Licensed Florida real estate brokerage
What is a wind mitigation inspection and why do Florida insurers ask for it?
A straight answer from a licensed Florida real estate brokerage — then what you can check yourself and when to bring in a licensed professional. Free consultation: (888) 440-3766.
A wind mitigation inspection is a visit by a licensed inspector who documents a home's storm-resistant features, such as roof-to-wall connections and impact-rated openings, on the uniform mitigation verification form (OIR-B1-1802). Florida insurers ask for it because documented features can support premium credits under s. 627.0629, F.S., and because it shows them how the home is likely to hold up in high wind.
It is not the same as a four-point inspection. A four-point inspection looks at the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and insurers commonly request it on older homes. The wind mitigation report only documents wind-related construction features. Whether a credit applies, and how large it is, depends on the insurer, and we don't state amounts here.
Why it comes up in Florida
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and wind is a central risk for Florida insurers. A home's construction details, including how the roof is attached, how the roof is shaped and covered, and whether windows and doors are impact-rated, affect how it performs in a storm. The inspection puts those details on a standard form so the insurer can review them.
For people moving to Florida, this matters because housing stock varies a lot. Newer post-2002 Florida Building Code construction often has different wind-resistance characteristics than 1970s–1980s or earlier homes. A report records what is actually on the home, whatever the year built.
Roof age and condition are frequently the deciding factor in whether coverage is offered at all. A wind mitigation report can support credits, but it does not replace an insurer's own underwriting. Flood is a separate issue: flood damage is generally excluded from standard homeowners policies and needs separate flood coverage, whether NFIP or private.
What you can check yourself
Ask the seller for an existing report
A seller may already have a wind mitigation report or four-point inspection. Ask for it early, and ask your insurance agent whether the insurer will accept it or wants a new one.
Ask your insurance agent what the insurer requires
Requirements differ by insurer and by home. Get the list of required inspections and documents before you go under contract, since insurance should be bound before closing.
Look up the year built and roof history
The county property appraiser's website generally shows the year built. The county building department can show whether a roof replacement was permitted. Both help you judge roof age.
Review the form itself
Ask to see the completed OIR-B1-1802 and confirm it lists the features you expect, such as the roof covering and the window and door protection. Ask the inspector to explain anything unclear.
Check condo building reports separately
For a condo, ask the association for its milestone inspection and SIRS reports if the building is three stories or taller. These are separate from a unit-level wind report.
When to bring in a licensed professional
Call us when you are deciding whether to make an offer on a home with an older roof, or when an insurer's inspection request could affect your contract timeline. We can help you plan inspections, build them into your offer terms, and sequence them around your insurance quote and closing date. Who pays for an inspection is set by the purchase contract and is negotiable.
For questions about a specific policy, coverage or credit, your insurance agent is the right source. For questions about insurer availability, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation are the places to confirm. For legal questions about a contract, ask a Florida real-estate attorney. We are a brokerage, not a law firm.
Premier Real Estate Group Inc is a licensed Florida real estate brokerage (broker license BK3314523). Verify at Florida DBPR.
What a licensed real-estate professional will do
- Explain Florida insurance basicsWe walk you through how wind mitigation, four-point inspections, roof age and flood coverage fit into a purchase, so you know what to ask your insurance agent.
- Work through video tours and remote showingsIf you are out of state, we can help you review homes remotely and flag roof, opening and construction details to ask about before you travel.
- Build inspections into your contractWe help you structure inspection periods and requests so the timeline works with your insurance binding and closing.
- Flag association requirementsFor condos and HOAs, we point out approval steps, estoppel certificates and documents to review as part of due diligence.
- Remind you about homestead after closingOnce you close and make the home your permanent residence, we remind you to apply with the county property appraiser, generally by March 1.
Related questions
- Is a wind mitigation inspection the same as a four-point inspection?
- No. A four-point inspection covers the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and insurers commonly ask for it on older homes. A wind mitigation inspection documents wind-resistant features on form OIR-B1-1802 to support possible premium credits.
- Do I need a wind mitigation report before closing?
- It depends on your insurer. Ask your insurance agent early, because insurance should be bound before closing. If a report is needed, we can help you schedule it within your contract's inspection period.
- Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
- Flood damage is generally excluded from standard homeowners policies and needs separate flood coverage, either NFIP or private. A lender generally requires flood insurance in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, and homes outside one can still flood.
- Can you help me if I'm still living out of state?
- Yes. A Florida real estate license is valid statewide, so Premier Real Estate Group Inc or a licensed agent we refer you to can contact you by phone or email. Call (888) 440-3766 for a free consultation with no obligation.
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Licensed brokerage
Premier Real Estate Group Inc
Broker of record Maxim Bohadana, Florida broker license BK3314523
(888) 440-3766