Florida homeowners usually pay for a new roof in one of six ways: financing through the roofer, an unsecured personal loan, a home equity loan or HELOC, a cash-out refinance, PACE financing repaid through your property tax bill, or insurance and grant money. Which one fits depends on four things: your credit, how much equity you have, how soon you need the roof, and whether a storm caused the damage.
This guide is from a Brevard County-certified roofer who has worked on Space Coast roofs since 1980. We see how these choices play out after the contract is signed, and we’d rather you pick the right one than the one that closes the fastest.
If you own a home in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Grant-Valkaria, or anywhere else in Brevard County, the local section further down covers permits, programs, and timing.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Florida?
A full roof replacement in Florida usually costs $10,000 to $30,000 or more. Most Brevard County shingle roofs come in around the middle of that range. Tile and metal cost more. The main things that move the price:
- Roof size and pitch (steeper roofs take more labor and safety gear)
- Material: shingle, tile, metal, or flat
- How much rotten or damaged decking turns up after tear-off
- Florida code items such as deck nailing, peel-and-stick underlayment, and hurricane straps or clips
- Permit and inspection fees
If you only need a fix, check our roof repair cost guide for Palm Bay before you take out a replacement-sized loan.
What Do Roof Loan Costs Per Month
Most people compare the monthly payment, when they should compare total interest instead. The table below uses example rates to do that:
| Roof Cost | 0% promo, paid in 12 months | 8% APR, 7 years | 12% APR, 10 years | 18% APR, 5 years |
| $10,000 | $833/mo | 156/mo (3,092 interest) | 143/mo (7,217 interest) | 254/mo (5,236 interest) |
| $15,000 | $1,250/mo | 234/mo (4,639 interest) | 215/mo (10,825 interest) | 381/mo (7,854 interest) |
| $20,000 | $1,667/mo | 312/mo (6,185 interest) | 287/mo (14,433 interest) | 508/mo (10,472 interest) |
| $25,000 | $2,083/mo | 390/mo (7,731 interest) | 359/mo (18,041 interest) | 635/mo (13,090 interest) |
Compare the 12% and 8% columns. The 10-year loan has a lower monthly payment, but it costs more than twice as much in interest. A small monthly payment does not make a loan cheap. Before you sign any offer, ask for the total amount you’ll repay.
Roof Financing Options at a Glance
| Option | Typical rate | Typical term | Credit needed | Lien on your home? | Time to funding | Best for |
| Contractor financing | 0% promos; about 8.9%+ on longer plans | 3-18 months (promo), up to 10 years | Varies; many plans take fair credit | No | Minutes to days | Speed and convenience |
| Personal loan | About 6%-36% APR | 2-7 years (some up to 20) | Best rates at 690+ | No | 1-5 days | Fixed payments, no collateral |
| Home equity loan | Usually lower than personal loans; fixed | 5-30 years | 620+ (700+ for best rates) | Yes | 2-6 weeks | Large projects, lowest fixed rate |
| HELOC | Usually variable | 10-year draw, then repayment | 620+ | Yes | 2-6 weeks | Borrowers who want flexibility |
| Cash-out refinance | Current mortgage rates | 15-30 years | Mortgage standards | Yes (replaces mortgage) | 30+ days | Only if the new rate beats your current one |
| PACE | Fixed; often higher than bank loans | Up to 20 years | Based on equity and tax history | Yes, a senior lien | 1-3 weeks | Only where your county allows it |
| FHA Title I / 203(k) | Fixed | Varies | Lower minimums | Title I: not under $7,500 | Weeks | Lower credit scores |
| USDA Section 504 | 1% fixed | Up to 20 years | Very low income; rural address | Yes, over set amounts | Months | Eligible rural homeowners |
| Insurance claim | None | None | None | No | Weeks | Storm or wind damage |
| My Safe Florida Home grant | None | None | Income-based | No | Months | Hurricane-hardening upgrades |
Rates and terms change often and depend on your credit, so treat these ranges as a starting point. Get real quotes before you decide.
The Main Ways to Finance a Roof in Florida (Detailed Breakdown)
1. Contractor Financing (Including 0% Offers)
The roofing company works with a third-party lender. You apply through the roofer, usually get a decision within minutes, and the lender pays the roofer, often once the job is finished.
Typical terms: Short promotional plans are 0% if you pay in full within 3, 6, 12, or 18 months. Longer plans run up to 10 years, with APRs that often start around 8.9% for well-qualified borrowers.
Best for: Homeowners who need the roof soon and want a single process, without a separate trip to the bank.
Watch out for: Rates vary a lot between lenders, and some contractor plans cost more than a credit union loan. Always compare at least one outside offer.
Deferred Interest vs. True 0% APR
This is the most important thing to understand about any roof financing offer.
- True 0% APR: No interest builds up during the promo period. If you leave a balance at the end, interest starts only then.
- Deferred interest: Interest builds up in the background the whole time. If you leave even a small balance when the promo ends, or if one payment is late, you can be charged all the interest back to day one, calculated on every balance you carried during the promo.
So, for example, you finance a $15,000 roof on a 12-month “no interest” plan and end up $500 short at month 12. On a deferred-interest plan at 26.99%, that $500 gap can trigger roughly $2,000 in back interest, all charged at once. On a true 0% plan, you’d owe interest only on the remaining $500.
Knowing this, there are three ways you can protect yourself:
- Ask directly: “Is this deferred interest or true 0% APR?” Get the answer in writing.
- Read the agreement. The phrase “no interest if paid in full within” usually means deferred interest.
- If you do take a deferred plan, divide the balance by one month less than the promo length and set up autopay. You’ll finish a month early.
2. Unsecured Personal Loans
You borrow a fixed amount from a bank, credit union, or online lender and repay it in equal monthly payments. Your house isn’t collateral.
Typical terms: Usually $1,000 to $100,000, paid back over 2 to 7 years (a few lenders go up to 20), at roughly 6% to 36% APR. Borrowers with scores of 690 or higher get the best rates. Funding usually takes 1 to 5 days, and you don’t need an appraisal.
Best for: Homeowners with good credit who want a fixed payment and no lien, and newer owners who haven’t built up much equity yet.
Watch out for: Origination fees of up to about 10%, which some lenders take out of the loan before you receive it. Prequalify with a soft credit check to compare offers without hurting your score.
Before you commit, call two or three local credit unions. Members with a long history there sometimes get rates a bank won’t match. With the money in hand, you can also pay your roofer as a cash customer.
3. Home Equity Loans and HELOCs
You borrow against your home equity. A home equity loan pays you a lump sum at a fixed rate. A HELOC is a credit line you draw from as you need it, usually at a variable rate.
Typical terms: Lenders generally want 15% to 20% equity and a credit score of 620 or higher (700+ for the best rates). You’ll pay for an appraisal and closing costs, and closing takes about 2 to 6 weeks. The interest may be tax-deductible when the money goes toward a major home improvement. Check with your tax preparer.
Best for: Homeowners with solid equity, a steady income, and time to wait for closing.
Watch out for:
- Your home is the collateral. If you fall behind, you risk foreclosure.
- On a variable-rate HELOC, the payment can go up after you sign.
- Using your equity for the roof leaves less of a cushion for a real emergency later, which matters in a state where hurricanes can bring unexpected repair bills.
- It’s slow. If you have an active leak, you may not be able to wait six weeks.
4. Cash-Out Refinance
A cash-out refinance replaces your mortgage with a larger one, and you keep the difference as cash. It only makes sense for a roof if the new mortgage rate is the same as or lower than your current one. Otherwise, you’d be raising the rate on your entire mortgage balance to pay for a $20,000 project. It also comes with a full appraisal and closing costs.
5. PACE Financing
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) pays for qualifying upgrades, including wind-resistant roofing, and you repay it as a special assessment on your annual property tax bill. If you pay your taxes through escrow, your mortgage payment goes up.
Typical terms: Fixed rates, terms up to about 20 years, and no money down. Approval is based mostly on your home equity and property tax payment history, not your credit score. Residential PACE in Florida has no prepayment penalty.
What changed: Florida rewrote its residential PACE law in 2024. Providers must now confirm you can afford the payments, provide standard disclosures, and use registered contractors. Since July 1, 2024, PACE can only be offered where the county or city has approved it by ordinance or resolution. A federal CFPB rule also brings residential PACE under Truth in Lending Act protections, with a scheduled start date of March 1, 2026.
Best for: Homeowners with plenty of equity whose credit keeps them from qualifying for other financing, and who live in a county that allows PACE.
Watch out for:
- PACE creates a senior lien, which gets paid before your mortgage. Many buyers’ lenders require it to be paid off at closing, and that can complicate a sale or a refinance.
- The county tax collector and property appraiser can each charge up to 2% of the annual installment, and that fee appears on your tax bill.
- If you don’t pay your property taxes, you risk a tax certificate and, eventually, losing the home.
- Compare the total PACE cost against a personal loan. PACE is easier to qualify for, but it often costs more.
6. Government-Backed Loans
- FHA Title I: Fixed-rate home improvement loans. Loans under $7,500 are typically unsecured; larger amounts require a property lien. Credit requirements are easier than for conventional loans.
- FHA 203(k): Rolls the roof into a home purchase or refinance, for projects of $5,000 or more. It’s most useful if you’re buying a home that needs a new roof.
- USDA Section 504 Home Repair: For very-low-income homeowners in USDA-eligible rural areas. Loans are at 1% for up to 20 years. Homeowners 62 and older may qualify for a grant for health and safety repairs; you must repay the grant if you sell within 3 years. Rural parts of South Brevard, including some Grant-Valkaria addresses, may qualify. You can check a specific address on the USDA Rural Development site.
Before You Borrow: Florida Money You Don’t Have to Repay
When a homeowner asks us about financing, the first question we ask back is whether they’ve checked their insurance and grant eligibility. Every dollar from these sources is a dollar you don’t have to borrow.
Homeowners Insurance
Insurance generally won’t pay to replace a roof that’s simply old or worn out. It may pay when the damage comes from a covered event such as a hurricane, windstorm, or falling tree. In that case, you’d only need to finance your deductible and any upgrades you choose, not the whole roof.
To give your claim the best chance:
- Photograph the damage right away and note the date of the storm.
- Get a written inspection report from a licensed Florida roofer.
- Read your policy’s roof terms. Many Florida policies pay roofs on an actual cash value basis, meaning depreciated value, which can lower the check on an older roof.
- Keep control of your claim. Under current Florida law, your insurance payment goes to you, not the roofer. Be cautious with any contractor who offers to “cover your deductible” or wants you to sign your claim over to them.
The My Safe Florida Home Grant
My Safe Florida Home is a state program run by the Florida Department of Financial Services. It offers a free wind mitigation inspection plus matching grants of up to $10,000 for hurricane-hardening upgrades. The state pays $2 for every $1 you put in, up to two-thirds of the eligible cost. Low-income homeowners (at or below 80% of the county median income) can receive up to $10,000 without making a match.
A roof replacement alone isn’t an eligible improvement. The grant pays for the roof upgrades your inspection recommends, such as:
- Roof-to-wall connections (hurricane straps and clips)
- Improved roof deck attachment (upgraded nailing)
- A secondary water barrier (sealing the roof deck)
If the roof covering has to come off to complete those upgrades, the replacement cost can qualify too. In that case, you have to replace the whole roof, or the whole roof section. Patches and partial repairs don’t qualify.
Funding comes in cycles and runs out quickly. The 2025-2026 cycle reopened with $352 million and was largely committed by spring 2026, when many applicants who had already been inspected were put on a waitlist. The 2026-2027 state budget reappropriated more than $405 million for the program. Check the website for the current status before you plan around it, and apply early.
Wind Mitigation Insurance Credits
A roof built to current Florida code can lower your windstorm premium once a wind mitigation inspection documents it. The inspection looks at deck nailing, underlayment, and roof-to-wall connections, the same features a good replacement should include anyway. That discount lowers the real monthly cost of whatever financing you pick. Ask your insurance agent for a quote with and without the credits, so you know the actual savings.
Florida Roof Rules That Change How Much You Need to Borrow
The “25% Rule” After SB 4-D
The old rule said that if more than 25% of a roof was damaged, you had to replace the whole roof. It no longer applies to most newer roofs.
- Roof permitted on or after March 1, 2009 (built to the 2007 code or later): You can repair any amount, and only the repaired part has to meet current code.
- Older roof: If you repair more than 25% of a roof section within 12 months, you must bring the whole section up to current code.
This means that a $4,000 repair and a $20,000 replacement need very different loans. First, look up the date of your last re-roof permit.
Roof Age and Your Insurance
Insurers get strict once a roof reaches 15 years. By law, they can’t drop you for roof age alone if an inspection shows the roof has at least 5 years of life left. Many still ask for an inspection or a new roof anyway.
- Don’t put big repair money into a roof your insurer may reject at renewal.
- A documented inspection can buy you time to save up or wait for a grant, instead of taking out a rushed loan.
See when to start planning a roof replacement and these signs you need a new roof before you take another step.
Roof Financing in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Grant-Valkaria, and Brevard County
Why Brevard Roofs Wear Out Faster
Roofs here take hurricane winds, salt air, strong UV, and near-daily summer storms. Near the water, salt can corrode fasteners and flashing before the shingles wear out. That’s why the underlayment and deck nailing in your estimate matter as much as the loan terms.
Palm Bay
Much of Brevard’s largest city was built from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Many roofs there were installed before the 2007 code, so the old 25% rule may still apply. Your roofer should pull the permit with the City of Palm Bay under their own license. For local prices, see our Palm Bay roof replacement cost guide.
Melbourne and West Melbourne
Homes east of US-1 and on the barrier island get the most salt, so stainless fasteners and quality flashing are worth the money. Melbourne issues its own building permits.
Grant-Valkaria
This rural town has large lots and many older homes. Some addresses qualify for USDA Section 504: 1% repair loans for very-low-income owners, and grants for owners 62 and older. You can check your address on the USDA eligibility map.
Is PACE Available in Brevard County?
It’s unconfirmed. Since July 2024, PACE needs county or city approval. So, before you sign, ask the provider for proof of authorization and confirm with the Brevard County Tax Collector.
Local Help Worth Checking
- My Safe Florida Home: Available to eligible Brevard homeowners. Apply early in each funding cycle.
- SHIP home repair assistance: Brevard County Housing & Human Services and the City of Palm Bay both run state housing (SHIP) programs that sometimes fund roof repairs for income-qualified owners. Programs open and close, so call to ask what’s funded right now.
- USDA Section 504: For rural addresses in south and west Brevard.
Timing Matters Here
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Apply for financing and grants in winter or early spring. After a named storm, roofers across the county get booked for weeks, grant money gets used up faster, and rushed decisions get expensive. A roof put on in March costs less stress, and usually less money, than an emergency tarp-and-replace in September.
Which Roof Financing Option Is Right for You?
| Your situation | Start here | Then consider |
| A storm damaged the roof | Insurance claim | Contractor financing or a personal loan for the deductible |
| Good credit, want no lien on the home | True 0% contractor plan you can pay off in time | Personal loan from a credit union |
| Lots of equity, not in a hurry | Home equity loan (fixed rate) | HELOC, if you’re comfortable with a variable rate |
| Credit problems but solid equity | Contractor plans built for fair credit | PACE, only if your county authorizes it |
| Low or moderate income | My Safe Florida Home, SHIP | USDA 504 (rural), FHA Title I |
| Veteran, senior, or defense-industry employee | Ask your roofer about discounts | Any option above, on a smaller balance |
| Roof is old but still sound | Inspection and documentation | Save up or wait for a grant cycle instead of borrowing in a rush |
How to Get a Roof Loan in 5 Steps
- Get the roof diagnosed. Find out whether you need a repair or a replacement, and get the answer in writing with photos.
- Get two or three detailed written estimates. Compare what each one includes (tear-off, decking, underlayment, permits), not just the price. More than three usually adds confusion.
- Check free money first. Look at insurance coverage, My Safe Florida Home, local SHIP programs, and any discounts you qualify for.
- Prequalify with a soft credit check. Compare APR, total repayment, fees, and prepayment penalties across at least two lenders, including one outside your roofer’s program.
- Read the contract before you sign. Check the financing terms and the roofing contract itself. Here’s what every Florida roofing contract must include.
Financing Your Roof With Florida Roofing & Renovations
We offer financing through PowerPay, a home improvement lending platform that works in all 50 states. Here’s how it works:
- Apply online in a few minutes and get a credit decision in seconds.
- Review and sign your loan documents digitally once your estimate is final.
- We get paid when the job is done. Your monthly payments start after that.
PowerPay loans are made by PowerPay’s lending partners and serviced by PowerPay. There are no prepayment penalties or hidden fees, so you can pay the roof off early whenever you want. Rates and terms depend on your credit.
Before you sign, we’ll walk you through the APR, the term, and the total repayment, and we’ll tell you plainly whether any promotional offer is true 0% or deferred interest. Check your financing options bodsnl.
Discounts That Lower the Amount You Finance
A discount is worth more than a low rate, because you never pay interest on money you didn’t borrow. For example, 10% off a $20,000 roof is $2,000 less to finance.
- 10% Military Discount: Active-duty and retired service members.
- Senior Citizen Discount: For our senior neighbors on Florida’s Space Coast.
- Defense Contractor Discount: For Space Coast families working at Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, Lockheed, and other defense companies.
Just mention your discount when you request your estimate.
What You’re Paying For
Every replacement we do follows the same standards:
- Full tear-off down to the deck. We never roof over old layers or rotten wood.
- Deck nailed to Florida code, with photos to prove it, plus self-adhered peel-and-stick underlayment over the whole deck.
- Proper hurricane straps and clips for your roof type, plus documentation that supports your wind mitigation credits.
- Permits pulled under our own state certification (CCC1331836), a 10-year workmanship warranty, and our own long-time crew.
We take care of commercial as well as residential roofing, working with asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and even premium vinyl sidings.
If you’re ready to find out what your roof really needs, call us at 321-914-3360 or request a free estimate that will give you a straight answer, even if the answer is “repair it, don’t replace it.”
Key Takeaways
- Look for money you don’t have to repay first. Check your insurance coverage and the My Safe Florida Home grant before you apply for any loan.
- Contractor financing is the fastest option. Before signing a “0%” offer, ask whether it’s true 0% APR or deferred interest.
- A personal loan gives you a fixed rate and doesn’t put a lien on your house.
- Home equity loans and HELOCs usually have the lowest rates, but your home is the collateral, and most HELOC rates are variable.
- PACE only works if your county allows it, and it attaches a senior lien to your property.
- Get the roof diagnosed before you borrow. Florida’s roof rules sometimes mean a repair will do, and a repair is much cheaper to finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I finance a roof with bad credit in Florida?
Yes. Many contractor financing programs accept fair or rebuilding credit, though usually at higher rates. PACE decides mainly on equity and property tax history, but it’s only available where your county allows it. Income-based help like SHIP or USDA 504 doesn’t depend on a strong credit score.
How long can you finance a new roof in Florida?
Contractor plans and personal loans usually run 2 to 10 years. Home equity loans can go up to 30 years, and PACE up to about 20. A longer term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay.
Is 0% roof financing really interest-free?
Only if it’s true 0% APR and you pay it off within the promo period. Many offers are deferred interest, which means you’re charged interest on the full balance if you leave any balance at the end. Ask which type it is and get the answer in writing.
Is it better to use a HELOC or a personal loan for a roof?
A HELOC usually has a lower starting rate, but it uses your home as collateral, and the rate is usually variable. A personal loan costs a bit more, but it’s fixed, faster to get, and doesn’t put a lien on your house. If you need the roof soon or don’t want to tap your equity, a personal loan is often the simpler choice.
Will PACE make it harder to sell my home?
It can. PACE is a senior lien, and many buyers’ lenders require it to be paid off at closing. Plan to either pay it off from your sale proceeds or find a buyer whose lender will accept it.
Do I need a down payment to finance a roof?
Usually not. Most contractor plans, personal loans, and PACE programs offer zero-down options. Putting some money down still lowers your balance and your total interest.
Can I finance a metal or tile roof, or only shingles?
You can finance any roof type. Metal and tile cost more upfront and last longer, so a longer loan term can still make sense as long as the roof outlasts the loan.
