Florida wind mitigation inspection form aligned with OIR-B1-1802. Document roof systems, connections, and opening protection to qualify homeowners for insurance premium discounts.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a Florida-specific evaluation that documents the wind-resistant features of a residential structure. The inspection follows the format prescribed by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation form OIR-B1-1802, which insurance companies use to determine premium discounts for homes that meet specific wind resistance criteria.
Florida law (Section 627.0629, Florida Statutes) requires insurance companies to offer premium discounts for homes with verified wind mitigation features. A qualified inspector evaluates six key areas: roof covering compliance with the Florida Building Code, roof deck attachment method, roof-to-wall connection type, roof geometry, secondary water resistance, and opening protection. Each area corresponds to a specific discount tier.
For Florida homeowners, this inspection directly translates to money saved. A home with double wraps (roof-to-wall), a hip roof, secondary water resistance, and impact-rated opening protection can see insurance premium reductions of 30-45% or more. The inspection typically costs $75-150 and pays for itself many times over through annual savings.
Wind mitigation inspections must be performed by licensed inspectors — home inspectors, general contractors, building inspectors, architects, or engineers licensed in Florida. The inspector must physically verify each feature, often requiring attic access to examine roof deck attachments and roof-to-wall connections. The completed form is submitted directly to the insurance company.
What's covered
- Roof Covering (Q1): Roof covering material type, FBC compliance verification, Permit documentation, Installation date and method
- Roof Deck & Connections (Q2-Q3): Deck attachment method (A/B/C/D), Nail size and spacing pattern, Roof-to-wall connection type, Clips vs. single/double wraps
- Roof Geometry (Q4): Hip, gable, flat, or combination, Hip roof percentage calculation, Geometry impact on wind resistance, Photo documentation guidance
- SWR & Opening Protection (Q5-Q6): Secondary water resistance barrier, SWR installation method, Hurricane shutters and impact glass, Miami-Dade NOA or ASTM rating
Why this checklist
Follows the official OIR-B1-1802 format exactly. Insurance companies want answers to specific questions in a specific order. This template mirrors the official Florida Office of Insurance Regulation form, so your inspection documents what underwriters actually need to approve discounts.
Helps inspectors capture the details that drive discounts. The difference between "clips" and "single wraps" can mean hundreds of dollars in annual premium savings for the homeowner. This form guides you through each wind mitigation feature with the specificity that insurance companies require.
Covers all six discount categories systematically. Roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connection, roof geometry, secondary water resistance, and opening protection — each section maps to a specific insurance discount tier. Miss one, and the homeowner misses savings.
Professional PDF output for insurance submission. Generate a clean, professional PDF that's ready to submit to any Florida insurance company. Clear formatting, proper labeling, and inspector signature — everything the underwriter needs to process the discount.
How to Complete a Wind Mitigation Inspection
- Gather property information — Record the property address, year built, and building code in effect at the time of construction. Homes built after 2002 fall under the Florida Building Code (FBC), which includes enhanced wind resistance requirements. Homes built under the South Florida Building Code (SFBC-94, 1994-2001) may also qualify for certain credits.
- Evaluate the roof covering (Question 1) — Identify the roof covering material and determine if it was installed per FBC requirements. Check for a building permit — a permit issued after March 1, 2002 with a passed final inspection indicates FBC compliance. If no permit is available, the covering defaults to "non-FBC equivalent" unless other documentation proves compliance.
- Inspect roof deck attachment from the attic (Question 2) — Access the attic to examine how the roof deck (plywood/OSB) is fastened to the trusses or rafters. Measure nail length and spacing: Level A is 6d nails at 6"/12", Level B is 8d nails at 6"/12", Level C is 8d nails at 6"/6", and Level D is 8d ring-shank nails at 6"/6". Higher levels earn greater discounts.
- Verify roof-to-wall connections (Question 3) — While in the attic, examine how the roof structure connects to the exterior walls. Toe nails offer no discount. Clips (metal connectors with one nail on each side) earn a moderate discount. Single wraps (continuous strap around the truss and nailed on both sides) earn more. Double wraps (strap wraps around and is nailed on both sides with additional reinforcement) earn the maximum discount.
- Determine roof geometry (Question 4) — Hip roofs are the most wind-resistant shape because all sides slope upward, reducing wind uplift. To qualify for the hip roof discount, the hip percentage must be 90% or greater. Measure and calculate: hip length divided by total roof perimeter × 100. Gable roofs are more vulnerable to wind damage and do not receive this credit.
- Check SWR and opening protection (Questions 5-6) — Secondary water resistance (SWR) is a sealed barrier under the roof covering that prevents water intrusion if the covering is blown off. For opening protection, verify that all windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors have rated protection — either impact-resistant glazing or approved hurricane shutters. Partial protection provides a reduced credit; full protection earns the maximum discount.
Common Mistakes in Wind Mitigation Inspections
Confusing clips with single wraps. This is the most common error and the most costly for homeowners. A clip is a small metal connector nailed to one side of the truss. A single wrap is a continuous strap that goes over the top of the truss and is nailed on both sides. The visual difference is subtle but the insurance discount difference is significant — take clear photos.
Not verifying FBC compliance on roof covering. A new-looking roof doesn't automatically qualify as FBC-compliant. You need a permit with a passed final inspection dated after March 1, 2002, OR the roof must have been original to a home built after that date. Without documentation, it defaults to non-FBC — and the homeowner loses the credit.
Insufficient attic access. You must physically enter the attic to verify roof deck attachment and roof-to-wall connections. Inspecting from the access hatch with a flashlight is not adequate — you need to see multiple connection points across different areas of the roof structure. If access is limited, document the limitation.
Missing the hip roof percentage calculation. A roof that looks like a hip roof may actually be a combination of hip and gable sections. The hip percentage must be 90% or greater to qualify for the hip roof credit. Measure the actual hip-to-perimeter ratio — don't estimate. A roof at 85% hip gets the same credit as a full gable: none.
Not photographing every feature. Insurance companies frequently request photo verification. Photograph the roof covering, nail patterns (with a ruler for scale), roof-to-wall connections (multiple locations), roof geometry from ground level, SWR if visible, and all opening protection. Photos taken during the inspection save you from having to return to the property.
Common questions
How much can I save with a wind mitigation inspection?
Savings vary by property and insurer, but Florida homeowners typically save 15-45% on the windstorm portion of their insurance premium. A home with all six credits (FBC roof, Level D attachment, double wraps, hip roof, SWR, and full opening protection) can save $1,000-3,000+ annually. The inspection cost of $75-150 pays for itself within the first month of savings.
Who can perform a wind mitigation inspection in Florida?
Florida law requires the inspection be performed by a licensed home inspector, general contractor, building inspector, architect, or professional engineer licensed in the state of Florida. The inspector must have the appropriate license number, which is included on the form submitted to the insurance company.
How long is a wind mitigation inspection valid?
Most Florida insurance companies accept wind mitigation inspections for up to 5 years, as long as no changes have been made to the home's wind-resistant features. However, if you install new impact windows, hurricane shutters, or a new roof, you should get a new inspection to capture the additional credits.
What's the difference between a wind mitigation and a 4-point inspection?
A 4-point inspection evaluates the condition and age of four systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. It's used by insurance companies to assess risk on older homes. A wind mitigation inspection specifically evaluates wind-resistant construction features to determine discount eligibility. They're different forms serving different purposes — many homeowners need both.
Do all Florida homes qualify for wind mitigation discounts?
All Florida homes are eligible for inspection, but not all will qualify for every discount. Older homes without retrofitted features may receive limited or no credits. However, even homes built before the Florida Building Code can earn credits for features like hurricane shutters, impact windows, or roof-to-wall clips that may have been added over time.
What is secondary water resistance (SWR)?
SWR is a sealed barrier applied to the roof deck before the roof covering is installed. If the primary roof covering (shingles, tiles) is blown off during a hurricane, the SWR prevents water from entering the home through the exposed deck. Common SWR methods include self-adhering polymer modified bitumen underlayment and foam adhesive applied to deck seams. SWR must be verified during installation — it's not visible once the roof covering is in place.