A $150–$300 wind mitigation inspection can save Florida homeowners $1,000–$4,000 per year on insurance. Here’s exactly how it works and what inspectors look for.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is an evaluation of your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. A licensed inspector examines specific structural features — your roof shape, roof covering, how the roof deck is attached, how the roof connects to the walls, and how well your windows, doors, and garage door are protected against wind-borne debris. The results are documented on a standardized Florida form (OIR-B1-1802) and submitted to your insurance carrier, which then applies credits to your wind premium.
Florida law requires insurance carriers to offer wind mitigation discounts based on the inspection results. The credits are not discretionary — they are mandated by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. This means that if your home has qualifying features, you are entitled to the discount regardless of which carrier you use.
The Six Categories Inspectors Evaluate
Roof Shape: Hip roofs (sloped on all four sides) perform significantly better in high winds than gable roofs. A hip roof can qualify for a discount of 20–30% on the wind portion of your premium.
Roof Covering: Roofs installed to the 2001 Florida Building Code or later with FBC-approved materials qualify for a credit. Metal roofing and certain impact-resistant shingle products qualify for additional credits.
Roof Deck Attachment: Roofs with 8d nails at 6-inch spacing (the highest rating) are significantly more resistant to blow-off. A roof deck rated “A” can reduce wind premiums by 25–35%.
Roof-to-Wall Connection: Homes with structural clips or anchors — standard in post-2002 construction — qualify for the maximum credit in this category, which can be 20–40% of the wind premium.
Opening Protection: This is often the single largest credit available. If all openings — windows, entry doors, sliding glass doors, and garage doors — have impact-resistant glass or rated shutters, the maximum opening protection credit alone can reduce wind premiums by 30–45%.
Secondary Water Resistance (SWR): A self-adhering underlayment applied to the roof deck before shingles provides a secondary barrier against water intrusion. Homes with SWR qualify for an additional 5–10% credit.
How Much Can You Save?
| Feature | Typical Wind Premium Discount |
|---|---|
| Hip roof shape | 20–30% |
| Roof deck attachment (8d nails, 6″ spacing) | 25–35% |
| Roof-to-wall clips or anchors | 20–40% |
| All openings: impact glass or rated shutters | 30–45% |
| Secondary water resistance (SWR) | 5–10% |
| FBC-compliant roof covering (post-2001) | 5–15% |
A home that qualifies for all categories can see wind premium reductions of 40–60%. For a coastal Florida homeowner paying $6,000 per year with 60% attributable to wind, a 50% wind mitigation discount saves $1,800 annually. The inspection costs $150–$300 and is valid for five years — a payback period of less than two months.
Who Should Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Any Florida homeowner who does not have a current wind mitigation report on file with their carrier should consider getting one. The inspection is particularly valuable for homes built after 2002 (post-FBC construction almost always qualifies for significant credits), homes that have had roof replacements, homes with impact windows or shutters installed since the last inspection, and coastal homeowners with high wind premiums.
How to Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Wind mitigation inspections must be performed by a licensed Florida inspector — a licensed contractor, engineer, architect, or building inspector. The inspection takes 45–90 minutes and costs $150–$300. The inspector provides a completed OIR-B1-1802 form, which you submit to your insurance carrier or agent. Your carrier is required to apply the credits at your next renewal or, in some cases, mid-term.
Bright Coast Insurance can help you understand your current wind mitigation credits and identify whether a new inspection is likely to reduce your premium. Contact us for a free policy review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost in Florida?+−
A wind mitigation inspection typically costs $150 to $300 in Florida. The inspection is performed by a licensed inspector and takes 45 to 90 minutes. The report is valid for five years and can be submitted to any carrier.
How much can a wind mitigation inspection save me on my homeowners insurance?+−
Savings vary based on your home’s features, but discounts of 15–50% on the wind portion of your premium are common. For a coastal homeowner paying $6,000 per year, a 30% wind mitigation discount saves $1,800 annually — a payback period of less than three months on the inspection cost.
Does my home need to be a certain age to qualify for wind mitigation credits?+−
No. Homes of any age can qualify for wind mitigation credits if they have the qualifying features. However, homes built after 2002 to the updated Florida Building Code are more likely to have all qualifying features already in place. Older homes may qualify for partial credits based on any upgrades that have been made.
Do I need a new wind mitigation inspection after replacing my roof?+−
Yes, and it is strongly recommended. A new roof often improves your deck attachment rating and may add secondary water resistance (SWR) — both of which can reduce your premium. If you replaced your roof and did not submit a new wind mitigation report, you may be missing credits you are entitled to.
Can I submit my wind mitigation report to any insurance carrier?+−
Yes. The OIR-B1-1802 form is a standardized Florida form accepted by all admitted carriers. If you switch carriers, you can provide your existing report (if it is less than five years old) to the new carrier.
Published by Precision Underwriters Inc. dba Bright Coast Insurance — Licensed Florida Insurance Agency, License #L103957. This content was researched and written with AI assistance and reviewed by a licensed insurance professional. The information is general in nature and does not constitute insurance advice for your specific situation.