Wind mitigation inspection · Homestead, FLWind mitigation inspections that help lower your insurance.
Your home's hurricane features can earn discounts on the wind part of your premium, but only if they're documented on the state form. I find every feature your house has, photograph it, and put it on the current form so your insurer can't send it back.
- Form
- OIR-B1-1802 Rev. 04/26
- On site
- About 1 hour
- Report
- Same day or next morning
- Good for
- 5 years
What the wind mit form asks, and how I answer it
The state form has seven sections. Each one is a chance at a credit. Here's what I look at for each.
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Question 1
Building code
When your home was permitted matters. Homes built under the 2001 Florida Building Code can qualify. In Miami-Dade, homes permitted after September 1, 1994 under the South Florida Building Code (the post-Andrew code) can qualify too. That covers a lot of Homestead.
Best answer: Permit dated after the code took effect, with proof.
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Question 2
Roof covering
I check the roof type and look up the permit and product approval for it. A newer roof installed under the current code scores better than an older one with no paperwork.
Best answer: Permitted roof that meets the current code.
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Question 3Roof deck attachment
Up in the attic I measure the nail size and spacing that hold the roof sheathing down. Bigger nails, closer together, means a better rating.
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Question 4
Roof-to-wall attachment
This is what keeps the roof on in a hurricane: toe nails, clips, single wraps or double wraps. I photograph the connections so there's no argument later.
Best answer: Single or double wraps.
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Question 5Roof geometry
A hip roof (sloped on all four sides) handles wind better than a gable roof. I measure it so the form shows it correctly. The 04/26 form also asks for roof slope on multi-slope roofs.
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Question 6
Secondary water resistance
A sealed layer under the roof covering that keeps water out if shingles or tiles blow off. It's usually only provable from the reroof permit or receipt, so bring them if you have them.
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Question 7Opening protection
Every window, door, skylight and the garage door. Impact glass or approved shutters on all of them can earn one of the biggest credits. I photograph the product approval labels as proof. One unrated garage door can cost you the whole credit.
Best answer: Every opening protected with approved products.
The wind mit form changed on April 1, 2026
Every wind mitigation inspection done on or after April 1, 2026 has to be on the new OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26) form. The new version asks for photos of every feature, the home's wind-speed region, roof slope on multi-slope roofs, and any FORTIFIED certification.
If you have an older form that was done within the five years before April 1, 2026, Citizens says it still accepts it. If yours is older than that, or the house has changed (new roof, new windows, new garage door), it's time for a new one.
Why a wind mit is usually worth it
Florida insurers are required to offer discounts for hurricane features. The catch is they can only give you credit for what's on the form. Most homes I inspect have at least one feature the owner didn't know counted.
How much you save depends on your insurer and your house, so I won't promise a number. What I can promise is that every feature your house actually has ends up on the form, with a photo behind it.
What about the free My Safe Florida Home inspection?
The state program offers free wind mitigation inspections to homeowners who qualify. Right now that means homesteaded homes permitted before 2008, an insured value of $700,000 or less, and income limits. There's also a waiting list.
If you qualify and you're not in a hurry, apply. If your insurer gave you a deadline, or you don't qualify, call me and you'll usually have the report this week.
How to get ready
- Clear a path to the attic hatch (often in a closet or the garage).
- Have any roof permit, reroof receipt or window/shutter paperwork handy. It can only help.
- Unlock the garage so I can photograph the door's label.
- If you have accordion or panel shutters, leave them where I can see them.
Wind Mitigation questions
How long is a wind mitigation report good for?
Insurers generally accept it for five years, as long as nothing on the house has changed. If you replace the roof, windows or garage door, get a new one, since it may earn you more credit.
Who can sign a wind mitigation form in Florida?
Florida law (s. 627.711) lets licensed home inspectors who've completed hurricane mitigation training sign it, along with building code inspectors, general contractors, engineers and architects. I'm a Florida licensed home inspector, license HI18810.
Do you need to get into the attic?
Yes. Three of the seven questions (roof deck, roof-to-wall and secondary water resistance) can only be answered from the attic or with paperwork. If the attic is blocked, those answers default to the lowest rating.
Will a wind mit lower my premium?
It can, but the amount depends on your insurer and what your house has. Homes with hip roofs, strong roof-to-wall straps and protected openings usually see the biggest credits.
Can you do the 4-point and roof certification in the same visit?
Yes. If your insurer asked for more than one report, I do them all in one visit.
Tell me about the house. I'll take it from there.
Send the address and what you need. I'll text or call you back with a quote and the next open time.
Open 7 days, 8am–8pm. Se habla español.
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Open 7 days, 8am to 8pm. Licensed Florida home inspector HI18810.