If you own a home in Oviedo, Winter Springs, or anywhere in the Orlando area, the wind portion of your homeowners premium is often the biggest piece of the bill. A wind mitigation inspection is one of the simplest ways to bring that number down, and many Central Florida homeowners either don’t have one on file or are using one that has expired.
What is a wind mitigation inspection?
It’s a short inspection, usually under an hour, done by a licensed inspector, contractor, or engineer. The results go on the state’s standard Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection form (OIR-B1-1802). Florida law requires insurers to offer credits for features that reduce wind damage, and this form is how you prove your home has them.
What does the inspector look at?
- Roof covering: whether the roof meets the Florida Building Code and when it was permitted.
- Roof deck attachment: the size and spacing of the nails holding the plywood to the trusses.
- Roof-to-wall connection: toe nails, clips, or single or double wraps. Wraps earn the most credit.
- Roof shape: hip roofs hold up better than gable roofs.
- Secondary water resistance: a sealed roof deck that keeps water out if shingles blow off.
- Opening protection: impact windows, rated shutters, and garage doors.
How much can it save?
It depends on the home and the carrier. Homes with hip roofs, clips or straps, and impact-rated openings can see meaningful discounts on the wind portion of the premium. Many Oviedo neighborhoods were built after the 2002 Florida Building Code took effect, and those homes often qualify for credits they aren’t getting simply because nobody submitted the form.
How long is it good for?
A wind mitigation report is generally valid for five years, as long as nothing on the home has changed. If you’ve replaced your roof, added shutters, or installed impact windows since your last inspection, get a new one. The upgrades won’t lower your rate until your carrier has the paperwork.
Is there help paying for upgrades?
The state’s My Safe Florida Home program has offered free inspections and matching grants for eligible homeowners to harden their homes. Funding opens and closes, so check the program’s website for current availability before you plan a project around it.
The Central Florida takeaway
Charley in 2004, Ian in 2022, and Milton in 2024 all showed that hurricanes don’t stop at the coast. Inland homes in Seminole and Orange County need wind protection too. A current wind mitigation report makes your home’s strengths count toward your premium.
Not sure whether your policy includes wind mitigation credits? Send us your current declarations page and we’ll check whether you’re getting every discount you qualify for.
This article is for general educational purposes only. Coverage, eligibility, discounts and pricing vary by carrier and policy. Talk with a licensed Florida insurance agent about your specific situation.
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