Wind Mitigation Inspections in Florida: What They Check

Quick answer: A wind mitigation inspection documents the features of a home that help it resist hurricane winds, using Florida's standard form OIR-B1-1802. The inspector checks the roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, roof shape, secondary water resistance and protection on windows and doors. Florida insurers are required to offer premium credits for qualifying features, so the report can affect what you pay for windstorm coverage.

Wind mitigation is one of the few inspections in Florida that can work in a homeowner's favor on insurance. This article is for buyers and owners in Palm Beach, Broward and St. Lucie Counties who want to understand what the inspector looks at, how to read the form and how to get the most accurate report for their home.

What a wind mitigation inspection is

The inspection is a visit by a qualified inspector, such as a licensed home inspector, building contractor, engineer or architect, who examines the home and fills out the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, known as OIR-B1-1802. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation created the form so that every insurer reads the same information.

Florida law requires insurance companies to offer discounts or credits for construction features that reduce wind loss. The form is how you prove those features exist. Without it, an insurer typically assumes the home does not have them.

The seven questions on the form

The form walks through a series of features. Here is what each one means in plain language:

Form item	What the inspector checks	Why it matters
Building code	Whether the home was built or permitted under the Florida Building Code standards the form recognizes	Newer code construction generally includes stronger requirements
Roof covering	Type of roof covering and whether it meets the code standard, with permit dates	Shows the roof was installed to a recognized standard
Roof deck attachment	How the plywood or decking is nailed to the trusses, including nail size and spacing	Stronger attachment helps keep the deck on in high winds
Roof-to-wall attachment	How the roof trusses connect to the walls: toe nails, clips, single wraps or double wraps	This connection helps keep the roof attached to the house
Roof geometry	Whether the roof is a hip roof, flat roof or other shape	Hip roofs, sloping on all sides, generally perform better in wind
Secondary water resistance (SWR)	Whether there is a sealed layer under the roof covering	Helps limit water intrusion if the covering is damaged
Opening protection	Whether windows, doors, skylights and garage doors have impact-rated glass or approved shutters	Protecting openings helps keep wind and water out

Roof-to-wall connections

This is often the item buyers find most interesting. The inspector goes into the attic and looks at how the trusses meet the top of the wall. Toe nails are the most basic method; metal clips and straps (single or double wraps) are stronger. The inspector usually needs clear photos of several connections to document them.

Opening protection

Every opening counts here, not only the windows. The garage door, entry doors, sliding glass doors and skylights all need to be rated or protected for the home to get the top classification. One unprotected opening can change the result, which is why replacing a garage door is sometimes a smart upgrade.

How the report can affect your insurance

Insurers apply credits based on the features documented on the form. The actual effect on your premium depends on the company, the home and the coverage, and it applies to the windstorm portion of the policy. I do not quote numbers because they vary widely, but buyers are often surprised by how much the report matters on homes with hip roofs, impact windows or newer roofs.

A few practical points:

• Ask the seller for an existing report. A recent wind mitigation report may still be accepted, depending on the insurer and its age.
• Get a new one when something changed. A new roof, new impact windows or new doors are all reasons to reinspect.
• Send it to your insurance agent during the inspection period. It helps you get an accurate quote before you are committed.
• Pair it with other inspections. Many inspectors do the full home inspection, the 4-point inspection and the wind mitigation during the same visit.

Insurance rules and credits change; confirm the details with a licensed insurance agent.

How to prepare for the inspection

1. Gather permits and receipts for the roof, windows, doors and shutters, including product approval numbers if you have them.
2. Make the attic accessible. The inspector needs to see the trusses and deck attachment.
3. Leave shutters and their labels available. Approved shutters often have identifying stickers or stamps.
4. Check that window labels are still in place. Impact-rated glass is often etched or labeled; documentation helps if the labels are gone.
5. Plan around hurricane season. Season runs from June 1 to November 30, and inspectors and insurers are busier around it.

When owners consider upgrades

If you already own the home, the form can work as a list of possible improvements. Owners often look at roof-to-wall connections when they replace the roof, since the attic and decking are exposed, or at opening protection when windows reach the end of their life. Grant programs have been offered in Florida at times to help with these upgrades; check current state programs before planning around one.

If you are thinking about selling, a current report can also be a useful document to share with buyers. My sellers page explains how I prepare homes for the market, and the buyers page covers inspections from the buyer's side.

Frequently asked questions

What is form OIR-B1-1802?

It is the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form created by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Inspectors use it to document a home's wind-resistant features so insurers can apply the credits required by Florida law.

Who can do a wind mitigation inspection in Florida?

The form must be completed by a qualified inspector, such as a licensed home inspector, general or building contractor, professional engineer or architect, among others listed on the form.

Does a wind mitigation inspection lower my insurance?

It can. Florida insurers must offer credits for qualifying wind-resistant features, and the form is how you document them. The effect depends on the insurer, the home and the features found.

What is the difference between a wind mitigation and a 4-point inspection?

A wind mitigation report documents features that reduce hurricane wind damage and can lead to insurance credits. A 4-point inspection describes the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC so an insurer can decide whether to cover an older home.

Next step

If you are buying in South Florida and want help timing your inspections and insurance quotes, send me a message through the contact page. I'll help you know which reports to ask for before your inspection period starts.

Gabriela Ramalho, PA · REALTOR® with Partnership Realty Inc. · Equal Housing Opportunity