Does a wind mitigation inspection lower insurance in Florida?

How do Florida's wind mitigation discounts work?

Section 627.0629, Florida Statutes, requires residential rate filings to include actuarially reasonable discounts, credits or deductible reductions for features shown to reduce windstorm losses, including roof strength, roof covering, roof-to-wall connections, opening protection, and window, door and skylight strength. Insurers must describe their hurricane mitigation discounts on their websites and must notify you of available discounts when a policy is issued and at each renewal.

The discounts apply only to the wind portion of your premium. DFS notes that if your home meets the minimum wind requirements of the 2001 Florida Building Code, regardless of the year it was built, you may also have the option to reduce your hurricane deductible.[1][2][3]

What features does the inspection document?

According to DFS, the features that may earn discounts include:

• A roof covering that meets Florida Building Code standards
• Roof-deck attachment (nail size and spacing)
• Roof-to-wall connections such as clips, single wraps or double wraps
• A hip roof shape
• Secondary water resistance beneath the roof covering
• Opening protection such as rated shutters[3]

What about newer homes in Broward?

DFS states that homes built to the 2001 Florida Building Code or later, including homes built under the 1994 South Florida Building Code in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, are eligible for a minimum 68% discount on the windstorm portion of the premium, with more possible for additional features (as described in DFS's July 2026 guide). Ask your agent what documentation your insurer needs to apply it.[3]

Who can do it, and how long is it good for?

Insurers must accept a form signed by a licensed home inspector who has completed at least 3 hours of approved hurricane mitigation training, a certified building code inspector, a licensed general, building or residential contractor, a professional engineer or a professional architect. The signer must personally inspect the home, and insurers may have a form independently verified at their own expense.

OIR updated the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802) effective April 1, 2026, and DFS says inspections on or after that date must use the new version. The form is valid for up to five years unless the structure materially changes or inaccuracies are found; Citizens notes you may want a new one sooner after a new roof, an addition or new mitigation upgrades.

Make your attic accessible. Citizens says an inspector who can't get into the attic may not be able to verify roof-to-wall, roof-deck or secondary water resistance features. Have permits, invoices and product approval documents ready.[2][3][4][5][6]