MCA launches new advocacy initiative in Florida

MCA will lobby for increased insurance discounts for homes with metal roofs in Florida.

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is entering into an agreement with a lobbying firm to advocate for changes in the Florida State Insurance Commission’s criteria for homeowners to qualify for larger discounts on their insurance policies. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to promote the use of resilient building materials, particularly metal roofing, which has proven to be highly effective in mitigating storm damage.

Seeking changes to Forum 1802

The primary focus of this lobbying effort is the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, Form OIR-B1-1802, which is known as Form 1802 (or the 1802 Form). It is a form used to verify windstorm mitigation features so that Florida insurance policyholders can get the discounts they’re entitled to when their home's construction helps mitigate risk. Metal roofing is specifically noted as a mitigation feature on Form 1802, but it qualifies the homeowner for the same level of discount as other building components that help mitigate damage. By targeting Form 1802, we aim to secure larger premium discounts for homeowners who choose to use metal roofing. Actuarial tables could enable deeper insurance discounts by demonstrating metal roof's significant reduction in risk of damage. We are also proposing the form be update to consider factors such as edge metal attachment, the condition of the roof and the age of the materials.

This not only highlights the safety benefits of metal in crises but also provides a financial incentive for homeowners to invest in these durable materials. For our members who supply and install metal in the building envelope, this initiative represents a significant opportunity. By advocating for these changes, MCA is helping to create a market environment that recognizes and rewards the superior performance of metal roofing. This, in turn, can lead to increased demand for your products and services. This initiative aligns with our broader mission to promote the use of metal in the construction industry. By demonstrating to homeowners that metal roofing can enhance their safety and provide cost savings through insurance discounts, we are reinforcing the value of metal as a preferred building material.

Why Florida?

Florida homeowners have been facing soaring home insurance rates since 2022, driven by the state's ongoing insurance crisis. With premiums skyrocketing and coverage options shrinking, many homeowners feel trapped without viable solutions. The state has introduced several measures to curb rising insurance rates, including making it more challenging to sue insurance companies, incentivizing new companies to write policies in the state and increasing funding for the state's storm-hardening program, My Safe Florida Home. Despite these efforts, the savings from these measures will take time to manifest, leaving homeowners in urgent need of relief.

Shared goals and benefits

This initiative will benefit homeowners, our members and the metal construction industry as a whole. We will keep you updated on our progress and developments related to this effort.