Dozens of Tampa Bay homeowners say their Spanish tile roofs are failing just years after moving into newly built homes, and they want builder Taylor Morrison to replace them under warranty.
The complaints surfaced after WTVT-TV reported on problems with new construction, prompting more than 40 families—mostly in the Esplanade of Tampa community—to come forward. Residents say their homes, built between 2015 and 2019, have leaking roofs despite repeated repairs.
Joseph and Heather Dorsa noticed their first leak just two weeks after moving in. “It just continued,” Joseph said. “Every time it rains sideways, I know there’s going to be another leak.”
The Dorsas are not alone. Neighbors have formed a private Facebook group, where they share stories of recurring leaks, shifting tiles and patchwork fixes. At least 43 households have commissioned a total of 558 inspections as part of Florida’s required legal process for construction defect claims.
Homeowners say inspections revealed missing vents, improperly installed underlayment, and tiles at risk of flying off in a storm. “We don’t want to have a major hurricane and have tiles cause property damage or injury,” said homeowner Frank Piccione.
Taylor Morrison has sent crews to make repairs and points to a third-party engineering review that recommends “modest repairs and maintenance.” But residents argue those fixes aren’t enough and are demanding full roof replacements under the builder’s 10-year structural warranty.
The City of Tampa says its inspectors signed off on the homes at the time of construction, but added that passing inspection does not relieve contractors of their responsibility to meet building codes.
While some residents report no issues, many remain frustrated and anxious heading into storm season. “I just want what I paid for—quality construction,” said homeowner David King.
The Florida Attorney General’s office has advised homeowners experiencing similar defects to file complaints online.
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