now, let’s have a look at how these roof materials perform in the Florida weather.

Helpful Resource → How Often Does A Roof Need To Be Replaced In Florida

Florida-Specific Weather Performance

Florida’s intense heat, humidity, and hurricane seasons make roofing performance a top priority. Here’s how metal roofs and shingles stack up when it comes to wind resistance, storm durability, and year-round energy efficiency in the Sunshine State.

How They Handle Hurricanes, Wind & Rain

When it comes to choosing between a metal roof and shingles, one of the most important questions is simple: Which one’s going to protect your home when the winds hit 100+ miles per hour?

Here’s the straight truth, metal roofs are built for this state. 

The best standing seam metal systems we install are rated to withstand up to 165 MPH winds. That’s Category 5 hurricane strength. After Hurricane Ian, one of our customers called us, not because there was damage, but because he wanted to say thank you. 

His neighbors were filing insurance claims. He didn’t lose a single fastener.

Shingles? They can hold up well if installed perfectly, but they’re simply more vulnerable to uplift, especially on older homes or roofs without updated underlayment and decking. 

After big storms, we see shingle granules in gutters and sections peeled back like banana peels. Not ideal when you’re already dealing with the stress of power outages and insurance adjusters.

Sun & Heat: Energy Efficiency in Florida Summers

Your roof plays a huge role in keeping that heat out, or letting it in.

Metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays, plain and simple. Homeowners routinely tell us they’ve seen 10% or more off their energy bills after switching to metal. 

It’s not magic, it’s science. Lighter-colored metal roofs, especially white or cool gray, offer even more reflectivity and help reduce attic temps drastically.

Shingle roofs, on the other hand, absorb heat. 

That heat builds up in your attic and radiates down into your home, making your cooling system work harder and driving up energy costs. And while there are “cool” asphalt shingles on the market, none of them compete with the natural reflectivity and emissivity of a properly coated metal panel.

Pro tip: If you’re going metal, and you want max efficiency, go white or a light-reflective finish. Florida Roofing and Gutters offers several EnergyStar-qualified metal options that look sharp and keep your home cooler without lifting a finger, or your electric bill.

Now let’s see how the material of your choice changes the insurance game for you!

Insurance & Warranty Realities in Florida

If there’s one topic that frustrates Florida homeowners more than roofing costs, it’s insurance.

People want to do the right thing: install a stronger roof, protect their home, and maybe even save some money on premiums. But unfortunately, insurance in Florida doesn’t always reward smart choices the way you’d expect.

What Insurers Say vs What They Do

In many cases, your policy already includes maximum wind mitigation credits, especially if you’ve updated your roof structure, clips, and underlayment. 

So even if you install a metal roof rated for 165+ MPH winds, you might not see any additional savings. Frustrating? Absolutely.

And here’s where it gets even trickier: some insurers still depreciate metal roofs after 15 or 20 years, even though they can last 50+ with proper care. They treat them like they would shingles, which just doesn’t make sense. 

That means if you file a claim on a 25-year-old metal roof, you might get pennies on the dollar, despite the roof still being structurally sound.

These are the conversations most roofing companies won’t have with you, but at Florida Roofing and Gutters, we do. Because if you’re making a long-term investment in your home, you deserve to understand how it plays out over time, not just how it looks on day one.

Outdated Preferences: The Tile vs. Metal Insurance Gap

You’d think metal would be the clear winner in the eyes of insurers: tougher, longer-lasting, more energy-efficient. 

And in many ways, it is.

But oddly enough, some carriers still favor tile roofs, despite their tendency to crack during storms or require specialized repairs. Why? Legacy underwriting preferences and replacement cost models, mostly. 

It’s outdated thinking, but it still affects what you pay.

Real Homeowner Questions

If you’ve ever found yourself asking:

• Does insurance actually recognize the 50-year lifespan of a metal roof?
• Will my premium go up because metal roofs cost more to replace?

You’re not alone. These are valid questions, and the answer often depends on the company, your current policy, and the age of your roof.

The bottom line? Don’t assume your insurer sees your roof the way you do. 

Before you choose your roofing material, talk to your insurance agent. Better yet, talk to a roofing company like ours that already knows the ins and outs of Florida policies and wind mitigation credits.

So, after weighing the pros, cons, costs, and performance of each option, the big question remains, which roof is right for you? Let’s wrap it up based on your plans, priorities, and lifestyle.

Helpful resource → Florida Roofing Insurance in 2025: What Homeowners Need to Know

When to Choose Metal vs When to Choose Shingles

At the end of the day, no two homes, or homeowners, are the same. 

What makes sense for one family might not be the right fit for another. This isn’t about pushing a particular product, it’s about helping you make the right call for your situation, your budget, and your future plans.

Here’s a simple way to break it down based on your goals, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home:

Metal Roof is Best If:

✅ You’re staying 15+ years: If this is your forever home, or even your “next 20 years” home, metal pays off. You’ll likely never replace the roof again, and you’ll enjoy lower maintenance and better performance with every season.
✅ You want to add solar: Standing seam metal makes solar installation a breeze. No drilling, no compromise on waterproofing, and no headaches when it’s time for inspection or servicing.
✅ You’re in a hurricane zone: Let’s face it, this is Florida. Wind uplift, flying debris, and torrential rain are part of life. Metal roofing stands up better to hurricane-force winds than shingles, hands down.
✅ You value long-term savings and energy efficiency: Between energy bill reductions, fewer repairs, and no need for a replacement 15 years down the line,metal roofs are an investment that keeps paying you back.

Shingle Roof is Better If:

✅ You’re moving within 10 years: If you’re not planning to stick around, it’s okay to think shorter-term. Shingles can give your home the curb appeal and code compliance it needs to sell quickly and cleanly.
✅ You’re in an HOA-restricted area: Some neighborhoods just won’t budge on their roofing rules. If your HOA restricts metal, architectural shingles are often the next best option.
✅ You’re on a tight budget: We respect that. Not every family is ready for a $25K+ investment right now. Asphalt shingles still protect your home and can be upgraded later.
✅ Your insurance only covers shingle replacement: If your policy only pays for shingle-for-shingle swaps and won’t budge on upgrades, shingles may make the most financial sense in the short term.

Ready to Protect What Matters Most?

Your roof isn’t just another upgrade, it’s your home’s first line of defense against Florida’s heat, hurricanes, and heavy rains. 

Whether you’re leaning toward the strength and longevity of metal, or the practical affordability of shingles, your decision deserves expert guidance.

At Florida Roofing and Gutters, we don’t just install roofs, we build protection you can trust, backed by our factory-certified crews, honest 12-point roofing inspections, and a commitment to treating every home like it’s our own.

✅ Need help navigating insurance options?
✅ Worried about HOA approval?
✅ Want a roof that’s ready for solar and storm season?

We’ve got you covered, literally.

📞 Call Florida Roofing and Gutters today at (239) 376-8614 or
🖥️ Visit floridaroofingandgutters.com to schedule your free, no-pressure roofing inspection.

Let’s make sure your next roof isn’t just a project, t’s a smart investment for your family’s future. Florida homes deserve Florida-built roofs. 

Let’s build yours right.