Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection: How a $150 Report Can Save You Thousands

Florida homeowners insurance is expensive. Wind damage — from hurricanes, tropical storms, and strong thunderstorms — is the main reason why.

But here’s something most Florida homeowners don’t know: the way your home is built can earn you significant discounts on your windstorm and homeowners premium. A wind mitigation inspection documents those features, and the savings can be substantial.

What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection is a professional assessment of your home’s ability to resist wind damage. A licensed Florida inspector evaluates specific structural features and fills out the OIR-B1-1802 form — the standard form all Florida insurers use to calculate wind mitigation credits.

The inspection takes about 45–90 minutes and typically costs $75–$150. The resulting report is valid for 5 years. Do the math: if you save $800/year in premium, a $150 inspection pays for itself in about two weeks.

What Do Inspectors Look For?

The OIR-B1-1802 form covers these key features:

1. Roof Covering

What type of roofing material do you have? Certain materials — particularly asphalt shingles with a specific wind rating or metal roofing — earn credits. Older or lower-rated materials may not.

2. Roof Deck Attachment

How is the roof sheathing (plywood or OSB) attached to the trusses? Older 6d nails spaced widely earn no credit. 8d ring-shank nails installed to current code earn the best credit.

This is one of the most impactful items on the form. Roof decks that stay on during a storm prevent a catastrophic chain of failures.

3. Roof-to-Wall Connection

How are your roof trusses connected to the walls? This is measured by the type of metal connector used:

• Toe-nails: No credit (common in older homes)
• Clips: Partial credit
• Single wraps: Better credit
• Double wraps: Best credit (strong connectors completely wrap the truss)

Again, homes built before Hurricane Andrew (1992) often have inadequate connections by today’s standards.

4. Roof Shape

• Hip roof: All four sides slope down to the walls. Best wind resistance. Full credit.
• Flat roof: Moderate credit
• Gable roof: Triangular ends are vulnerable to wind uplift. Lower credit unless protected.

A hip roof can earn credits of 20%–30% on your wind premium just for its shape.

5. Opening Protection (Windows and Doors)

How are your windows, doors, and skylights protected against wind-borne debris?

• Basic (no protection): No credit
• Wind-rated shutters or panels: Partial credit
• Hurricane-rated windows (impact glass): Highest credit — covers all openings rated for the strongest storms

Replacing standard windows with impact glass typically earns the largest single discount on a Florida home insurance policy — sometimes saving $1,000–$2,500/year.

6. Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)

This is a self-adhering underlayment applied under your roof covering that provides a waterproof barrier if the shingles are torn off. New construction after 2008 typically includes it. Older homes often don’t.

SWR earns a separate credit and also qualifies your home for a lower roof age consideration with some insurers.

How Much Can You Actually Save?

Savings vary significantly by insurer, ZIP code, and which features your home has. But to give you a realistic range:

• Hip roof shape: $200–$800/year savings
• Impact windows and doors (all openings): $800–$2,500/year
• Double-wrap roof-to-wall connectors: $300–$900/year
• Upgraded roof deck attachment: $200–$600/year

A home that scores well on all categories can save $2,000–$4,000/year on its windstorm premium compared to a home with no mitigation features.

Who Should Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

Every Florida homeowner who pays windstorm or homeowners insurance should get one — especially if:

• Your home was built or renovated after 1994 (post-Andrew code improvements)
• You have a hip roof
• You’ve installed impact windows or a new roof
• You’ve never had a wind mitigation inspection before

Even if you think your home is older and won’t qualify for many credits, it costs $150 to find out. Some older homes surprise their owners with qualifying features.

Who Can Perform a Wind Mitigation Inspection in Florida?

Florida Statute 627.711 specifies who is authorized to perform wind mitigation inspections:

• Licensed Florida building code inspectors
• Licensed Florida general, building, or residential contractors
• Licensed Florida engineers
• Licensed Florida architects
• Licensed home inspectors (if they have the required training)

Do not accept a wind mitigation report from someone who doesn’t meet these qualifications — insurers won’t either.

How to Use Your Wind Mitigation Report

1. Get the inspection done and receive your completed OIR-B1-1802 form.
2. Submit it to your insurer (or ask your agent to do it).
3. Your premium will be recalculated with applicable credits applied.
4. Shop other carriers with the same report. Some insurers price wind mitigation credits more generously than others. The report is yours — take it to every carrier you’re quoting.

Is a New Roof Worth It for Insurance Purposes?

Florida insurers increasingly refuse to insure or renew homes with roofs over 15–20 years old. A new roof not only opens up more carrier options but also often earns wind mitigation credits that help offset the cost over time.

A quality new roof in Florida costs $10,000–$30,000 depending on size and material. If it saves $800/year in insurance premium and allows you to access carriers $400/year cheaper than Citizens, the insurance-related benefit alone is $1,200/year — and a new roof typically lasts 20–30 years.

Run the numbers for your specific situation with your agent and roofing contractor.

The Bottom Line

A wind mitigation inspection is one of the best investments a Florida homeowner can make. It costs almost nothing, it’s valid for 5 years, and the savings can be dramatic. If you’ve never had one — or if you’ve made structural improvements to your home — schedule one this week.