WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION CENTRAL & SOUTH FLORIDA
A wind mitigation inspection is a valuable inspection service that will reduce your windstorm insurance.
Generally, a wind mitigation inspection is needed to determine which credits apply to a home. During a wind mitigation inspection, Guardian Angel looks for key features and add-ons that reduce the amount of damage your home may suffer in the event of a hurricane or strong windstorm. Wind insurance discounts are available for building features that reduce damage during high wind events. The wind mitigation discounts are justified because stronger, more wind-resistive structures have lower windstorm losses, which mean reduced costs to Insurance companies. Most existing structures have one or more wind resistive construction features and may qualify for some wind mitigation insurance discounts.
Breaking News – New Changes to the Wind Mitigation Inspection Form
The State of Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has released an updated version of the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802), which goes into effect April 1, 2026.
What You Need to Know
- New inspections performed on or after April 1, 2026, must use the updated form
- Insurance discounts (credits) from the new form will not be applied until July 2026
- There may be a temporary gap where inspections are completed but credits are not yet reflected on insurance policies
What Changed on the New Wind Mitigation Form
1. More Detailed Roof Covering Documentation
- Inspectors must now provide permit dates, product approvals, and installation years. If documentation is missing, it must be clearly noted. This increases the time needed for verification.
2. Expanded Wind Zone and Building Code Classification
- New region classifications based on wind speeds (ASCE 7-22 standards) and more precise building code identification increase the complexity of inspections.
3. Stricter Roof Deck and Attachment Verification
- New categories include specific uplift resistance values and additional attachment types. Inspectors must now identify and document the weakest attachment more carefully.
4. More Detailed Roof-to-Wall Connection Requirements
- Expanded definitions and stricter requirements for nail counts, placement, and uplift capacity require more thorough attic inspections.
5. Increased Documentation for Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
- Only specific systems now qualify. Standard underlayment no longer counts, requiring additional verification and photos.
6. More Complex Opening Protection Classification
- A new multi-level system requires identifying the weakest protection across all openings, as well as identifying damaged openings, increasing inspection time.
How This Impacts Buyers, Sellers, and Agents
1. More Time and Documentation Required
- Inspections now require more research, photos, measurements, and verification.
2. Insurance Credits Will Be Delayed
- Insurance credits may not be applied until July 2026, which can affect insurance quotes and closing expectations.
3. Increased Inspection Costs
- Due to additional time and documentation, wind mitigation inspection pricing will increase.
What We Recommend
- Agents: Set expectations early regarding delayed credits.
- Buyers: Do not rely on immediate insurance savings.
- Sellers: Be prepared for updated requirements and pricing changes.
Why This Matters
- The updated form is designed to improve accuracy and standardization across inspections. While beneficial long term, it introduces short term changes in cost, timing, and expectations.
When do get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection should be completed, regardless of age, for all single family homes, town houses and condos, with the exception of new construction, and are valid for five years from the date of the inspection.
The best time to order a wind mitigation inspection is prior to purchasing a home, change of insurance company, insurance policy renewal or post expiration date from the last wind mitigation report.
*Condo associations also qualify for wind mitigation credits.
What is Wind Mitigation?
Wind mitigation is the process of adding features to your home that help withstand or increase resistance to high winds caused by a major storm or hurricane.
Why Do Florida Homeowners Need It? Savings!
According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, 15% – 70% of home insurance premiums were reduced by having a Wind Mitigation Inspection completed.
In addition to saving you money, mitigating your home against severe weather can also protect your family in the event of a major storm. Installing hurricane shutters on your windows or hurricane straps on your roof reduces the risk of flying debris penetrating your home and putting your family in danger.
Insurance companies in Florida are required to recognize submitted wind inspections performed by qualified personnel and will provide discounts based on the construction and/or mitigation features of your home. A wind mitigation inspection may “SAVE” you, the property owner up to 30% on your insurance policy, possibly saving you over $1000 annually. There are currently 9 qualifying discounts and we will Inspect all 9 areas to help you get the best discount available.
