Insurance Savings Guide
Florida Wind Mitigation Discounts and Inspection Credits
Understand how wind mitigation inspections document roof, opening protection, and construction details that may affect Florida homeowners quotes.
Check Address PricingKey takeaways: wind mitigation can change quote comparison
- Florida wind mitigation discounts depend on the inspection form, carrier rating, roof details, opening protection, and construction features documented for the home
- The new OIR-B1-1802 form (effective April 1, 2026) requires stricter documentation for impact windows, roof coverings, and connections
- My Safe Florida Home may offer inspections and matching grants when the homeowner, property, funding, and program rules qualify
- The value of an inspection depends on the home, carrier, roof details, and whether the quote applies the documented features correctly
- Review wind mitigation alongside roof age, roof ACV terms, hurricane deductible, and overall carrier fit
Already have a wind mitigation report? Use it in the quote review.
A wind mitigation form only helps if the carrier applies the right details. Send the report with the homeowners quote so we can shop available markets for the best available price and fit while comparing roof, openings, deductible, and carrier appetite.
How Wind Mitigation Discounts Can Affect a Quote
Wind mitigation discounts apply specifically to the windstorm portion of a homeowners insurance premium. The result depends on the carrier, county, roof details, opening protection, inspection form, and whether the quote applies the documented features correctly.
Features that may matter
- Roof shape and roof deck attachment
- Roof-to-wall connection details
- Secondary water resistance
- Opening protection for windows, doors, and garage doors
- Roof covering age, material, and installation documentation
Quote details to review with the report
- Whether the quote used the current inspection form
- Whether roof age or roof ACV terms changed the quote
- Which hurricane deductible applies
- Whether the credit applies to the wind portion only
- Whether another carrier treats the same report differently
The report is only useful if the quote uses it correctly
Send the full wind mitigation report, not just the summary page. The roof details, opening protection, photos, and form version can all affect whether the carrier applies the right rating information.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a detailed assessment of your home's protective features against wind damage. Under Florida Statute 627.0629, insurers are required to provide premium discounts for homes with verified wind-resistant features. A certified inspector examines your property and completes the official Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802), issued by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR), which documents which features your home has that reduce wind damage risk. This form is recognized by Florida insurance carriers and documents the features they use when reviewing any applicable wind mitigation credits.
The 7 Categories Inspectors Evaluate
- Roof Covering: Material, age, and installation quality
- Roof-to-Wall Connection: Straps, clips, wraps, or fasteners
- Roof Geometry: Hip vs. gable design
- Secondary Water Resistance: Underlayment quality
- Opening Protection: Impact windows, doors, shutters
- Roof Deck Attachment: Fastening to framing
- Wall Construction: Exterior wall type and strength
What Gets Documented
The inspector doesn't test your home or make repairs. They simply document what's already there. Your inspection report includes:
- • Photos of roof, connections, and openings
- • Roof age and covering material
- • Evidence of code-compliant construction
- • Presence of impact protection
- • Building permit records verification
- • Detailed findings on the OIR-B1-1802 form
Pro Tip: Your inspection is simply documenting features your home already has. You don't need to make any improvements to get inspected. However, if you're considering upgrades, the inspection helps you prioritize which improvements will give you the biggest insurance discount.
The New 2026 Mitigation Form
Effective Date
April 1, 2026 — All inspections conducted on or after this date must use the new OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26) form.
What Changed
Updated discount tables, stricter documentation requirements for impact windows, roof coverings, and roof-to-wall connections, based on 2024 wind-loss mitigation research.
Transition
The old form (Rev. 01/12) is still accepted if your inspection was conducted within five years before April 1, 2026, with no structural changes.
Why the Form Was Updated
The updated form, published by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, reflects the findings of a 2024 Applied Research Associates (ARA) study on residential wind-loss mitigation. The study analyzed real hurricane performance data to provide more accurate discount percentages based on actual loss reduction from various protective features.
The new form includes enhanced documentation requirements—particularly for impact windows, roof coverings, and roof-to-wall connections—to ensure that only verified, properly installed features qualify for discounts. This protects both insurers and homeowners by ensuring discounts are based on genuinely wind-resistant construction.
What This Means For You: If you had an inspection before April 1, 2026, it remains valid for the next five years (or until you make structural changes). If you're getting a new inspection in 2026 or later, your inspector will use the updated form automatically.
My Safe Florida Home Program
Under Florida Statute 215.5586, the state currently advertises no-cost wind mitigation inspections and grant assistance through the My Safe Florida Home program to help eligible homeowners strengthen their homes. Confirm current eligibility, funding, and grant rules directly with the program before starting work.
What You Get
No-Cost Inspection When Eligible
The program currently advertises inspection help for eligible homeowners
Grant Assistance
Approved upgrades may qualify for state grant assistance under current program rules
Income-Based Support
Some households may qualify for stronger assistance based on official program criteria
No Obligation
Inspection and grant steps are separate; verify each step before starting improvements
Eligibility Requirements
- Florida site-built home or townhouse, subject to current program rules
- Program value limits and funding status must be checked
- Construction or permit-date rules may apply
- Homestead or occupancy requirements may apply
- Grant assistance may depend on income, project type, and program approval
Grant Structure
The program currently advertises matching grant assistance for approved mitigation work. The final amount, match structure, and approval path depend on the official program rules in effect when you apply.
For income-qualified homeowners, additional assistance may be available when the program confirms eligibility and approves the project.
How to Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Find a Certified Inspector
Search for licensed wind mitigation inspectors in your area. You can find inspectors through:
- • Your insurance carrier's referral list
- • The My Safe Florida Home program (if using state grants)
- • Home inspection company websites
- • Local contractor networks
Verify they use the current OIR-B1-1802 form and are properly licensed.
Schedule Your Inspection
Contact the inspector and choose a convenient time. The inspection takes 1–3 hours depending on your home's size. You don't need to be home, but someone should be available to provide roof access.
The Inspection Process
The inspector will:
- • Examine your roof covering, age, and condition
- • Check roof-to-wall connections and fastening methods
- • Assess roof geometry and opening protections
- • Document secondary water resistance measures
- • Take photos and verify permit records
- • Complete the OIR-B1-1802 form
Receive Your Report
The inspector provides a complete report including:
- • Filled-out OIR-B1-1802 form
- • Inspection photos
- • Summary of qualifying features
- • Recommendations for additional improvements (optional)
Submit to Your Insurance Carrier
Send the OIR-B1-1802 form to your insurance carrier. The carrier will review the documentation and apply any eligible credits according to its rating rules, underwriting requirements, and processing timeline. Timing can vary by carrier and whether the change is handled midterm or at renewal.
Timeline & Cost: Schedule your inspection at your convenience (typically available within 1–2 weeks). Cost is often $75 to $150, though My Safe Florida Home currently advertises no-cost inspections for eligible homeowners.
Common Improvements That Qualify
Not every improvement qualifies for discounts. The improvement must meet Florida Building Code standards and be properly documented on the OIR-B1-1802 form. Here are the most common qualifying improvements and their typical discount ranges:
Roof-to-Wall Connections
Major factorStraps, clips, wraps, or engineered fasteners that secure the roof structure to the walls can materially affect wind mitigation review.
Impact Windows & Doors
Major factorImpact-resistant windows, doors, and glazed openings that can withstand wind-borne debris. All openings must be protected to qualify.
Roof Covering Age
Roof factorRoof age, material, permit history, and installation standard can affect both mitigation review and quote eligibility.
Hip Roof Design
Roof-shape factorHip roofs (sloped on all four sides) are more wind-resistant than gable roofs (two-sided slopes) and qualify for discounts.
Secondary Water Resistance
Documented featureSelf-adhering polymer-modified bitumen underlayment applied directly to roof sheathing, providing protection beyond standard underlayment.
Roof Deck Attachment
Documented featureProper attachment of roof decking to framing with appropriate nail/screw spacing meets FBC requirements.
Hurricane Shutters & Bracing
Opening factorImpact shutters on windows or reinforced garage door bracing provides opening protection against wind-borne debris.
Building Code Compliance
Code-era factorHomes built under stronger Florida Building Code eras may receive more favorable treatment when the form and carrier rating support it.
Documentation Requirements (Updated 2026)
The new OIR-B1-1802 form requires stricter documentation, particularly for:
- Impact Windows & Doors: Proof of impact rating and proper installation
- Roof Coverings: Age verification via permit records or roofing documentation
- Roof-to-Wall Connections: Attic inspection and photographic evidence of fastening method
Your inspector handles all documentation during the inspection. You don't need to prepare anything beyond allowing roof access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Hurricane Deductible Explained
How the 2%/5%/10% deductible works in Florida.
My Safe Florida Home Program
Current inspection and grant-assistance eligibility.
Home Insurance Costs
What home insurance costs in Florida by region.
Home Insurance Coverage
Learn about Florida homeowners insurance options.
Best Homeowners Insurance
Compare the quote fit after roof, wind, flood, and deductible details are reviewed
Renewal Increase Review
Check whether wind credits, roof records, deductibles, or carrier fit changed the renewal
Want a Quote That Uses Your Wind Mitigation Correctly?
Send the inspection form, roof details, and current policy. Our agents can help compare whether the quote is using your mitigation, roof age, and deductible details correctly.
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