How to Choose the Best Shingles for Florida Roofs
Florida isn’t your average roofing market. Between the sweltering heat, hurricane-force winds, and year-round humidity, your roof is under immense pressure. That’s why choosing the best shingles for Florida roofs isn’t just about style or price—it’s about protection, performance, and long-term reliability.
With years of hands-on experience in the region, B2 Exterior Solutions has become a trusted name in Orlando and Central Florida residential roofing. We've seen it all—and we know what Florida roofs really need to last.
Here's what you need to know before picking your next set of shingles.
Why Florida Homes Need Specialized Shingles
Florida’s weather demands more from roofing systems than most other states. We’re talking about:
Hurricanes and tropical storms: High winds can rip off weak shingles.
UV exposure: The relentless sun breaks down inferior materials quickly.
Humidity and rain: These accelerate mold, algae, and wood rot.
Poor-quality shingles in this environment can mean frequent repairs, insurance headaches, and premature replacement. Expert roofers at B2 Exterior Solutions have seen what works—and what fails—under Florida’s harsh conditions. Choosing the right materials up front saves you time, money, and stress down the road.
B2 Exterior Solutions Pro Tip: Always get a roof inspection before installation—underlayment matters.
Most Common Shingle Types Compared
Here's a side-by-side breakdown of the most common types of roofing shingles and how they hold up in Florida:
1. Asphalt Shingles (Standard and Architectural)
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the U.S. and remain one of the popular choices for Florida homes.
Standard 3-tab shingles are flat, lightweight, and budget-friendly. But tend to have shorter lifespans and struggle in strong winds.
Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminate) are thicker, layered, and offer improved aesthetic appeal and performance.
✔️ Pros: Both architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles are affordable, widely available, and relatively easy to install.
❌ Cons: Basic 3-tab shingles are less durable in high winds.
Asphalt shingles installation.
Florida Fit:
Go with architectural asphalt shingles over 3-tab shingles. They’re thicker, wind-resistant (up to 130 mph), and provide better curb appeal for a modest price.
2. Metal Shingles
Thanks to its resilience and modern look, metal roofing is quickly gaining popularity in Florida residential roofing. These shingles can mimic the look of traditional shingles while delivering high performance.
✔️ Pros: Excellent wind resistance (up to 140+ mph), fireproof, and energy efficient.
❌ Cons: Higher upfront cost; can be noisy in heavy rain or hail if not installed properly.
Florida Fit:
Ideal for storm-prone areas. Metal reflects solar heat, helping reduce cooling bills, and resists mildew, rot, and pests.
B2 Exterior Solutions Pro Tip: Ask your roofer if the shingles meet Florida Building Code wind uplift requirements.
3. Clay or Concrete Tiles
Clay or concrete tiles are a heavy-duty staple in many Florida neighborhoods. With proper maintenance, they require few repairs and can last decades.
✔️ Pros: Extremely durable (lifespan of 50+ years), natural heat resistance, low maintenance, and great for aesthetic value.
❌ Cons: Heavier than other options—may require structural reinforcement; higher cost.
Treated clay shingles rooftop.
Florida Fit:
These tiles are a popular roofing material in coastal and Mediterranean architectural style. Excellent in humid, sunny, or coastal environments. Resistant to fire, insects, and salty air.
4. Composite or Synthetic Shingles
Made from engineered polymers or recycled materials, these shingles mimic the look of slate, wood, or tile without the drawbacks.
✔️ Pros: Lightweight, customizable in a wide range of designs, resistant to cracking, impact, and fading. Often come with Class 4 impact ratings. Available as algae-resistant shingles.
❌ Cons: Quality varies by brand—cheaper versions may underperform. Still developing mainstream trust.
Florida Fit:
A smart choice for homeowners who want durability and style without the weight or fragility of natural materials. Great impact and severe weather resistance.
B2 Exterior Solutions Pro Tip: Lighter colors can reflect more heat, lowering energy bills.
5. Solar Shingles (Optional High-Tech Mention)
Solar shingles integrate photovoltaic cells directly into your roofing material, allowing your roof to generate energy while still protecting your home.
✔️ Pros: Dual purpose—protection and power generation. Clean energy source, modern aesthetics, possible tax credits and energy savings.
❌ Cons: Very expensive upfront and limited availability. Newer tech means fewer installers.
Florida Fit:
Perfect for eco-conscious homeowners in sunny areas. Great ROI over time, but only practical with the right roof angle and budget.
What Makes a Shingle “Florida-Ready”?
Not all shingles are built to handle Florida’s demands. Look for these features:
Wind resistance ratings
In Florida, hurricane-force winds are a real concern. That’s why wind resistance is one of the most critical features to look for.
Choose shingles that are rated to withstand at least 130 mph winds. This level of protection helps prevent shingle blow-off during storms and reduces the chances of leaks or structural damage.
Algae resistance
Thanks to Florida’s high humidity and frequent rain, roofs here are highly susceptible to algae growth. Algae-resistant shingles contain copper or zinc granules that inhibit the growth of unsightly dark streaks caused by blue-green algae.
Algae resistance not only helps maintain your roof’s appearance but also protects its longevity.
Reflectivity
Florida’s intense sun can drive up energy bills, especially in the summer. Reflective or “cool” shingles are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.
This helps regulate indoor temperatures and reduces the load on your air conditioning system, making your home more energy-efficient.
Warranties
Roofing isn’t a small investment, so choosing shingles with a solid warranty coverage is key. Look for shingles that come with a 25-year or longer warranty. Even better if the warranty includes coverage for storm-related damage, which is especially relevant in Florida’s climate.
Impact resistance
Hail, flying debris, and fallen branches can all cause serious roof damage. Shingles with a high impact resistance rating (Class 3 or 4) offer an added layer of protection, especially during storm season.
These shingles are engineered to withstand the forces that often accompany Florida’s extreme weather conditions.
How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
Your ideal type of shingle depends on a few personal factors:
Budget: Asphalt is cost-effective; metal and tile cost more but last longer.
Curb Appeal: Clay and composite can mimic upscale looks.
HOA Rules: Some associations limit materials or colors.
Roof Slope: Flat or low-slope roofs may limit your options.
B2 Exterior Solutions typically recommends architectural shingles or metal shingles for most Florida homes. They strike a balance between durability, cost, and appearance. For higher-end or coastal properties, clay tiles are a timeless, Florida-friendly choice.
No matter your preference, we use only top-tier materials and back our work with precision installation and local expertise.
Ready to protect your home the right way?
📞 Schedule a free shingle consultation with B2 Exterior Solutions today.
💬 Click here to request a custom roofing quote from your trusted Orlando roofing contractor.
