Dover, FL is an unincorporated community about six miles west of Plant City in eastern Hillsborough County. Its borders are easy to trace on a map: I-4 to the north, Sydney Road to the south, McIntosh Road on the west and Sydney-Dover Road on the east.
Early settlers homesteaded near what is now US-92, and the area has been farm country ever since. Dover growers shipped the first carload of strawberries out of state in 1897, and strawberries and other crops still shape the place today.
With about 3,300 residents, Dover is small and spread out. Homes sit among farmland, and on a working property the house is rarely the only building with a roof. The roofing work here reflects that: houses, outbuildings and the occasional storm repair.
Farmhouses and Outbuildings
On a working property, the house is only one of the roofs that matter. A leaking barn or equipment shed can ruin stored feed, tools or machinery just as fast as a leaking house roof ruins drywall.
We look at the whole property if you want us to, and we’ll tell you which roofs need attention now and which can wait. Older outbuildings often have rusted fasteners or panels that have worked loose, and those are usually straightforward repairs.
We can also schedule work on outbuildings around the farming calendar, so a busy season doesn’t get interrupted by a roofing crew in the way.
Why Metal Makes Sense Out Here
Metal roofing is a good match for farm country. It sheds water quickly, stands up to wind when fastened on the right schedule and needs little maintenance, which matters when you’d rather spend your time in the fields than on a ladder.
We install metal roofs on homes as well as outbuildings, with sealed fasteners and trim designed for Florida weather. If you prefer the look of shingles on the house, high-wind shingle roofs are a solid choice too.
When the Ground Moves
Dover has a well-documented history with sinkholes. During a hard freeze in January 2010, heavy pumping of groundwater to protect crops from frost was followed by more than 110 sinkholes in the area, which damaged homes and roads, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
A roof can’t fix a foundation problem, but it can show one. Cracks that line up with a sagging ridge, gaps at the fascia or doors that suddenly stick are worth having looked at. If we see signs that the structure itself has moved, we’ll tell you so before we talk about a new roof.
Older Farmhouse Roofs
Homes that have stood in farm country for a long time often carry a roof history you can’t see from the yard: a second layer of shingles over the first, patched decking or flashing that was sealed with roof cement instead of replaced.
When we replace one of these roofs, we tear off down to the decking, replace soft wood and install new flashing at walls, chimneys and vents. It’s the only way to know the new roof is starting on solid ground.
Permits Go Through the County
Dover isn’t an incorporated town, so Hillsborough County Development Services issues roof permits. Applications go through the county’s HillsGovHub portal, and the county inspects the work during the job and at the end.
We handle the permit and inspections for you. Permits apply to homes, and some outbuilding projects need them too; we’ll check what your job requires rather than guessing.
After Heavy Rain and Flooding
Hurricane Milton dumped 10 to 15 inches of rain across much of the region in October 2024. In Dover, eight people had to be evacuated from a house with six feet of water inside it.
Flooding is a different problem from roof damage, but the two often arrive together. After a storm, we inspect for lifted shingles, damaged flashing and wet decking, provide same-day dry-in where needed and give you photos for your insurance claim.
Gutters on Open Ground
On flat, open land, roof water has to go somewhere, and without gutters it often ends up pooling against the foundation. Seamless gutters with downspouts aimed toward natural drainage keep it moving away from the house.
We also replace rotted fascia behind old gutters, since that’s where water does its quiet damage. Learn more about our gutter, soffit and fascia work.
Roofing Help in Dover
From a farmhouse roof that’s seen too many summers to a barn that leaks every afternoon storm, we can help you sort out what needs doing first. Call Mitchell Roofing Company at (727) 288-4650 or ask for a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reroof barns and sheds as well as houses?
Yes. We work on outbuildings as well as homes, and metal is often the best fit for barns, sheds and workshops.
My ceiling has a new crack and the roofline looks uneven. Is that a roof problem?
It might not be. In an area with Dover’s sinkhole history, signs like that can point to the structure moving. We’ll tell you what we see and recommend getting the foundation checked before spending money on a roof.
Who handles roof permits in Dover?
Hillsborough County Development Services. Dover is unincorporated, so there’s no city building department. We file the permit for you.
Is a metal roof noisy in the rain?
Over solid decking with underlayment, a metal roof on a house is much quieter than most people expect. Open-framed barns are louder, which is normal.
Can you help with an insurance claim after storm damage?
Yes. We document damage with job photos and provide an itemized estimate you can submit with your claim.