Wind Mitigation Inspection: The $150 Investment That Saves Hundreds Every Year
Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for wind-resistant home features. A simple inspection proves what you have — and unlocks savings most homeowners miss.
The bottom line:
A wind mitigation inspection costs $75-$150 and takes about 30 minutes. If your home was built after 2002 or has a newer roof, you likely qualify for discounts that save $200-$800+ annually.
What Is Wind Mitigation?
Wind mitigation is the process of documenting your home's wind-resistant construction features to qualify for insurance discounts mandated by Florida law.
Under Florida Statute Section 627.0629, insurance companies are required to offer premium discounts to homeowners whose properties meet certain wind-resistance standards. The inspection uses the Uniform Mitigation Verification Form OIR-B1-1802 — a standardized document that every Florida insurer must accept.
Key Point: You're not asking for a discount — you're proving you qualify for one the insurer is required to offer.
What Inspectors Look For
The OIR-B1-1802 form evaluates six specific wind-resistance features. Each one can earn you a separate insurance discount.
Roof Covering
- When the roof was built or last replaced
- Whether it meets Florida Building Code (FBC) standards
- Roofs installed after March 1, 2002 qualify for the best credits
- Material type and installation method
Roof Deck Attachment
- How the plywood sheathing is attached to the trusses or rafters
- Staples are the worst rating (least wind-resistant)
- 6d nails offer moderate protection
- 8d ring-shank nails at 6-inch spacing earn the best credits
Roof-to-Wall Attachment
- How the roof structure connects to the exterior walls
- Toenails (weakest) — minimal discount
- Clips — moderate discount
- Single wraps — significant discount
- Double wraps (strongest) — maximum discount
Roof Geometry
- The shape of your roof affects wind resistance
- Hip roofs (all sides slope downward) perform best in high winds
- Gable roofs (vertical triangular ends) are more vulnerable to wind uplift
- Hip roofs earn better insurance credits than gable roofs
Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
- A sealed roof deck that prevents water intrusion even if shingles or tiles blow off
- Self-adhering modified bitumen underlayment applied to the entire deck
- Foam adhesive barrier (spray foam applied to underside of deck)
- One of the highest-value credits available
Opening Protection
- Protection for all exterior openings: windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors
- Impact-rated windows and doors (built-in protection)
- Hurricane shutters (accordion, roll-down, panel, or Bahama style)
- All openings must be protected to receive full credit
How Much Can You Save?
Real Discount Examples
| Feature | Typical Annual Savings |
|---|---|
| Roof built after 2002 | $100-$300 |
| Hip roof vs gable | $50-$150 |
| Clips vs toenails | $75-$200 |
| Single wraps vs clips | $100-$250 |
| Double wraps | $150-$400 |
| Secondary water resistance | $100-$300 |
| Full opening protection | $200-$500 |
| Total potential savings | $400-$1,200+ per year |
"A Tampa homeowner with a 2018 roof, double-wrap connections, and a hip roof saved $680 per year on their Citizens policy after submitting a wind mitigation inspection."
The ROI
$125
Inspection cost
$500
Avg. annual savings
3 months
Payback period
$4,875
10-year savings
Who Should Get an Inspection?
Definitely Get Inspected
- ✓ Home built after 2002
- ✓ Roof replaced in last 20 years
- ✓ Impact windows or shutters installed
- ✓ Hip roof design
- ✓ Never had a wind mitigation inspection
May Still Qualify
- • Home built 1994-2001
- • Partial upgrades (some shutters, clips added)
- • South Florida homes post-Andrew code changes
Probably Won't Qualify
- × Home built before 1994 with no upgrades
- × Original roof with stapled decking
- × Toenail roof-to-wall connections
- × No opening protection
Key Point: Even if you only qualify for one or two credits, the savings will likely exceed the $75-$150 inspection cost in the first year alone.
How to Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Find an Inspector
- Licensed home inspector with wind mitigation certification
- Licensed general or building contractor
- Licensed professional engineer
- Licensed architect
Schedule the Inspection
- Takes 30-45 minutes on average
- Inspector needs access to the attic to verify connections
- Cost: $75-$150 depending on location and provider
Receive Your Report
- Completed OIR-B1-1802 Uniform Mitigation Verification Form
- Includes photos documenting each feature
- Signed and dated by the licensed inspector
Submit to Your Insurance Company
- Send the completed form to your insurer or agent
- Request an updated premium reflecting available discounts
- Discounts are typically applied at your next renewal
Pro Tip: If you're getting a new roof, schedule your wind mitigation inspection after the roof replacement is complete. A new code-compliant roof will earn you the maximum credits for roof covering, deck attachment, and potentially secondary water resistance.
New Roof = Maximum Discounts
A roof replacement is the single best opportunity to maximize your wind mitigation discounts. During replacement, make sure your contractor addresses:
During Replacement
- Proper nail pattern (8d ring-shank at 6" spacing)
- Secondary water resistance (SWR) underlayment
- Hurricane clips or straps at every truss connection
- Code-compliant materials and installation
After Replacement
- Schedule a wind mitigation inspection
- Document all upgrades with photos and receipts
- Submit the completed form to your insurer
- Request a premium re-quote with new credits
The Math: A $15,000 roof replacement that saves $600/year in insurance discounts pays for itself over 25 years — $15,000 in total savings. And you get a new roof that protects your home for decades.
My Safe Florida Home Program
The My Safe Florida Home program offers free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants to help eligible homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes.
Program Benefits
- ✓ Free wind mitigation inspections for eligible homeowners
- ✓ Matching grants up to $10,000 for wind-resistance improvements
Eligibility Requirements
- Site-built, single-family home (no mobile homes or condos)
- Owner-occupied as a primary residence
- Insured value of $500,000 or less
- Property must have a homestead exemption
Note: Program availability and funding levels vary by year. Check the My Safe Florida Home website for current status and application windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost?
How long is a wind mitigation inspection valid?
Is a wind mitigation inspection the same as a home inspection?
Will I definitely save money with a wind mitigation inspection?
Can I do my own wind mitigation inspection?
My home was built in 1998. Should I bother with a wind mitigation inspection?
Does wind mitigation help with flood insurance?
What if my wind mitigation inspection shows I don't qualify for discounts?
Ready to Unlock Your Insurance Savings?
- ✓ Licensed inspectors and roofers who know wind mitigation inside and out
- ✓ Know your options before you commit to anything
- ✓ No pressure, no AOB — just honest guidance