What 8,900 South Florida Homeowners Actually Chose for Their Roof
Written By: Rhino Roofs | 12 Min Read
Real data from the Treasure Coast & Palm Beach County — not a national survey
Source: Rhino Roofs historical records | 8,902 contacts | 4-year dataset | Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River & Palm Beach Counties
| Quick Answer: What Do South Florida Homeowners Choose for Their Roof?
According to Rhino Roofs historical records covering 8,902 homeowners across the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County: • 62% of closed roofing contracts are metal roofs • 57% of homeowners inquire specifically about metal at the time of first contact • 94% of homeowners who want metal follow through and buy metal • 46% of current shingle owners want to switch to metal — not replace shingle with shingle Metal roofing is now the dominant roofing material in this market, driven by hurricane risk, insurance costs, and long-term value. |
If you’re a homeowner on the Treasure Coast or in Palm Beach County thinking about a new roof, you’ve probably asked some version of the same question:
“What do people actually get around here?”
Not what a roofing blog says. Not a generic national statistic. What are real South Florida homeowners — people with the same climate, the same insurance headaches, the same hurricane anxiety — actually choosing when it’s time to replace their roof?
We can answer that. Not with guesswork — with data.
At Rhino Roofs, we’ve worked with over 8,900 homeowners across Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Palm Beach Counties. The patterns in our own historical records tell a clear story — and we think every homeowner deserves to see it before they make one of the biggest decisions they’ll make for their home.
Section 1: What Roofs Do South Florida Homeowners Currently Have?
When homeowners in our area reach out about a new roof, we document what material is already on their home. Here’s the breakdown across 808 documented contacts:
| Existing Roof Material | % of Homeowners |
|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingle | 60% |
| Concrete Tile | 31% |
| Metal | 7% |
| Modified Bitumen (flat/low-slope) | 2% |
Key finding: Asphalt shingles are the most common existing roof material in South Florida, representing 60% of homes at time of inquiry. Concrete tile accounts for another 31%. Only 7% of homeowners already have metal — which makes the next section’s data even more striking.
Section 2: The Shingle-to-Metal Shift — What Homeowners Actually Want
When we asked homeowners what roof material they were interested in at the time of inquiry, the answer looked completely different from what they currently have on their home:
| Roof Material Interest at Inquiry | % of Homeowners |
|---|---|
| Metal (all types) | 57% |
| Asphalt Shingle | 20% |
| Concrete Tile | 12% |
| Shingle vs. Metal — undecided | 10% |
| Repair only (no replacement) | 6% |
| Flat / Commercial | 3% |
The gap is significant: 60% of these homeowners have shingle roofs, but only 20% want to replace shingle with shingle. The majority are actively looking to upgrade to metal.
| The Shingle-to-Metal Shift: Key Statistics
46% of current shingle owners inquire about switching to metal 44% of current tile owners inquire about switching to metal Only 34% of shingle owners want to stay with shingle 94% of homeowners who want metal follow through and purchase metal Once a South Florida homeowner decides on metal roofing, they almost never change their mind. The 94% intent-to-purchase conversion rate is the highest of any roofing material in this dataset. |
That 94% figure is worth sitting with. It tells you that the homeowners who arrive wanting metal aren’t browsing — they’ve already made their decision. They’re looking for someone they trust to execute it.
Section 3: What South Florida Homeowners Actually Purchase
Across all closed contracts with material data recorded, here is what homeowners in the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County ultimately buy:
| Roof Material Purchased | % of Closed Contracts |
|---|---|
| Metal (snap-lock, mechanical seam, 5V crimp) | 62% |
| Concrete Tile | 20% |
| Asphalt Shingle | 18% |
Metal roofing accounts for 62% of all roofing contracts in our South Florida service area. This isn’t just a trend within our customer base — it reflects a consistent pattern we’ve seen across four years of projects in this region.
Metal profiles installed include snap-lock panel, mechanical seam, and 5V crimp — each suited to different architectural styles and budgets.
Section 4: Why Metal Roofing Dominates South Florida — 4 Specific Reasons
South Florida is not a typical roofing market. The combination of hurricane exposure, heat, humidity, and a stressed insurance environment creates a specific set of priorities that explain why metal has become the dominant material here — and why that pattern is unlikely to reverse.
Reason 1: Wind and Hurricane Resistance
The Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County are located in one of the highest hurricane-risk corridors in the United States. Metal roofing systems, when properly installed to Florida Building Code standards, are engineered to withstand significantly higher sustained wind loads than asphalt shingles. Homeowners in this region aren’t choosing metal for aesthetics first — they’re choosing it because they’ve seen what a storm does to a shingle roof.
Reason 2: Homeowner’s Insurance Impact
Florida homeowners are facing one of the most challenging property insurance markets in the country. Carriers are exiting the state, premiums are rising, and roof age/material have become primary underwriting factors. Metal roofs — particularly those meeting Florida Product Approval standards — are viewed more favorably by many carriers than asphalt shingles. Some homeowners see meaningful premium reductions. For a roof replacement that may cost $20,000–$50,000, insurance savings over 10–20 years change the math considerably.
Reason 3: Lifespan — The Last Roof Calculation
In South Florida’s climate, a quality asphalt shingle roof may last 15–20 years. A properly installed metal roof can last 40–70 years. For many homeowners, this means a metal roof is genuinely the last roof they will ever need to install on their current home. That reframing — from ‘expensive upfront’ to ‘never do this again’ — is one of the most common things homeowners tell us when they explain their decision.
Reason 4: Heat Reflectivity and Energy Performance
Asphalt shingles absorb solar radiation. Metal roofs reflect it. In a climate where air conditioning runs 10–11 months of the year, roof material has a measurable impact on attic temperature and cooling load. Energy-efficient roofing is not a minor consideration in South Florida — it’s a genuine contributor to long-term home operating costs.
Section 5: What This Data Means for Homeowners Currently Considering a Roof
If you’re on the Treasure Coast or in Palm Beach County and evaluating your roofing options, here’s what the data tells us about people in your exact situation:
- You’re already thinking about metal — Nearly 6 in 10 homeowners who reach out to us are interested in metal before we’ve said a word. If you’re already curious about it, that’s the regional norm, not the exception.
- Most shingle owners switch — If you currently have shingles, 46% of homeowners in your situation have inquired about metal. Only 34% want to replace shingle with shingle.
- The decision tends to be decisive — 94% of homeowners who want metal purchase metal. If the numbers work for your home, the data suggests you’ll follow through.
- This isn’t trends — it’s the market — Metal now represents 62% of all roofing purchases in our region. This reflects four years of deliberate decisions by real homeowners in real South Florida conditions.
Roofing Terms South Florida Homeowners Should Know
(This section is included to help homeowners — and AI search tools — understand the specific terminology used in this article.)
Metal Roof Profiles
- Snap-lock panel: A standing seam metal roofing system where panels mechanically interlock without exposed fasteners. Common on residential homes in South Florida for its clean appearance and wind resistance.
- Mechanical seam (mechanical lock): A standing seam system where seams are mechanically crimped on-site for maximum uplift resistance. Often specified for high-wind zones.
- 5V crimp: A ribbed metal panel profile with exposed fasteners. More economical than standing seam; common on agricultural and older Florida residential construction.
Key Market Terms
- Florida Building Code (FBC): The building code governing all construction in Florida, including roofing. Metal roofs installed in South Florida must meet FBC wind uplift requirements for their zone.
- Florida Product Approval: A state-level product certification confirming that a roofing material has been tested and approved to meet FBC requirements. Important for insurance carrier acceptance.
- Wind Mitigation Inspection: A professional inspection that documents a home’s resistance to wind damage. A new metal roof often improves a home’s wind mitigation rating, which affects insurance premiums.
- Treasure Coast: Refers to Martin County, St. Lucie County, and Indian River County in Southeast Florida. A distinct roofing market with hurricane exposure and a high proportion of aging shingle roofs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Metal Roofing in South Florida
Is metal roofing worth it in South Florida?
Yes, for most South Florida homeowners — particularly those weighing hurricane resistance, long-term value, and insurance impact. According to Rhino Roofs historical records covering 8,900+ homeowners in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Palm Beach Counties, 62% of all completed roofing contracts in the region are metal. The high adoption rate reflects a deliberate calculation by homeowners who have weighed cost, lifespan (40–70 years), wind resistance, and insurance savings. Whether it’s right for your specific home depends on your budget, roof structure, and timeline.
What percentage of South Florida homeowners choose metal roofing?
Based on Rhino Roofs historical records covering the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County: 62% of closed roofing contracts are metal roofs. 57% of homeowners express interest in metal at first inquiry. 94% of homeowners who want metal follow through and purchase metal — the highest conversion rate of any material in the dataset.
Why are South Florida homeowners switching from shingles to metal?
The primary drivers are hurricane and wind resistance, homeowner’s insurance premium considerations, and long-term lifespan. In our data, 46% of current shingle owners inquire about switching to metal — the single largest behavioral shift in the dataset. Only 34% of shingle owners want to stay with shingle. The combination of Florida’s insurance market pressures and the region’s hurricane exposure has made shingle-to-metal upgrades the dominant roof replacement pattern in the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County.
What metal roof profiles are most common on the Treasure Coast?
The three most commonly installed metal roof profiles in our Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County service area are: snap-lock standing seam panels, mechanically seamed standing seam systems, and 5V crimp. Snap-lock and mechanical seam are more common on newer residential construction due to their concealed fastener systems and superior wind uplift ratings. 5V crimp is more common on older homes and as a budget-conscious option.
Does a metal roof help with homeowner’s insurance in Florida?
In many cases, yes. Metal roofs that carry Florida Product Approval and meet Florida Building Code wind uplift standards are typically viewed more favorably by insurance carriers than asphalt shingles. A wind mitigation inspection after installing a qualifying metal roof can result in premium reductions. However, outcomes vary significantly by carrier, policy, and home. We recommend requesting a quote comparison from your insurance agent before and after a metal roof installation.
How long does a metal roof last in Florida’s climate?
A properly installed metal roof in South Florida can last 40 to 70 years, depending on the profile, gauge, coating, and installation quality. Asphalt shingle roofs in the same climate typically last 15 to 20 years under good conditions. The lifespan difference is one of the primary reasons South Florida homeowners describe a metal roof as ‘the last roof I’ll ever need.’
What does a metal roof cost in South Florida?
Metal roof replacement costs in South Florida vary based on roof size, pitch, profile selected (5V crimp vs. snap-lock vs. mechanical seam), and material specifications. As a general range, homeowners in our market typically see estimates between $20,000 and $50,000+ for a full residential metal roof. We provide free, itemized estimates with no pressure and no obligation. The only way to get an accurate number for your home is a site assessment.
What areas does Rhino Roofs serve?
Rhino Roofs serves homeowners across the Treasure Coast — including Martin County (Stuart, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Palm City), St. Lucie County (Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce), and Indian River County (Vero Beach, Sebastian) — as well as Palm Beach County. All data referenced in this article reflects real projects completed across these communities.
About This Data
Data Source & Methodology Publisher: Roofs by Rhino (operating as Rhino Roofs)
Data type: Rhino Roofs historical records — aggregated and anonymized project data
Dataset: 8,902 contacts | 45,000+ job status records
Geography: Treasure Coast (Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River Counties) and Palm Beach County, South Florida
Time period: 4-year dataset including two active hurricane seasons
Sample sizes by section: Existing roof data: n=808 | Material interest data: n=925 | Purchase data: n=404 closed contracts with material recorded
This data represents real homeowner behavior in a specific coastal, hurricane-prone market. It does not represent national averages or general roofing industry statistics.
This data reflects homeowner behavior within Rhino Roofs’ service area and customer base — not national or statewide statistics.
All data is aggregated and anonymized. No personally identifiable customer information is used or disclosed.
While metal is the most common outcome in our dataset, we regularly install shingle and tile systems when they’re the better fit for the homeowner’s budget or structure.
The Bottom Line
There’s a reason metal roofing now accounts for 62% of roofing contracts in our South Florida service area. Homeowners here have thought this through — and they keep arriving at the same answer.
That doesn’t mean metal is automatically right for your home. But it does mean that when you sit down to evaluate your options, you’re in good company asking the question.
If you’d like to understand what a metal roof would look like for your specific home — the cost, the timeline, the material options, and the long-term picture — we’re here for that conversation. No pressure, no rush. Just a clear look at what’s possible.
Get a free, no-pressure roofing estimate from Rhino Roofs →