Guides for island & St. Pete property owners
Plain-English answers about roofs, flood rules, hurricanes, and building on the Gulf coast.
Raise or rebuild? Options for an older, storm-damaged beach home
Your older beach house took on water and the city says it has to come up to flood code. Here is how to weigh lifting the house you have against starting fresh.
Read the guide →RoofingHurricane season roof checklist for beach homes in Pinellas
A ground-level roof checklist for beach homeowners, covering what to look at before the season, while it is underway, and after a storm passes.
Read the guide →Flood zonesFlood vents, breakaway walls and the space under elevated homes explained
That ground-level space under an elevated beach home comes with rules. Here is how flood vents and breakaway walls work and what the space can be used for.
Read the guide →RemodelingImpact windows and doors for island homes: are they worth it?
Impact glass is a big decision for a beach home. Here is how it compares with shutters, how it shows up on a wind mitigation report, and what else it brings.
Read the guide →Flood zonesThe FEMA 50% rule in Treasure Island: what it means for your repair or rebuild
If repairs reach half of your home's value, the rules change. Here's how the 50% rule works and how to plan around it.
Read the guide →RoofingFlorida's 25% roof rule changed. Here's what St. Pete homeowners should know
Older advice said that damage to a quarter of your roof meant a full replacement. Since 2022, that's not always true.
Read the guide →InsuranceWind mitigation in St. Pete: roof upgrades that can lower your insurance
The way your roof is attached to your house can affect what you pay for insurance. Here's what inspectors look for.
Read the guide →RoofingMetal, tile, or shingle? Choosing a roof for a Treasure Island beach house
Wind, salt, and sun are hard on roofs. Here's how the main roof types hold up on the islands.
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