What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection in Florida?
A wind mitigation inspection documents hurricane-resistant features on Florida's OIR-B1-1802 form so insurers can apply premium discounts. Here's how it works.
Quick answer
What is a wind mitigation inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a Florida insurance inspection that documents a home's wind-resistant construction features on the state's Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802). The inspector verifies the building code the home was built under, roof covering, roof-deck attachment, roof-to-wall attachment, roof geometry, secondary water resistance, and opening protection. Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for qualifying features, and a completed form is generally valid for up to five years.
Key takeaways
- Uses the state's OIR-B1-1802 form with seven categories.
- Florida insurers must offer credits for qualifying wind-resistant features.
- Each feature must be verified with photos or documentation.
- Generally valid for up to five years unless the home materially changes.
- Newer homes, hip roofs, and impact openings tend to earn the most.
Why wind mitigation matters in Florida
For many Florida homes, the windstorm (hurricane) portion of the premium is the largest part of the bill. Section 627.0629, Florida Statutes, requires insurers to offer discounts, credits, or other rate differentials for construction features that reduce wind damage. The wind mitigation form is how those features are documented and verified.
The seven categories on the form
- Building code: whether the home was built to the Florida Building Code — generally a permit application date on or after March 1, 2002 (or earlier in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone of Miami-Dade and Broward).
- Roof covering: whether the covering meets the code standards, typically shown by a permit date or product approval.
- Roof-deck attachment: how the roof sheathing is fastened to the trusses — the size and spacing of nails or staples, or a concrete deck.
- Roof-to-wall attachment: how the roof structure is tied to the walls: toe nails, clips, single wraps, double wraps, or structural anchors.
- Roof geometry: hip roofs (sloping on all sides) resist wind better than gable roofs.
- Secondary water resistance (SWR): a sealed roof deck that limits water intrusion if the roof covering is lost.
- Opening protection: whether windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors are protected by impact-rated products or approved shutters.
For a closer look at item 4, read roof-to-wall connections explained.
Verification is everything
The form requires photographic evidence and, in some cases, documentation. A feature that exists but can't be verified — clips hidden by insulation that can't be safely reached, or shutters without product approval information — may not receive credit. That's why roof permits, product approval numbers, and receipts are worth gathering before the inspection.
Which homes benefit most
Homes built under the Florida Building Code, homes with recently permitted roofs, hip-roofed homes, and homes with impact windows or rated shutters tend to earn the largest credits. Older homes can benefit too: a re-roof done under current code may add improved deck attachment and secondary water resistance, and many older homes have clips or straps that were never documented.
Who can perform the inspection
The form lists qualified inspectors, including Florida-licensed home inspectors who have completed hurricane mitigation training and a proficiency exam, as well as licensed building code inspectors, general, building, and residential contractors, engineers, and architects.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a wind mitigation inspection valid?
Generally up to five years, as long as no material changes — like a new roof or new windows — are made. After a change, a new form can capture new credits.
How much will I save?
It depends on your home's features and your insurer's rating plan. Your agent can compare your premium with and without the credits once the form is submitted.
Can I use the seller's wind mitigation report?
Often, yes, if it's less than five years old and nothing material has changed. Confirm your insurer will accept it.
Does a wind mitigation inspection include the whole house?
No. It documents only the wind-related features on the form. It isn't a home inspection.
