Florida insurers must build wind-resistance credits into their rates. A wind mitigation inspection in Florida is how you show that your home has the features that earn them.
The proof goes in one form: OIR-B1-1802. No form, no credit. And from April 1, 2026, there is a new version of that form.
We are roofers, not insurance agents. But about half of what the form checks is your roof, so we see the results of these inspections on real homes all the time. Here is how it works, what gets checked, and when it is worth doing.
Quick facts
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Form: OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26), required for inspections done on or after April 1, 2026.
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Validity: generally five years, if the structure has no material changes.
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Typical cost: often about $75 to $150, depending on region and home size.
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Savings: set by your insurer. Credits are commonly applied to the wind portion of the premium.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
What is a wind mitigation inspection? It is a documented check of the features that help your home resist high wind. A qualified inspector looks at your roof, how it is tied to the walls, and the protection on your windows and doors. The findings go on Form OIR-B1-1802, and your insurer uses that form to calculate your credits.
That is all it is. It does not tell you whether your roof leaks. It does not replace a regular roof inspection. It answers a narrower question: which wind-resistant features does this house have, and can they be verified?
If you want to know how often the roof itself should be looked at, we cover that in our guide on how often you should inspect your roof in Florida. Different goals, different reports.
Why Florida Insurers Have to Give You a Discount
Florida Statutes section 627.0629 requires residential rate filings to include discounts, credits, or other rate differentials for fixtures and construction techniques shown to reduce windstorm loss. The same law splits rates into two parts: hurricane coverage and all other coverages. That is why the credits show up on the wind portion of your bill. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sets the inspection form and the discount schedules insurers follow.
A few things are worth knowing before you expect a number:
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Credits are commonly applied to the wind portion of your premium, not the whole bill.
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The size of the credit depends on your insurer, your county, and the features your home has.
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Several features together can add up. We cannot tell you your exact savings. Your agent or insurer can.
We will not promise you a percentage. Anyone who does, before the inspection, is guessing.
Form 1802 and What Changed in April 2026
Form OIR-B1-1802 is the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. It first appeared in 2007, and it is the one standard form every insurer in the state accepts for these credits.
The current version is OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26). Any inspection done on or after April 1, 2026 must use it. The update is based on the state's 2024 Residential Wind-Loss Mitigation Study. In plain terms, it changes how features are classified and how they are proven:
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More documentation. Inspectors need to back up each credit with photos and, in many cases, permits or product approvals.
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Updated classifications for roof deck attachment and roof-to-wall connections.
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Recognition of FORTIFIED Home certificates (Roof, Silver, and Gold) for specific features.
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Recognition of certain performance-based retrofit solutions, as Simpson Strong-Tie's engineering team explains.
What if you already have an older form? Citizens Property Insurance has said it will keep accepting the previous version (Rev. 01/12) if no changes were made to the structure and the inspection was done within five years before April 1, 2026. Citizens also notes that all fields must be completed and require photos attached. Other insurers may handle older forms differently, so ask yours.
A completed form is generally valid for five years, as long as there are no material changes to the structure. Keep every document behind it: permits, invoices, product approvals, photos. If something is questioned later, that paper trail matters.
What the Inspector Checks
The inspection usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Here is what is on the list and why each item matters.
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Feature |
What it means |
Why it matters |
|
Roof covering |
The type of shingle, tile, or metal, and whether it meets the Florida Building Code |
Age and code compliance affect the credit |
|
Roof deck attachment |
How the roof sheathing is nailed to the trusses or rafters |
Nail size and spacing decide how well the deck holds in high wind |
|
Roof-to-wall connection |
Nails, clips, or straps that tie the roof frame to the walls |
Stronger connections generally earn better credits |
|
Roof shape |
Hip roof or gable roof |
Hip roofs usually handle wind better |
|
Secondary water resistance |
A sealed layer under the covering that blocks water if shingles are lost |
Limits interior damage after wind damage |
|
Opening protection |
Impact windows, shutters, entry doors, garage doors |
Keeps wind and pressure out of the house |
|
FORTIFIED certificate |
An IBHS designation for the roof or home |
New on the 2026 form |
Where homes usually lose credit
Most of the time the feature exists. The problem is proving it. These are the common causes:
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No permit or product approval on file for a roof or window that was replaced years ago.
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Roof deck nailing that does not meet current standards. This is hidden under the shingles and often unknown to the owner.
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An unprotected garage door or a few windows without shutters or impact glass.
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Photos that cannot confirm what the inspector saw.
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A connection that was not installed as intended. The 2026 form asks inspectors to record this.
Why a new roof changes the picture
When a roof is replaced, the deck, the underlayment, and the edges are open for the first time in 20 years or more. That is the point where these features can be built in correctly and documented with photos and permits. If you are planning that work, see how we approach roof installation in Florida.
How to Lower Homeowners Insurance in Florida: Where Wind Mitigation Fits
People searching for how to lower homeowners insurance in Florida want one trick. There is not one. A wind mitigation inspection is one of the more reliable steps, because it is based on features of your actual house. Here is a sensible order:
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Check the date on your current form. If it is older than five years, or you never had one, you may be paying without credits you qualify for.
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Look at what changed since the last inspection. A new roof, new windows, shutters, or a garage door upgrade may not be on file.
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Gather your documents. Permits, invoices, product approvals, and photos.
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Get the inspection on the current form. Rev. 04/26 is the standard now.
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Send it to your agent and ask for a re-rate. Then compare what other insurers would offer with the same form.
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Look at My Safe Florida Home. This state program, run by the Department of Financial Services, is set up to provide mitigation inspections and grants for eligible homes, subject to available funds. Funding opens and closes, so check its current status before planning around it.
If you are also dealing with storm damage and a claim, our guide to storm insurance and roofing in Florida explains how that process works.
One more honest point. If your roof is near the end of its life, the form will show it. Fix real problems first, then document the result.
How to Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection You Can Trust
A wind mitigation inspection in Florida must be done by someone qualified under state law. That can include a home inspector who completed the required mitigation training, a licensed engineer or architect, or certain licensed contractors. Before you book:
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Ask for the license number and check it with the state.
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Be careful with anyone who promises a result in advance. Florida law carries penalties for false or fraudulent inspections, and a bad form can cause problems with your insurer later.
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Have your paperwork ready. The more you can prove, the more the inspector can record.
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Expect to pay a modest fee. Prices often fall around $75 to $150, but they vary by region and home size.
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Get a copy of the full report with photos. Keep it with your insurance records.
Then send it to your agent. Credits do not always apply on their own, so ask directly.
When It Makes Sense, and When to Wait
Do it when:
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You just replaced the roof, windows, or shutters.
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Your policy is coming up for renewal.
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Your form is older than five years, or you have upgrades that were never recorded.
Wait when:
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The roof is close to replacement. Replace it first. The form should reflect the new roof, not the old one.
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You are unsure whether the roof needs repair or replacement. Get an honest opinion on the roof first. Sometimes a repair is the right answer, and the inspection can come after.
What to Do Next
A wind mitigation inspection is the proof behind your wind credits. The form changed in April 2026, so check yours. If you are not sure your roof will hold up on the form, we are happy to look at it and tell you honestly what we see. No pressure, no pitch.
FAQ
What does a wind mitigation inspection cost in Florida?
Often around $75 to $150, depending on where you live and the size of your home. It is usually a small cost next to an annual premium.
How long is Form 1802 valid?
Generally five years, as long as no material changes were made to the structure.
Do I need a new inspection after a reroof?
Usually yes, if you want the new roof reflected in your credits. Keep the permit and product approvals from the job.
Does a wind mitigation inspection replace a roof inspection?
No. It documents wind-resistant features for insurance credits. It does not assess leaks, wear, or repair needs.
How is it different from a 4-point inspection?
A 4-point inspection reports the condition of the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, usually so an insurer can decide whether to cover an older home. A wind mitigation inspection documents wind-resistant features for credits. They are separate reports, and you may need both.
Will my premium drop automatically?
Not always. Send the completed form to your agent and ask for a re-rate. The size of the change depends on your insurer and your home.
How do I lower homeowners insurance in Florida beyond wind mitigation?
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, keep your roof in good condition, and look at upgrades that improve your form. Your agent can tell you which ones your insurer rewards.
