A wind mitigation inspection is the single most effective way to lower your Florida home insurance premium. It costs $75–$150, takes about 30 minutes, and documents your home's wind-resistance features. The credits from this inspection can save 20–45% on your annual premium — that's $800–$3,000+ per year for most Florida homeowners. And yet, millions of Florida homeowners either don't have one or haven't updated theirs.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a standardized assessment of your home's ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. A certified inspector evaluates seven specific construction features using the state-mandated OIR-B1-1802 form (commonly called the "1802 form").
Florida law requires insurance companies to offer discounts for homes that meet certain wind-resistance standards. The wind mitigation inspection is the document that proves your home qualifies for these discounts.
Key point: The inspection doesn't require your home to be perfect. Even one qualifying feature — like a hip roof or a single roof-to-wall strap — can generate meaningful savings. Most homes have at least 2–3 qualifying features that their owners don't know about.
The 7 Features Inspectors Check
Every wind mitigation inspection evaluates these seven categories:
1. Building Code Year
When was your home built, and under which building code? Homes built after March 1, 2002 (when the Florida Building Code took effect) generally qualify for the best rates across all categories. Homes built to the South Florida Building Code after 1994 also qualify in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
2. Roof Covering
What type of roof covering do you have, and does it meet the Florida Building Code? FBC-equivalent or Miami-Dade/Broward equivalent roof coverings earn the best credits.
3. Roof Deck Attachment
How is your roof deck (the plywood or OSB sheathing) attached to the trusses or rafters? Options range from 6d nails (weakest, smallest credit) to 8d ring-shank nails or structural adhesive (strongest, largest credit). This is the feature most homeowners don't know about — and it can make a huge difference.
4. Roof-to-Wall Attachment
How is your roof structure connected to your walls? Toe nails (weakest), clips, single wraps, or double wraps (strongest). Clips and wraps are the single biggest credit generator. Many homes built in the 1990s have clips, and homes built after 2002 usually have wraps — but you need the inspection to prove it.
5. Roof Geometry (Roof Shape)
Is your roof a hip roof (slopes on all four sides) or a gable roof (vertical ends)? Hip roofs are significantly more wind-resistant and earn a substantial discount. If your entire roof is hip-shaped, this is one of the easiest credits to earn.
6. Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
Does your roof have a secondary water barrier (like peel-and-stick underlayment) applied to the roof deck? This prevents water intrusion even if roof covering is blown off. This is a major credit but requires either newer construction or a re-roof where SWR was installed.
7. Opening Protection
Are all your exterior openings (windows, doors, garage doors, skylights) protected against wind-borne debris? Full protection means impact-rated windows/doors on ALL openings, or code-compliant hurricane shutters on ALL openings. Partial protection (some but not all openings) still earns a credit, but less than full protection.
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Savings vary by property, but here are real-world ranges:
| Feature | Typical Annual Savings |
|---|---|
| Roof-to-wall clips or wraps | $300–$1,200 |
| Hip roof (full hip) | $200–$600 |
| Impact windows/shutters (all openings) | $400–$1,500 |
| Secondary water resistance | $200–$800 |
| FBC roof deck attachment (8d nails) | $100–$400 |
| Post-2002 building code | $200–$800 |
| Combined — all features qualifying | $800–$3,500+ |
On a $5,000/year policy, saving 30% is $1,500 per year. Over the typical 5-year validity period of a wind mitigation inspection, that's $7,500 in savings from a $100 inspection.
How to Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
- Find a certified inspector. Must be a licensed home inspector, general contractor, professional engineer, or architect licensed in Florida. Most home inspection companies offer wind mitigation inspections.
- Schedule the inspection. Takes 20–45 minutes. Inspector accesses your attic to view roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, and secondary water resistance.
- Get the completed OIR-B1-1802 form. This is the official state form. Your inspector fills it out with photos documenting each feature.
- Send the form to your insurance agent or carrier. Credits are applied at your next renewal or immediately if you're shopping for a new policy.
- Re-inspect every 5 years (or sooner if you make improvements like adding impact windows or re-roofing).
When to Get a New Wind Mitigation Inspection
- Your current inspection is over 5 years old. Most carriers won't accept inspections older than 5 years.
- You replaced your roof. A new roof likely qualifies for better roof covering, roof deck attachment, and possibly secondary water resistance credits.
- You installed impact windows or hurricane shutters. Opening protection credits can be substantial.
- You bought a home and used the seller's inspection. Have your own done to ensure accuracy.
- You've never had one. If you own a Florida home and don't have a current wind mitigation inspection, you are almost certainly overpaying.