What does a wind mitigation inspection check?
The inspector fills out a state form called the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, often called the “1802 form” after its number, OIR B1 1802. It records the features that help a home resist wind damage, including:
- Roof covering: the type of roof and whether it meets the Florida Building Code.
- Roof deck attachment: how firmly the roof decking is nailed down.
- Roof to wall attachment: how the roof is connected to the walls, such as with clips or hurricane straps.
- Roof shape: hip roofs, which slope down on all four sides, hold up better in high winds than gable roofs.
- Secondary water resistance: an extra barrier under the roof covering that helps keep water out if shingles blow off.
- Opening protection: impact rated windows and doors, or hurricane shutters.
The inspection usually takes less than an hour, and the inspector will need to get into the attic.
How can it lower my insurance premium?
Florida law requires residential property insurers to include discounts, credits or other rate reductions for features that reduce windstorm losses, such as roof strength, roof to wall strength and protected windows and doors. Insurers also have to tell you about these discounts when your policy starts and at every renewal.
The amount you save depends on your insurer and your home. The more qualifying features your home has, the bigger the discount tends to be. Many homes have features that were never documented, so an inspection is often worth it even on an older home.
Who can do the inspection?
Under Florida law, these professionals can sign the form:
- Licensed home inspectors who have completed hurricane mitigation training and a proficiency exam
- Certified building code inspectors
- Licensed general, building or residential contractors
- Licensed professional engineers
- Licensed professional architects
Insurers can also accept other inspectors they consider qualified. Before you book, it’s worth asking the inspector to confirm they’re authorized to complete the form.
How long does the report last?
The form is valid for up to five years, as long as you make no material changes to the home and nothing on the form turns out to be inaccurate. If you replace the roof, add impact windows or install shutters, get a new inspection so your discounts reflect the upgrades.
The state updated the 1802 form recently, and the new version took effect April 1, 2026.
How is it different from a four point inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection can save you money by documenting wind protection. A four point inspection checks the roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling, and insurers often require it before covering an older home. Many inspectors offer both at the same visit.
How Marshall Insurance Group can help
Send us your wind mitigation report and we’ll check that your discounts are applied. Because we’re an independent agency, we can also compare how different carriers price your home’s features, since one company may reward them more than another.
Common questions
Is a wind mitigation inspection required in Florida?
No, it's optional. But Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for wind resistant features, and without a report your insurer has no proof your home has them. Many homes have qualifying features that were never documented, so an inspection is often worth it, and it usually takes less than an hour.
How long is a wind mitigation report good for?
The state form is valid for up to five years, as long as no material changes are made to the home and nothing on the form turns out to be inaccurate. If you replace the roof, add impact windows or install shutters, get a new inspection so your discounts reflect the upgrades. The current version of the form took effect April 1, 2026.
Who can do a wind mitigation inspection?
Florida law allows licensed home inspectors with hurricane mitigation training, certified building code inspectors, licensed general, building or residential contractors, licensed engineers and licensed architects. Insurers may also accept other qualified inspectors. Before you book, ask the inspector to confirm they're authorized to complete the form.
Will a new roof change my wind mitigation discount?
It can. A new roof is a material change, and a roof installed to the current Florida Building Code may qualify for better credits than the old one. Get a new inspection once the work is done and send the report to your agent, so your insurer updates your discounts.
What do I do with the report once I have it?
Send it to your insurance agent. We'll make sure your current insurer applies the discounts, and we'll use it when comparing other carriers, since one company may reward the same features more than another. Keep a copy, because the report stays valid for up to five years.