A Florida wind mitigation inspection is the single highest-ROI action any Florida homeowner can take. It costs about $125, takes a licensed inspector 30–60 minutes, and can save you 25–45% on the windstorm portion of your home insurance premium for the next 5 years. On a $300,000 home with typical Florida coastal premium of $7,000/year, that’s $1,750–$3,150 saved every year — for a one-time $125 investment.
This guide explains exactly what a wind mitigation inspection checks, which features earn the biggest discounts, how to prepare your home before the inspector arrives, and why Florida law requires insurers to honor the discounts you qualify for.
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What is a Florida wind mitigation inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a specific evaluation of hurricane-resistant features on your home, conducted by a Florida-licensed inspector. The inspector fills out the state-standardized OIR-B1-1802 form, which documents exactly which hurricane-resistant features your home has.
Florida law (FL Statute 627.0629) requires insurance companies to offer discounts for each documented feature. The insurer cannot refuse the discount once the form is submitted.
The inspection costs $100–$200 typically. Most inspectors charge a flat $125–$150.
The 7 features that earn wind mitigation discounts
| Feature | Typical discount |
|---|---|
| 1. Roof covering (FBC-rated shingles or metal) | 5–15% |
| 2. Roof deck attachment (8d nails on close spacing) | 5–12% |
| 3. Roof-to-wall connection (hurricane straps/clips) | 10–20% |
| 4. Roof geometry (hip vs gable) | 15–25% |
| 5. Secondary water resistance (peel-and-stick membrane) | 3–8% |
| 6. Opening protection (impact glass or shutters) | 15–30% |
| 7. Wall construction (reinforced concrete block) | variable |
The discounts stack. A home with ALL 7 top-tier features can earn 35–45% total reduction on the windstorm portion of the premium.
How much can you actually save?
Let’s run the numbers on a typical Florida home:
| Scenario | Annual premium before | Wind mitigation discount | Annual premium after | 5-year savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300k inland home | $4,200 | 30% | $3,400 | $4,000 |
| $300k coastal home | $7,000 | 35% | $5,200 | $9,000 |
| $500k Miami-Dade | $12,000 | 40% | $8,400 | $18,000 |
| $750k Florida Keys | $15,000 | 25% | $12,500 | $12,500 |
The inspection costs $125. The ROI is between 3,200% and 14,400% in the first year alone. There is literally no other home improvement with this math.
Want to know how much wind mitigation could save you specifically? Compare quotes in 60 seconds — free.
The inspection process step-by-step
- Book a licensed inspector. Must hold a Florida insurance inspector license. Check the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for verification.
- Schedule the inspection. Typically 30–60 minutes onsite. You need to be home.
- Inspector examines exterior and interior. Roof from a ladder, attic for truss connections, every window and door, wall construction samples.
- Inspector photographs each feature. Photos are required documentation on the form.
- Inspector fills out the OIR-B1-1802 form. This is the official state document.
- You receive the completed form within 1–3 business days.
- Submit to your insurance company. Email or portal upload. Insurer applies the discount to your next renewal (or mid-term with prorated refund).
The OIR-B1-1802 form explained
This is the 5-page state-standardized form that all Florida wind mitigation inspectors use. Key sections:
- Section 1 — Building code. What Florida Building Code was in effect when the home was built?
- Section 2 — Roof covering. Material, age, and FBC rating
- Section 3 — Roof deck attachment. Nail size, spacing, and type
- Section 4 — Roof-to-wall connection. Hurricane straps, clips, single wraps, or toe-nails
- Section 5 — Roof geometry. Hip, gable, or other shape
- Section 6 — Secondary water resistance. Yes/no peel-and-stick membrane
- Section 7 — Opening protection. Impact-rated or shutter protection for every opening
Each section has specific criteria that determines which discount tier you qualify for. The inspector’s photos document the finding.
How long is a wind mitigation inspection valid?
5 years from the inspection date. After that, you need a new inspection to keep the discounts. If you make improvements (new roof, impact windows, hurricane straps) mid-cycle, you can get a new inspection immediately to capture the new savings.
Upgrades worth doing BEFORE the wind mitigation inspection
If you’re planning improvements, do them first so they’re captured on the inspection form:
- Replace roof with FBC-rated architectural shingles or metal — biggest impact
- Add hurricane clips/straps during any roof replacement — cheap if done with roof work
- Install impact-rated garage door — cheaper than you think, major discount
- Add hurricane shutters or impact glass — most expensive but biggest single-item discount
- Add secondary water resistance — peel-and-stick membrane under shingles, done during roof replacement
Do NOT do the inspection first and then improvements — you’ll waste the $125 because the form won’t capture the new features until the next inspection.
Already have wind mitigation? Compare quotes with your current discounts to see if you’re overpaying.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Florida wind mitigation inspection?
A state-standardized evaluation of hurricane-resistant features on your home. Costs $100–$200, conducted by a licensed Florida inspector who fills out the OIR-B1-1802 form documenting your home’s wind mitigation features.
How much can a wind mitigation inspection save on insurance?
25–45% off the windstorm portion of your premium, depending on how many features your home has. Typical annual savings: $1,000–$3,000. One-time inspection cost: $125. ROI is 800%+ in the first year.
How long does a wind mitigation inspection last?
5 years from the inspection date. After 5 years you need a new inspection to maintain discounts. If you make upgrades mid-cycle, do a new inspection immediately to capture new savings.
Is the inspection required by Florida law?
Not required. But Florida law (FL Statute 627.0629) requires insurers to HONOR discounts documented on the inspection form. So voluntary inspection + mandatory discount = huge savings.
What does the wind mitigation inspection check?
Seven features: roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections (straps), roof shape (hip vs gable), secondary water resistance, opening protection (impact windows or shutters), and wall construction.
Can I do the wind mitigation inspection myself?
No. Must be a Florida-licensed insurance inspector. The insurer only accepts the official OIR-B1-1802 form signed by a licensed professional.
Will insurance automatically lower my premium after the inspection?
You have to submit the completed form to your insurer (email or portal upload). They apply the discount at renewal or mid-term with prorated refund.
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