How to Get and Read a Wind Mitigation Report in Florida

Homeowners searching for how to get a wind mitigation report in Florida need the official Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, known as OIR-B1-1802. This form documents wind-resistant features on a home and supports applications for insurance premium discounts on the windstorm portion of policies.

How to Get a Wind Mitigation Report

Contact a qualified inspector who holds the proper Florida license. Qualified inspectors include licensed general, building, or residential contractors; professional engineers; professional architects; certified building code inspectors; and certain home inspectors who have completed required hurricane mitigation training under s. 468.8314, F.S..

Insurers must accept a valid completed form signed by these authorized professionals, per s. 627.711, F.S.. A completed form remains valid for five years unless material changes occur to the structure.

A new version of the OIR-B1-1802 form was approved by the Office of Insurance Regulation and must be used for inspections on or after April 1, 2026. Download the current form from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website.

Verify the inspector's license status through the DBPR license search. Florida Home Network lists 7,332 home inspection businesses built from DBPR license and Sunbiz records as of October 20, 2026. Compare licensed companies locally through pages such as Home inspection in Tampa or Home inspection in Orlando.

Steps to Schedule an Inspection

1. Gather your property details, including the year built, roof type if known, and any existing mitigation features such as shutters or impact windows.
2. Contact your insurance agent or company first for any approved inspector lists or requirements specific to your policy.
3. Search the DBPR database using categories like general contractor, building contractor, residential contractor, professional engineer, professional architect, or certified building code inspector.
4. Confirm the inspector has completed required hurricane mitigation training and continuing education where applicable for home inspectors.
5. Request written quotes that detail what the inspection includes, such as photographs of each feature, measurements, and completion of the full OIR-B1-1802 form.
6. Schedule the inspection and prepare the home by ensuring attic access is clear and any relevant areas are accessible.

Homeowners benefit from preparing a simple list of known features ahead of time. Note the approximate age of the roof, any recent re-roofing permits, and visible protections like impact windows. This helps the inspector focus quickly and may reduce time on site. Clear the attic of stored items near access points and mark any areas where recent work was done so the inspector can verify connections without unnecessary probing.

What to Expect During the Inspection

The inspector must personally examine the structure and document features with photographs and measurements. They will check items such as roof covering type and attachment method, roof deck nailing pattern and spacing, roof-to-wall connections including clips or straps, opening protection like shutters or impact-rated glass, roof shape, and secondary water resistance underlayment. The process depends on home size and complexity. Homeowners should remain available to answer questions about known features or recent work.

Inspectors look for specific indicators of code-level performance. For roof deck attachment they examine nail size, type, and spacing along edges and in the field of the plywood or OSB panels. For roof-to-wall connections they identify metal clips or straps that secure rafters or trusses to the top plate of the wall. Opening protection includes checking whether shutters or glazing meet intermediate or full hurricane standards based on the home's construction era. Secondary water resistance appears as a sealed underlayment layer beneath the roof covering. The inspector records each item that qualifies and attaches supporting photos directly to the form.

Practical examples of what inspectors document include verifying that roof deck nails penetrate the framing members adequately and that hip roofs slope to all four sides rather than having gable ends. They also note whether garage doors or entry doors have reinforcement that prevents failure under wind pressure. Homeowners can point out any visible straps in the attic or labels on impact-rated windows to speed the process.

How to Find Wind Mitigation Report Inspectors

Start with your insurance agent or company for a list of approved inspectors. Search the DBPR database for professionals licensed in relevant categories. Confirm that the inspector has completed any required continuing education on hurricane mitigation.

Checklist for Selecting an Inspector

• Verify active license status on the official DBPR site before hiring.
• Ask for proof of hurricane mitigation training completion and any required proficiency exam for home inspectors.
• Request references or examples of previously completed OIR-B1-1802 forms (redacted for privacy).
• Compare quotes from at least two or three licensed professionals, noting what is included such as number of photos and report turnaround time.
• Confirm the inspector will personally conduct the inspection rather than delegating.
• Check for any complaints or disciplinary actions through DBPR records.

Florida Home Network provides listings of licensed home inspection businesses to help compare options in your area.

How to Read a Wind Mitigation Report

The OIR-B1-1802 form lists specific mitigation features. Inspectors document each feature with photographs and measurements. Key sections typically cover roof covering type and attachment, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, opening protection such as shutters or impact glass, and secondary water resistance.

Each checked feature corresponds to potential discounts on the wind portion of your premium. Homes built to the 2001 Florida Building Code or later editions qualify for a minimum discount level on the windstorm coverage. Provide the completed form and photos to your insurer for review and application of eligible credits.

Key Features Documented on the Form

• Roof covering: Materials meeting current Florida Building Code standards or reinforced concrete decks.
• Roof deck attachment: Nail size, type, and spacing that complies with code requirements.
• Roof-to-wall connections: Clips nailed to rafter and top plate, single wraps or straps, or double straps.
• Roof shape: Hip roofs that slope to all exterior walls offer better wind resistance.
• Secondary water resistance: Underlayment layer that helps prevent water intrusion if the roof covering fails.
• Opening protection: Shutters or glazing meeting intermediate or full hurricane protection standards based on pre- or post-2001 code levels.

Inspectors record whether each feature meets the criteria for credit. The form includes space for photos supporting each entry. Review the completed form carefully for accuracy before submitting it.

Homeowners can cross-check the photos against visible features. For instance, confirm that documented straps appear in attic photos at the expected locations. Note any features marked as not qualifying and ask the inspector for the specific reason, such as nail spacing that falls short of the required pattern. This review helps avoid delays when the insurer processes the form.

Cost of Wind Mitigation Report

Inspection fees vary by property size, location, and inspector. Homeowners should request quotes directly from licensed professionals and confirm all details with the inspector before scheduling.

Factors That Influence Inspection Cost

• Home size and number of stories.
• Accessibility of attic and roof areas.
• Location within Florida and any regional requirements.
• Whether the inspector includes additional photos, measurements, or follow-up support.
• Any need for specialized equipment or multiple visits.

Always obtain itemized quotes in writing. Confirm that the price covers a complete OIR-B1-1802 form with supporting photographs suitable for insurance submission.

Using the Report for Insurance Discounts

Submit the signed OIR-B1-1802 form to your insurance company. Insurers calculate discounts based on verified features. The Notice of Premium Discounts for Hurricane Loss Mitigation must be provided with new policies and renewals.

Review the Premium Discounts for Hurricane Loss Mitigation guide from the Department of Financial Services for examples of how features affect premiums.

Homes built under the 2001 Florida Building Code or later, including the 1994 South Florida Building Code in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, automatically qualify for a minimum discount level on the windstorm coverage due to upgraded requirements for roof covering, attachment, and roof-to-wall connections. Additional features may increase the discount further.

Practical Steps After Receiving the Report

1. Review the form and attached photos for completeness and accuracy.
2. Submit the full package, including all photographs, to your insurance agent or company as soon as possible.
3. Ask your insurer how the documented features translate to specific discounts on the windstorm portion of your premium.
4. Request an updated policy declaration page showing applied credits.
5. Keep a copy of the form, photos, and any correspondence for your records.
6. Schedule a new inspection before the five-year validity period ends or after any material structural changes.

After submission, follow up with the insurer within a reasonable time to confirm receipt and processing. Keep records of the date the form was sent and any acknowledgment received. If the insurer requests additional verification, respond promptly with the original inspector contact information. Homeowners who add new mitigation features after the initial inspection should schedule a follow-up to capture the improvements before the form expires.

Find a licensed pro to begin the process.