Insurance is one of the biggest costs of owning on the coast. A wind mitigation inspection is one of the few things an owner can do that may lower the wind portion of a Florida homeowners premium. Here is what the inspection checks, what it costs you in time, and how to use it.
Key takeaways
- Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for features that reduce wind damage.
- The inspection uses the state’s Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, OIR-B1-1802.
- It looks at the roof, how it is attached, and how windows and doors are protected.
- Condo owners in towers rely mostly on the association’s master policy, so the form matters most for houses and townhomes.
What the inspector checks
| Feature | What they look for |
|---|---|
| Roof covering | Type and whether it meets the building code in force when installed |
| Roof deck attachment | How the roof decking is nailed to the framing |
| Roof to wall attachment | Clips, single wraps or double wraps that tie the roof to the walls |
| Roof geometry | Hip roofs generally score better than gable roofs |
| Secondary water resistance | A sealed layer under the roof covering |
| Opening protection | Impact windows, doors and shutters, including the garage door |
Why it can matter
Section 627.0629 of the Florida Statutes requires insurers to offer discounts, credits or other rate differentials for construction features that reduce windstorm loss. How much a feature saves depends on your insurer and policy, so ask your agent to run the numbers with the form in hand. We won’t quote a figure, because it varies by home and policy.
Getting an inspection
- Use a qualified inspector, such as a licensed home inspector, contractor or engineer, as the form specifies.
- Have permits and receipts ready for a newer roof, impact windows or shutters. Proof helps the inspector credit them.
- Clear access to the attic so roof attachments can be photographed.
- Send the signed form to your insurance agent and keep a copy with your home records.
Our tip: Buyers love a recent wind mitigation report. If you’re selling a house, having one ready helps buyers get insurance quotes during their inspection period. See our seller’s guide.
My Safe Florida Home
The state’s My Safe Florida Home program has offered free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants for qualifying improvements when funding is available. Funding opens and closes, so check the program’s site for the current status before you plan around it.
What this means for you
If you own a house on Island Estates, Clearwater Beach or Belleair Beach, a current wind mitigation form is worth having at every renewal. Pair it with the flood zone details in our Flood Zones 101 guide, and read our Florida property insurance guide for the policy types.
Please note: Laws, tax rules and insurance terms change, so check the details for your situation with a licensed professional, such as a Florida real estate attorney, insurance agent or tax adviser, before you act.
Want to know which improvements buyers value most in your area? Contact us.
Sources
- Florida Statutes, section 627.0629, windstorm mitigation discounts.
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, wind mitigation resources, Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form OIR-B1-1802.
- My Safe Florida Home, inspection and grant program status.