According to the City Building Department they only inspect the plywood on new construction. They do not inspect it on existing structures. The inspection consists of checking the felt, flashings and drip edge. The final inspection is to make sure the correct number of fasteners have been used to hold the shingles in place.

Two Questions...

How can an inspector count the number of fasteners if he doesn't even go up on the roof?

Does it really matter if the correct number of fasteners are used if those fasteners are attached to badly rotted wood - similar to Swiss cheese or butter?

I explained that we had obtained a building permit and underwent not one but two inspections. I asked, "How did that protect me?" Their response was, "It didn't."

The 2006 Florida Statutes

  Title XXXII

REGULATION OF PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS Chapter 468

468.604  Responsibilities of building code administrators, plans examiners, and inspectors.--

(1)  It is the responsibility of the building code administrator or building official to administrate, supervise, direct, enforce, or perform the permitting and inspection of construction, alteration, repair, remodeling, or demolition of structures and the installation of building systems within the boundaries of their governmental jurisdiction, when permitting is required, to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code and any applicable local technical amendment to the Florida Building Code.