Florida’s New Wind Mitigation Form

What Homeowners Need to Know

If you own a home in Florida, you’ve probably heard about wind mitigation inspections and the discounts they can provide on your homeowners’ insurance. Beginning April 1, 2026, the state is rolling out an updated wind mitigation inspection form that may affect your insurance credits.

Here’s what that means for you, in plain English.

What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection looks at specific features of your home that help it stand up better to hurricanes and high winds. These features can qualify you for insurance discounts.

The inspection uses a standardized form created by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, called the OIR-B1-1802 Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form.

What’s Changing in 2026?

Starting April 1, 2026:

• A new version of the wind mitigation form must be used for all inspections.
• The updated form includes more detailed documentation requirements.
• Inspectors may need clearer proof (photos, permits, documentation) for certain features to qualify.
• Some discount categories have been clarified or refined based on updated research.

If your inspection is dated on or after April 1, 2026, it must be completed using the new form in order to receive credits.

Why Did the State Update the Form?

Florida regularly reviews how wind-resistant construction features perform during storms. The goal is to:

• Ensure discounts reflect real-world storm performance.
• Keep insurance pricing fair and accurate.
• Encourage stronger, safer home construction.

The update is part of the state’s required review cycle and reflects newer building data and storm research.

Could This Affect My Insurance Discount?

Possibly, but not necessarily negatively. Here’s what to keep in mind:

You may still qualify for the same discounts

If your home meets the updated criteria and the inspection is properly documented, your credits should continue.

Documentation is more important than ever

Features that previously qualified may now require:

• Clearer photos.
• Permit records.
• Specific wording on the inspection form.

If documentation is missing, credits could be reduced or removed.

Older inspections may need to be updated

If your current wind mitigation report is more than five years old, your insurance company may request a new inspection using the updated form at renewal.

What Features Still Matter Most?

The same major wind-resistant features continue to drive discounts:

• Roof-to-wall connections (hurricane straps or clips).
• Roof shape (hip roofs typically receive better credits).
• Roof covering age and type.
• Secondary water resistance.
• Opening protection (impact windows, shutters, garage doors).

The difference is that the new form requires more precise verification of these items.

What Should You Do Now?

You don’t need to panic, but you should be proactive.

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Check your current wind mitigation report date. Call me as we will have one on file, if applicable.
2. Keep documentation for roof replacements, window upgrades, or permits.
3. Plan ahead before renewal if a new inspection might be needed.
4. Ask questions early so there are no surprises.

If you have questions about your current credits, your inspection date, or whether improvements might help your premium, I’m happy to review your policy and guide you through the next steps.