5 Best Roof Shingles For Florida (2023 Update)

The time will come when you have to replace your old roof. Being in the Sunshine State, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right roofing materials for your new roof. This is important as your new roofing materials will directly impact your home’s ability to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures as well as protect your home during everyday and severe weather events.

Below we’re going to cover the five best roof shingles for Florida homeowners, along with their pros and cons. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Asphalt Shingles

Whether you’re on a budget or not, you really can’t go wrong with asphalt shingles. They’re the most common type of roofing material you can find, which is good because that means they’re widely available. 

Generally speaking, asphalt shingles are made using a combination of raw materials, such as asphalt, fiberglass, and sometimes composite materials. They also come in a very wide range of colors that will match any type of color scheme you have in mind for your home. Some asphalt shingles even mimic other types of more expensive roofing materials.

There are also three types of asphalt shingles you can choose from:

• 3-tab shingles: 3-tab shingles are named after their design, which is essentially three tabs per shingle strip. 3-tab shingles are made to lay flat on your roof to mimic the look of wooden shakes. They’re also the most affordable.
• Architectural shingles: Architectural shingles (also referred to as dimensional shingles) are designed to give your roof’s appearance more depth. These shingles are installed in a layered pattern, which also imitates the appearance of wooden shingles.
• Luxury shingles: Also referred to as designer or premium shingles, luxury shingles are designed to look like slate tiles. These shingles are larger than the other types of asphalt shingles and they’re much more durable (as well as costly).

Pros

• They’re affordable
• Widely available
• Plenty of colors to choose from
• Low maintenance
• Recyclable

Cons

• They have a shorter lifespan than other roofing shingles (20-30 years)
• Darker colors will typically fade with UV exposure
• 3-tab shingles are less durable as they’re more prone to wind damage

Care Tips in Florida

• Schedule yearly inspections to check for lifted, curled, or missing shingles after storms.
• Opt for algae-resistant shingles, and clean stains with a mild, roof-safe solution.
• Keep gutters and valleys free of leaves and palm fronds to prevent water pooling.
• Replace damaged shingles right away to avoid water intrusion during hurricane season.

2. Metal Shingles

Metal roofing has become a very popular choice among homeowners throughout the United States. Metal roofing materials can be installed as shingles or panels, similar to tile shingles, depending on your preference. They’re also designed to mimic the appearance of asphalt shingles. They can also be coated in a variety of UV-safe colors, which means they can match any aesthetic.

Metal roofing is also known for its energy efficiency as it reflects the sun’s harsh rays with ease keeping your indoor temperatures nice and cool.

There are several types of metals you can choose from for your roofing shingles as well:

• Steel
• Tin
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Zinc
• Steel amalgam

Pros

• Long lifespan (70 to 100 years or more, depending on the type of metal)
• Durable and low-maintenance
• Lightweight
• Energy efficient
• Almost 100% recyclable

Cons

• Typically require a soundproofing layer
• Can wrinkle or warp if installed incorrectly
• Require specialized labor for installation, which is more costly

Care Tips in Florida

• Check insulation and underlayment regularly to ensure no gaps or damage from thermal expansion.
• Rinse with fresh water every few months to wash away salt spray and debris, especially near the coast.
• Inspect seams, fasteners, and flashing after hurricanes or strong wind events.
• Reapply protective coatings every 10–15 years to prevent corrosion and fading.

3. Clay Tile Shingles

Clay tiles are arguably the most suitable roofing material for Florida homes as they naturally do an excellent job of regulating indoor temperatures. They’re also naturally moisture and humidity-resistant, which is part of what allows them to last for so long. It also doesn’t hurt that they easily boost curb appeal due to their natural beauty.

While these tiles are incredibly durable, they can leave you at a disadvantage when it comes to impact damage during storm season.

There are several types of clay shingles — ranging in color — that homeowners can choose from as well:

• Spanish
• French
• Mission
• Scania
• Flat

Pros

• They increase home value
• Can last for over 100 years
• Natural and sustainable materials
• Low maintenance 
• Energy efficient
• Naturally fire resistant

Cons

• Vulnerable to impact damage from falling debris
• They typically require extra structural support as they’re heavier than other materials
• Require specialized labor, making installation more expensive

Care Tips in Florida

• Inspect for cracks or chips after storms and replace broken tiles promptly.
• Avoid walking directly on tiles — use walk boards or hire professionals for safe access.
• Use low-pressure cleaning to remove algae or moss growth without damaging tiles.
• Keep gutters and roof edges clear to prevent water from backing up under the tiles.

4. Concrete Tile Shingles

Concrete tiles are very similar to clay tiles in their makeup and performance. Of course, they’re made from concrete cement rather than natural clay, which means they tend to be associated with efflorescence. This tends to affect their overall aesthetic.

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting
• Cost-effective
• Sustainable and customizable 
• Naturally fire resistant

Cons 

• Susceptible to impact damage
• They require more structural support as they’re very heavy
• They naturally absorb more water, which means they require more maintenance and have poor weather resistance

Care Tips in Florida

• Replace any cracked or dislodged tiles immediately after storms to maintain roof integrity.
• Seal tiles as recommended to reduce water absorption and minimize staining.
• Inspect underlayment and flashing often, since heavy tiles can shift these components in high winds.
• Remove algae and moss with gentle, tile-safe cleaning products.

5. Solar Panels and Shingles

Solar roofing products make for some of the best shingles for Florida homes simply because they provide you with the opportunity to do something with all that sunshine. When you opt for solar roof shingles, you’ll have the advantage of absorbing all the sun’s UV rays and converting them to energy, which equates to immense energy savings and eco-friendliness.

You can choose between the large solar panels or shingles, both of which come with distinct pros and cons. However, solar shingles are becoming more and more popular as they mimic the look of asphalt roofing shingles and can be installed in isolated areas to blend in better.

Pros

• Big energy savings — including tax credits and rebates
• Eco-friendly as they reduce your carbon footprint
• Long lasting (both types will last between 25 and 30 years)
• Sleek-looking and weather-resistant 

Cons

• While they’re pretty long-lasting, energy efficiency rates tend to start dropping by the 10th year
• Solar shingles aren’t as readily available as solar panels
• They’re associated with higher upfront costs
• They don’t work with every type of roofing system

Care Tips in Florida

• Clean panels or shingles with water and a soft brush to remove dust, pollen, and bird droppings.
• Inspect wiring, mounts, and connections after hurricanes for any loosened or damaged parts.
• Trim back trees to reduce shade and prevent scratches or debris buildup.
• Monitor energy output — sudden drops may signal panel damage or a roof issue beneath.

Comparison of Shingle Types for Florida Roofs

Shingle / Material Type	Pros	Cons	Heat / UV Resistance	Wind Uplift / Storm Performance	Algae / Moss Resistance	Relative Cost
3-Tab Asphalt Shingles	Lowest initial cost, lightweight, easy installation	Shorter lifespan, less durable, lower impact & wind ratings	Moderate; prone to deterioration under intense sun	Typically rated ~ 60–80 mph unless upgraded / impact variant	Usually lower resistance (unless specially treated)	Low
Architectural / Dimensional Asphalt Shingles	Better durability, more dimensional look, improved weather resistance	More expensive than 3-tab, heavier, premium installs required	Better UV additives and thicker layers help resist heat damage	Many rated for 110–130 mph (or more with correct installation) (RoofCalc)	More likely to include algae / stain-resistant coatings	Moderate
Metal Shingles / Metal Roofing (shingle style)	Excellent wind resistance, reflectivity / energy efficiency, long lifespan	Higher upfront cost, potential for noise, requires quality flashing / detailing	High — reflects solar heat, stays cooler (Done Rite Roofing, Inc)	Can reach 120–140 mph uplift resistance or more (EcoRoof Systems)	Generally very good — metal doesn’t support algae / moss growth as much	High
Clay or Concrete Tile (with shingle form or tile style)	Very long lifespan, excellent durability, classic appearance	Heavy (needs structural support), brittle under impact, cost	Good — thick mass helps buffer heat, though darker tiles absorb more	Properly fastened tile systems can handle 130–150 mph in many cases (EcoRoof Systems)	Algae / moss resistance depends on coatings or tile glazing	High
Composite / Synthetic Shingles	Lighter weight alternative to real tile, good aesthetics, engineered durability	Variation in quality, newer product lines with less track record	Moderate to high (depends on formulation / UV inhibitors)	Some synthetic shingles are rated for strong winds if well made	Many include built-in resistance to algae and stains	Moderate to High

What Are the Best Roof Shingles for Florida?

In Florida, the best roof shingles are those that balance strong wind resistance, UV and algae protection, and energy efficiency — typically high-quality architectural asphalt shingles or coated metal shingles designed for coastal and storm conditions.

Protecting Your Home for the Long Term

When it comes to figuring out which are the best roofing shingles for Florida and your home, the first thing you want to do is consider your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Then, you’ll want to get in touch with your local and trustworthy roofing contractor to discuss your options.

GreenTek Roofing & Solar can easily help you make the right decision for the best shingles for your home. Visit us today for a free estimate, or give us a call to learn more about our roofing services!