Florida wind mitigation inspections: what they check and how they cut your premium
By the Florida Coverage Compare editorial team · Last updated
The short answer
A wind mitigation inspection documents the features of your Florida home that resist hurricane winds, such as roof attachment, roof shape and opening protection. The inspector records them on the state's Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, OIR-B1-1802. Insurers use it to apply wind-mitigation credits, and the form is valid for up to five years if the home doesn't change.
What the inspection checks
The inspector looks at how well your home holds together in high wind and records it on form OIR-B1-1802. The form covers features like:
- The building code your home was built under
- Roof covering and roof deck attachment
- How the roof is tied to the walls (clips, straps, wraps)
- Roof shape (hip roofs score better than gable roofs)
- Secondary water resistance under the roof covering
- Opening protection: impact windows, shutters and garage doors
How long the report is valid
According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the form is valid for up to five years, as long as no material changes are made to the structure and nothing on the form is found to be inaccurate. A new roof, impact windows or a new garage door is a good reason to get a fresh inspection so the new features count.
The 2026 form update
Florida revised form OIR-B1-1802 in 2026 (Rev. 04/26), and inspectors began using the new version on April 1, 2026. Reports completed on the previous version may still be accepted for a transition period. Ask your agent or insurer whether your existing report is still accepted.
How it affects your premium
Florida insurers must offer credits for qualifying wind-resistant features. The size of the credit depends on the insurer and on which features your home has, so two homes with the same report can see different savings with different companies. That's one reason to have a licensed agent compare more than one insurer.
Common questions
- Is a wind mitigation inspection required in Florida?
- It isn't required by law, but without one your insurer may not apply the wind-mitigation credits your home qualifies for.
- How long is a Florida wind mitigation report good for?
- Up to five years, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, provided the structure hasn't materially changed and the form is accurate.
- Who can do a wind mitigation inspection?
- The form must be completed by a qualified inspector, such as a licensed home inspector, building inspector, general contractor, engineer or architect who meets Florida's requirements.
Sources
This guide is general information, not insurance advice. Florida Coverage Compare is not an insurance company or agent. Rules change; confirm details with a licensed agent or the official source. See our editorial standards.