Many homeowners in Florida are considering having a wind mitigation inspection in order to lower their insurance premiums. So we’ve created a guide that answers common questions.
This guide explains what a wind mitigation inspection is, how the process works, and how it can help Florida homeowners save money on insurance premiums.
Wind Mitigation Inspections at a Glance
Here are the six most important points covered in this guide:
- Description: A wind mitigation inspection is a visual assessment by a licensed inspector to identify seven key wind‑resistant features. Inspectors use the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR‑B1‑1802) to document their findings.
- Benefit: The inspection gives homeowners documented proof of wind‑resistant features, so they can earn state‑mandated insurance discounts. This can reduce premiums by 10% to 45%, saving the owner hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.
- Process: Inspectors check the year your home was built, roof covering age and materials, roof deck and roof‑to‑wall connections, roof shape, secondary water resistance, and opening protection to determine wind resilience.
- Reports: An inspection report is usually valid for five years. It must be completed by a Florida‑licensed contractor, architect, engineer, or building/home inspector. The inspector must take photos to ensure accuracy and combat fraud.
- Preparing: Homeowners can prepare for the inspection by providing clear access to the attic and roof, gathering permits and product documentation (e.g., a window upgrade), and removing obstructions to help streamline the process.
- Cost: The cost of an inspection can range from $75 to $200. This can often be recouped quickly through state‑mandated insurance discounts, potential grant programs, and the added home safety and resale value benefits of wind mitigation measures.
Common Questions From Florida Homeowners
Florida homeowners have a lot of questions about wind mitigation inspections, especially when it comes to the cost versus benefits. Here are 10 of those common questions.
1. What is a wind mitigation inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a visual examination of a home’s features that help protect it from wind damage.
During the inspection, a qualified inspector will evaluate specific construction elements that are known to reduce losses in hurricanes and high-wind events. They’ll record their findings on a standardized form, the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802).
While available nationwide, these inspections are especially common in Florida. That’s because state laws require insurance companies to offer discounts to homeowners who implement wind-resistant features, such as reinforced roofing or impact-resistant windows.
Related guide: Florida insurance crisis explained
2. What does a wind mitigation inspection test for?
These inspections focus on key areas of your home’s construction that contribute to wind resistance.
The inspector should examine and document the following items, at a minimum:
- Building Code: The year your home was built matters a lot. Homes built to newer building codes (especially after 2001) often have superior wind-resistant features.
- Roof Covering: The age of your roof and the materials used are assessed. Newer roofs installed to current building codes are generally more wind-resistant.
- Roof Deck Attachment: This refers to how the plywood or other sheathing is attached to the roof trusses or rafters. The inspector will check the type and spacing of the nails or staples used. Stronger attachment methods offer better resistance.
- Roof-to-Wall Attachment: The inspector will check to see how your roof structure is connected to the walls of your home. Stronger connections (like double wraps) are more effective at preventing the roof from detaching during high winds.
- Roof Geometry: The shape of your roof influences how wind flows over your house. Hip roofs (which slope on all four sides) are generally more aerodynamic and perform better in high winds than gable roofs (which have two sloping sides and two vertical ends).
- Secondary Water Resistance: Also known as a sealed roof deck, this is a layer of protection installed under the roof covering that helps prevent water intrusion if the primary roof covering is damaged.
- Opening Protection: The inspector will check to see if your windows, doors, and garage doors are protected against wind-borne debris. Protections can include impact-resistant windows and doors or shutters (like accordion, roll-down, or panel shutters) that meet the required standards.
3. How long does the process take?
Most wind mitigation inspections are fairly quick—typically 30 to 60 minutes for an average‑sized home.
While the exact sequence of events can vary, it usually works like this:
- Arrival and introduction. The inspector will arrive at the scheduled time, confirm your address, and ask if you have any permits or product documentation on hand.
- Exterior walk‑around. The inspector will circle the house to check roof geometry, roof covering age, and any protection for windows and doors.
- Attic inspection. Next, they head into the attic—so be sure to provide clear access. They’ll look at roof‑to‑wall connections, roof deck attachment, and secondary water resistance details (like sealants or underlayment).
- Photos and form completion. Throughout the visit, the inspector will take photos of key features. Once they finish the walk‑through, they’ll fill out the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR‑B1‑1802) on site or back at their office.
- Wrap‑up. Before they leave, they’ll review any notable findings with you and let you know when to expect the completed report—usually within a few days.
4. How can homeowners prepare for the inspection?
The inspector will mainly focus on the construction of your home, including the key areas listed above. Even so, there are things you can do to prepare for and facilitate the inspection.
- Access: Make sure the inspector has clear and safe access to all areas they need to examine, including the attic, the exterior of the house, and windows and doors.
- Clearance: Remove any items in the attic or near windows and doors that might obstruct the inspector’s view or interfere with measurements and photos.
- Documents: If you have any documentation related to your home’s construction or renovations, have it readily available for the inspector. This might include permits, installation dates, product approvals, impact ratings for windows, etc.
5. How does this process benefit the homeowner?
The primary benefit of a wind mitigation inspection is that it could help you save money on your homeowners insurance premiums.
Florida law requires insurance companies to offer discounts to homeowners who have installed features that reduce wind damage. A favorable wind mitigation report creates documented proof of these damage-reducing features, allowing insurers to apply credits.
But there are other benefits as well, beyond saving money:
- Identifying weaknesses: The inspector’s report will identify areas where your home might be susceptible to wind damage. You can use this knowledge to decide what kinds of upgrades you might want to make going forward.
- Home safety: Fortifying your home against wind can provide peace of mind and better protection for your family and belongings during storms.
- Property value: A home with documented wind mitigation features can be more attractive to potential buyers, increasing its marketability and value.
6. Is it really worth the effort and cost?
For most Florida homeowners, yes, a wind mitigation inspection is absolutely worth the effort.
The cost of the inspection typically ranges from $100 to $200. In most cases, this upfront cost can be recouped quickly through the insurance premium discounts received.
Many homeowners in Florida report annual savings totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars, far exceeding the initial inspection fee.
Considering the high cost of homeowners insurance in Florida, anything you can do to lower your premium is worth exploring.
7. Who can perform this type of inspection in Florida?
Any Florida-licensed home inspector, general or building contractor, architect, engineer, or building inspector who has completed the approved wind mitigation training is qualified to conduct the inspection.
Ensure the inspector you hire is properly licensed and experienced in performing wind mitigation inspections.
8. What do I do with the final report?
Once you receive the completed Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802) from the inspector, you should submit it to your homeowners insurance company or your insurance agent. They will review the report and apply any eligible wind mitigation credits to your policy, which will result in a reduction in your premium. It’s a good idea to follow up with your insurance provider to confirm that the discounts have been applied.
9. How long is a wind mitigation report valid?
In Florida, wind mitigation inspection reports are typically valid for five years from the date of completion, if no major changes are made to the home during that time.
This means you can submit the report to your insurance company for five years to receive potential premium discounts, based on your home’s wind-resistant features.
However, if you make significant renovations or roof replacements before those five years are up, you might want to get a new inspection. You could qualify for additional discounts.
10. How often should I have an inspection?
Your wind mitigation report should remain valid for five years. So the standard recommendation is to get a new inspection every five years, to ensure your insurance discounts continue without interruption.
However, you should also consider getting a new inspection sooner if:
- You replace your roof: A new roof, especially one that follows current codes, can improve your home’s wind resistance and possibly qualify for additional or larger discounts.
- You make other significant upgrades: A new inspection can help you document the installation of impact-resistant windows, stronger roof-to-wall attachments, etc.
In short: If you get a new inspection after major wind-resistant improvements, your insurance company can update your policy to reflect those enhanced features.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not cover every individual situation. Wind mitigation requirements, inspection procedures, and insurance benefits can vary. Always consult with a licensed inspector or insurance professional for advice specific to your home and policy.
Brandon Cornett
Brandon Cornett is a veteran real estate market analyst and reporter. He has been covering the U.S. real estate market for nearly 20 years. More about the author