Wind Mitigation Inspection Florida 2026: Insurance Guide
If you've installed impact windows — or plan to — a wind mitigation inspection is the step that unlocks your insurance discount. Without it, your insurer applies zero credit for your windows, even with full Miami-Dade NOA certification installed and permitted. This guide covers everything: the form, the categories, the savings, and the process.
$75–$175
Cost of inspection
Documents your credits on form OIR-B1-1802
Varies
Wind-mitigation discount
Set by your insurer — applies to the hurricane-wind portion
5 years
Typical report validity
Before update required
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a formal assessment of your home's structural features that affect its ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. A licensed inspector evaluates your home and produces the state-standardized OIR-B1-1802 Wind Mitigation Report form — the document you submit to your insurance company to unlock premium discounts.
Florida law (FS 627.0629) requires every residential property insurer in Florida to offer premium discounts based on wind mitigation features. The wind mitigation inspection is how you prove your home qualifies.
The OIR-B1-1802 Form covers 6 areas:
Roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connection, roof shape, opening protection (where impact windows matter), and secondary water resistance. Impact windows affect Opening Protection — often one of the most significant credits on the form, though the amount varies by insurer.
The 6 Rating Areas: What the Inspector Evaluates
1. Roof Covering
2. Roof Deck Attachment
3. Roof-to-Wall Connection
4. Roof Shape
5. Opening Protection ← Impact Windows
6. Secondary Water Resistance
Opening Protection Categories (OIR-B1-1802)
The Opening Protection section of the wind mitigation form classifies the home by its weakest protected opening. Which category you fall into determines your opening-protection credit for this section:
| Category | Description | Typical Discount | Impact Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category A | All glazed openings protected by products verified to the large-missile (9-lb) impact standards | Largest opening-protection credit (varies by insurer) | Impact windows + NOA/FPA = qualifies |
| Category B | All glazed openings protected by products verified to a lower large-missile impact level (4 to 8 lb) | Partial opening-protection credit (varies by insurer) | Some older or lighter-rated products fall here |
| Category C | Openings protected by wood structural panels (plywood/OSB) meeting the Florida Building Code | Partial credit (varies by insurer) | Panels, not impact windows |
| Category N | Protection present but not verified to A, B or C (e.g., no product approval documentation) | Little or no credit (varies by insurer) | Keep NOA/FPA paperwork to avoid this |
| Category X / None | One or more openings not protected — standard glass, no shutters | No opening-protection credit | Maximum insurance exposure |
Category A is achievable when ALL glazed openings (every window, glass door and skylight, with the garage door documented too) are protected by products verified to the large-missile impact standards. If any opening is unprotected, the home falls to Category X.
How to Find Out What the Discount Is Worth to You
Florida law requires insurers to offer wind-mitigation discounts, and they apply only to the hurricane-wind portion of your premium — not the whole policy. Each carrier sets its own credits in its filed rates, so the amount depends on your insurer and your home (roof shape, roof-to-wall attachment, opening protection and the other rating areas on the form).
- Ask your agent for a quote with and without the opening-protection credit.
- Submit the completed OIR-B1-1802 form after the final inspection closes your permit.
- Check your declarations page at renewal to confirm the credit was applied.
What You Must Have to Qualify for Category A
All openings protected
Every window, every door, every skylight, and your garage door must be impact-rated or approved-shutter-protected. Even one unprotected opening drops you out of Category A.
Current FBC-compliant product approval
Products must have a current Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval number. Expired approvals don't count. Vieser Construction installs PGT, ESW, and Mr. Glass — all carry current NOA.
Professional installation
Products must be installed to the manufacturer's approved method and pass final inspection. DIY installation, even with NOA-certified products, does not qualify.
Permitted and inspected
A building permit must have been pulled and a final inspection passed. Unpermitted work does not qualify for wind mitigation credit and can cause insurance claim denials.
Cost, Timing and Credit Range at a Glance
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection cost | $75 to $150 (some $175) | Varies by inspector and property size |
| Inspection visit | About 45 to 120 minutes | Depends on the home |
| Insurer processing | About 2 to 3 weeks | Varies by carrier |
| Wind-mitigation credit | Varies by insurer | Applies to the hurricane-wind portion; depends on carrier and all six rating areas |
Inspection and processing figures are typical market ranges, not guarantees. Your carrier's filed rates set your actual credit.
The credits exist because of Florida Statute 627.0629, which requires residential property insurers to offer discounts for wind-resistant features and has been in effect since 2002. Submit your completed form before your renewal date so the credit is included in your next premium, and ask your agent to confirm in writing when it is applied.
Checklist: After Installation, Inspection, Then Insurer
- Confirm the permit passed final inspection and is closed.
- Collect product approval numbers (NOA or Florida Product Approval) and permit records.
- Verify every window, door, skylight, and garage door is protected.
- Hire a licensed inspector and book the visit after permit closure.
- Receive the completed OIR-B1-1802 form with photos.
- Send the form to your agent or carrier before your renewal date and request a re-rating.
- Follow up until the credit appears, and keep the report on file.
Need help with the permit side first? See our permit guide for Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, or compare project costs in our impact window cost guide.
Step-by-Step: From Installation to Insurance Discount
Install impact windows
All openings — windows, doors, garage door — must be protected for maximum credit. Vieser Construction handles full installation with permitting.
Wait for permit to close
The county must perform a final building inspection and close the permit. This confirms code-compliant installation.
Schedule wind mitigation inspector
Hire a licensed inspector (home inspector, contractor, or engineer). Schedule after permit closure — not before.
Inspector visits and documents
45–90 minute visit. Inspector photographs all windows, checks product approval numbers, reviews permit documents.
Receive OIR-B1-1802 report
You receive the completed form — typically 3–5 business days after inspection. Digital delivery common.
Submit to insurance agent
Send the OIR-B1-1802 to your agent and request a premium re-rating. Do NOT wait for the next renewal.
Discount applied
Carrier processes in about 2–3 weeks. Mid-term credit issued or renewal premium reduced. Confirm with your agent.
Common mistake: Scheduling the wind mitigation inspection before the permit closes. The inspector needs to see closed permit documentation. Schedule after final inspection passes — not immediately after installation.
Citizens Insurance Wind Mitigation Requirements
Citizens Property Insurance (Florida's insurer of last resort, covering ~1 million South Florida homeowners) has specific wind mitigation rules:
- Citizens accepts OIR-B1-1802 reports from all qualifying inspectors
- Citizens requires an updated report when a covered modification occurs (new roof, new windows)
- Citizens may conduct their own verification inspection on claims
- For Citizens, Category A opening protection earns the largest opening-protection credit in its filed rates — ask your agent for the exact amount
- Citizens sends annual statements showing current wind mitigation credits — verify these match your report
Who Can Perform a Wind Mitigation Inspection in Florida?
Licensed home inspector
Must be licensed under FS 468. Most common option. Typically $75–$150.
General contractor
Florida CGC or CBC license. Can perform own wind mitigation on their installations.
Building contractor / Residential contractor
CBC or CRC Florida license.
Professional engineer (PE)
Licensed under FS 471. Higher cost but authoritative for complex properties.
Architect
Licensed under FS 481.
Building code inspector
County employees may conduct for certain programs (MSFH, etc.).
Verify any inspector's license at myfloridalicense.com before hiring. Do not use unlicensed inspectors — reports from unlicensed parties will be rejected by your insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost in Florida?
A wind mitigation inspection typically costs $75–$175 in South Florida. Some contractors bundle it with installation packages. It documents the wind-mitigation credits Florida insurers must offer on the hurricane-wind portion of your premium; the amount depends on your insurer and your home.
Does a wind mitigation report expire in Florida?
Wind mitigation reports (OIR-B1-1802) do not have a statutory expiration date, but most Florida insurers require an updated report if the property has been modified (new roof, new windows) or if the existing report is more than 5 years old. Citizens Insurance specifically requires updates after any modification that could affect the rating.
Who can perform a wind mitigation inspection in Florida?
Florida law allows wind mitigation inspections to be performed by: licensed home inspectors, general contractors, building contractors, residential contractors, professional engineers, and architects. The inspector must be licensed under the applicable Florida statutes. Verify credentials at myfloridalicense.com before hiring.
What is opening protection category A on the OIR-B1-1802 form?
Category A (formerly 'All openings protected - Miami-Dade NOA or FBC approved') is the highest opening protection rating on the Florida wind mitigation form. It requires all openings (windows, doors, skylights, garage doors) to be protected by products meeting the Florida Building Code standard for the applicable wind zone. Impact windows with Miami-Dade NOA qualify for Category A in HVHZ locations.
Will my insurance automatically update after I submit the wind mitigation report?
Not automatically — you must contact your insurance agent and request a premium re-rating based on the new report. Most carriers process this within about 2–3 weeks. Some apply the discount mid-term (you'll receive a credit); others apply it at your next renewal date. Always follow up with your agent rather than assuming the update happened.
When should I submit the wind mitigation form to my insurer?
Submit it as soon as you have the completed OIR-B1-1802, and ideally before your policy renewal date so the credit is reflected in your next premium. A typical processing range is about 2 to 3 weeks, but it varies by carrier. Ask your agent to confirm in writing when the re-rating is applied.
Which Florida law requires insurers to give wind mitigation discounts?
Florida Statute 627.0629 requires residential property insurers to offer discounts, credits, or rate differentials for wind-resistant features, including opening protection. The percentages themselves come from each carrier's filed rates, so confirm your specific credit with your insurer or agent.
Do I need a wind mitigation inspection for every insurance policy renewal?
No. Once a wind mitigation report is on file with your insurer, the discount applies every renewal until the insurer requires an update (usually after 5 years or property modifications). You do not need a new inspection annually.
Related Guides
- Impact Windows Insurance Discount Florida — Full Guide →
- My Safe Florida Home Program — Up to $10K Grant →
- Impact Window Installation Process — Full Timeline →
- Hurricane Insurance Claim Guide for Window Damage →
- Impact Window Permit Guide: Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach →
- Impact Window Cost in Florida →
- PGT vs ESW vs Mr. Glass Comparison →