Updated November 4, 2026
What a wind mitigation inspection is
A wind mitigation inspection documents features of your home that help it resist wind, such as roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, and opening protection. The results go on a state form, the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802). You give the completed form to your insurance company.
What Florida law says about credits
Florida Statute 627.0629 requires property insurance rate filings to include actuarially reasonable discounts, credits or other rate reductions for qualifying fixtures and construction techniques. Opening protection is one of the features listed, along with window, door and skylight strength (statute). Insurers must post information about these discounts on their websites.
The law does not guarantee a set dollar amount. The size of the credit depends on your insurer, the home and the other features it has.
The 2026 form update
Citizens Property Insurance announced that a revised form, OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26), applies to inspections on or after April 1, 2026. Citizens said it will still accept the prior version if it was completed within five years before that date and the structure has not changed (Citizens notice).
Other insurers may have their own rules, so ask yours which version it accepts.
What helps opening protection count
- Protect every opening. The form is about whether windows, doors, garage doors and skylights are all protected. One unprotected opening can change how the home is classified, so ask your inspector.
- Keep paperwork. Save the permit, final inspection, and the product approvals for each unit.
- Order an inspection after the work. A new inspection documents the upgrade. Your installer may be able to tell you what the inspector will look for.
Who can do the inspection
For building-code-related rate variations, Florida law says the inspection must be done by a licensed home inspector. The insurer may charge you for the cost if you request it (statute).
A free inspection option
My Safe Florida Home has offered free wind inspections to eligible homeowners. Its report can show potential eligibility for grants. See our My Safe Florida Home guide for the latest we could confirm.
Questions for your insurance agent
- Which version of the wind mitigation form do you accept?
- How is my opening protection credited?
- Do I need to protect every opening, or only some?
- When will the credit take effect after I submit the form?
- Will the credit be applied at my renewal or sooner?
Step by step
- Finish the work and get the final permit inspection signed off.
- Hire a qualified inspector to complete the current state form.
- Send the form to your insurance agent or company.
- Ask for a written confirmation of what changed at your next renewal or sooner.
- Keep the form with your permit paperwork.
If your insurer asks for photos or documents, your installer's product approvals and permit record can help.
What this page cannot tell you
We cannot tell you which credit tier your windows or shutters will fall into, because that depends on the form's classification and your inspector's findings. We also cannot predict your premium. Your agent can compare quotes from several companies, and a licensed inspector can explain how each of your openings is recorded.
Why the form matters beyond the discount
The wind mitigation form is a snapshot of how your home is built. Insurers use it to apply credits, and some programs use similar inspection reports to decide what upgrades make sense. Ask the inspector for a copy of the completed form and any photos, and store them with your insurance records. If you later change the roof, windows or doors again, you can order a new inspection so the form reflects the home as it is.
Also check the form for mistakes before you send it. Wrong dates, a wrong address or a missed opening can lead to a smaller credit than the home deserves. A quick review by you and your agent can catch that.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I save?
It varies by insurer and home. Florida law requires discounts to be offered, but no set amount is promised.
How long is a wind mitigation form good for?
Citizens said it accepts prior-version forms completed within five years if the structure has not changed. Ask your own insurer about its rules.
Do shutters count?
Opening protection can include approved shutters. How each type is classified depends on the form and the inspector, so ask before you buy.