Florida Wind Mitigation Inspections — The Homeowner's Complete Guide
Florida homeowners can lower their insurance premium — sometimes by hundreds or thousands of dollars a year — by documenting hurricane-resistant features. Here's how the inspection works, who can do it, what it costs, and how much you can actually save.
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Reviewed by Lisa Meine, InterNACHI Certified Master Inspector · 11+ years in the field · Last updated May 3, 2026
Florida Wind Mitigation — Quick Answers
Will I really save money?
Yes — most Florida homeowners save somewhere between $100 and $1,500+ per year on their wind portion of homeowners insurance. The amount depends on what features your home has and where it's located.
How long does the inspection take?
30-45 minutes at the property. The inspector walks the roof, attic, and openings, takes photos for documentation, and submits the OIR-B1-1802 form to your insurance carrier.
What does it cost?
Most Florida home inspectors charge $75-$150 for a standalone Wind Mitigation, or $125-$225 bundled with a 4-Point Inspection. Often pays for itself in the first year of insurance savings.
How long is the form valid?
Five years from the inspection date — provided no material changes have been made to the structure or inaccuracies are found on the form.
Why Florida Wants You to Get One
Florida is the highest-risk hurricane state in the country. After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Florida Legislature passed laws requiring insurance carriers to offer mitigation discounts — incentives for homeowners to harden their homes against wind damage. The state's Office of Insurance Regulation publishes the official form, OIR-B1-1802, that carriers use to verify which features qualify for which discounts.
If your home has hurricane-resistant features and you don't get a Wind Mit, you're paying more than you should. The inspector documents what you already have. The savings come from the discounts the carrier is required to apply.
What the Inspector Documents
The OIR-B1-1802 has nine sections. The inspector walks the property, photographs each feature, and fills out the form:
- Building Code — what code was in force when your home was permitted
- Region — your design wind speed (HVHZ, >140 mph, 130-139, <130)
- Roof Slope — 6:12 or steeper, or less than 6:12
- Roof Covering — material, age, product approval
- Roof Deck Attachment — how the roof sheathing is nailed/screwed
- Roof-to-Wall Attachment — straps, clips, or just toenails
- Roof Geometry — hip roof, flat, or other
- Sealed Roof Deck (SWR) — secondary water barrier
- Opening Protection — impact windows, shutters, garage door rating
The strongest discount comes from features like a fully-protected hip roof with impact-rated windows. The weakest discount comes from a gable roof with no opening protection.
How Much You Can Actually Save
Savings vary significantly by home and location. Here are typical ranges:
- Hip roof + impact windows + sealed roof deck: Often 20-40% off the wind portion of premium
- Hip roof only: Smaller discount, but real
- Gable roof, no protection, toe-nail roof-to-wall: Minimal or no discount — but you still need the form to confirm that
The wind portion is typically 30-70% of total Florida premium, especially in coastal counties. So a 20% discount on wind can be a 10% discount on total premium — meaningful money.
Ask your agent for a quote with-and-without the Wind Mit applied. They can show you the exact dollar difference.
Who Can Perform the Inspection
Per Section 627.711(2), F.S., these professionals are authorized to sign the OIR-B1-1802:
- Home inspectors licensed under Section 468.8314 with statutory hurricane mitigation training
- Building code inspectors certified under Section 468.607
- General, building, or residential contractors licensed under Section 489.111
- Professional engineers licensed under Section 471.015
- Professional architects licensed under Section 481.213
- Others recognized by the insurer
Most homeowners use a licensed home inspector. The fee is the same as if you hired an engineer, and the form is identical.
Wind Mitigation Savings by the Numbers
What Florida homeowners can typically expect.
Typical annual insurance savings rangeVaries by home, county, and carrier.
How long the form is validPer the OIR-B1-1802 itself.
Standalone inspection cost$125-$225 bundled with 4-Point.
Form sections that earn (or fail to earn) discountsEach verified feature = potential discount.
Wind Mit vs Other Florida Inspection Forms
Florida has multiple insurance-related inspections. Here's how they differ.
Comparison reflects publicly listed features as of May 2026. Specifications change — verify current details on each vendor's site before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance company accept any Wind Mit form?
They have to accept the official OIR-B1-1802 — it's the form adopted by Florida Rule 69O-170.0155. The form must be signed by a qualified inspector and have the required photo documentation.
What if my home doesn't have any wind-resistant features?
Get the inspection anyway. Some carriers offer a small discount just for filing the form. And you'll know exactly what improvements would save you money if you ever upgrade.
Can I do the inspection myself?
No. The form must be signed by a qualified inspector per Section 627.711(2), F.S. Knowingly filing a fraudulent Wind Mit is a first-degree misdemeanor.
How fast can I get the discount applied?
Once the form goes to your carrier, most apply the discount within days — often retroactive to the policy's start date. Ask your agent.
Should I get one before buying a Florida home?
Yes — and many Florida real estate contracts now include a Wind Mit in the inspection contingency. It tells you what your insurance will actually cost.
Does it cover hurricane damage already done?
No — that's a different inspection (post-storm damage assessment). Wind Mit documents PROTECTIVE features. If you have damage, you need a different report.
Related
Wind Mit Discount Calculator
Estimate your potential annual savings based on your home's features.
Read more →Wind Mit Inspection Cost
What inspectors charge across Florida — and why pricing varies.
Read more →Qualified Inspector Requirements
Who can sign the OIR-B1-1802 and why it matters for your carrier.
Read more →Find a Qualified Florida Wind Mit Inspector
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