Roofing Guides · Updated October 2026
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection documents your home's wind-resistant features, like roof covering, deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, roof shape, secondary water barrier and opening protection, on Florida's official form OIR-B1-1802. Florida law (§627.0629, F.S.) requires insurers to offer premium discounts for qualifying features, so the report can lower your windstorm premium. The state says the form is generally valid for up to five years.
What the inspector checks
- Building code and roof permit date
- Roof covering and its product approval
- Roof deck attachment (nail type and spacing)
- Roof-to-wall attachment (toe nails, clips, single or double wraps)
- Roof geometry (hip vs. gable)
- Secondary water resistance (SWR)
- Opening protection (shutters, impact windows and doors)
Why it matters for your premium
The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) explains that insurers must offer discounts for verified mitigation features. How much you save depends on your insurer's filed rates. A new roof is a natural time to update the report, because it captures the newer deck nailing and secondary water barrier.
How long is it good for?
The form is valid for up to five years unless the structure materially changes or inaccuracies are found. OIR publishes the current version of the form on its site. Make sure your inspector uses it.
Free inspections: My Safe Florida Home
The state's My Safe Florida Home program offers eligible homesteaded, site-built single-family homes and townhomes a free hurricane mitigation inspection, and possibly grants for approved upgrades (matching grants of up to $10,000, subject to funding). Approval for an inspection isn't approval for a grant, and work done before grant approval isn't reimbursed.
See also Roof Age and Homeowners Insurance in Florida and Getting Your Roof Ready for Hurricane Season.
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Sources
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, Wind Mitigation Resources
- Florida OIR, Form OIR-B1-1802 Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (PDF)
- Florida DFS, Mitigation Notices, Inspections and Forms
- My Safe Florida Home Program (Florida DFS)
- My Safe Florida Home Support Center: Matching Grants vs. Low-Income Grants
Sources checked October 2026. Laws, codes and prices change, so confirm current details with the source.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a wind mitigation inspection save?
It depends on your insurer's filed discounts and your home's features. Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for qualifying mitigation. Ask your agent for the specifics.
How long is a wind mitigation report valid?
Up to five years, unless the home materially changes or inaccuracies are found.
Who can do a wind mitigation inspection?
Form OIR-B1-1802 lists the qualified inspectors who may sign it, such as licensed home inspectors with the required training, building code inspectors, engineers and architects. Check the current form for the full list.
Should I get a new one after a roof replacement?
Usually yes. A new roof often improves deck attachment and secondary water resistance, and the report needs to reflect that.
Is the My Safe Florida Home inspection really free?
Yes, for eligible homesteaded, site-built, owner-occupied homes, while funding lasts.