Wind Mitigation Inspection: What to Expect, What It Costs, What It Saves
A wind mitigation inspection is the cheapest thing a Florida homeowner can do that might meaningfully lower their premium. It takes under an hour, costs a fraction of what it typically saves, and produces the single document that determines your largest available discounts. Here is exactly how it works.
What the inspector actually checks
The inspection documents seven categories on Florida’s standard form: building code compliance era, roof covering and its permit dates, roof deck attachment (nail size and spacing), roof-to-wall attachment (toe nails, clips, single wraps or double wraps), roof geometry (hip roofs earn more credit than gable), secondary water resistance, and opening protection.
The inspector will need attic access to photograph the deck attachment and roof-to-wall connections, and will photograph every window and door to document protection. Nothing is destructive — they photograph and measure what exists.
See what your report is costing you
Our free Wind Mitigation Savings Calculator estimates your unclaimed credits in about a minute — no account required.
Cost, timing and validity
Wind mitigation inspections in Florida commonly run in the low hundreds of dollars, and many independent agents can point you to inspectors or occasionally arrange them at reduced cost. The inspection typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a standard home.
Reports are generally valid for five years. This matters more than most homeowners realize: when a report lapses, credits tied to it can quietly disappear at the next renewal. If your last inspection was over five years ago and your premium rose, an expired report may be part of the reason.
Reading the result — and what to do about it
The line that matters most for most homeowners is opening protection. If it reads None, the largest credit on the form is unclaimed, and it is the one category you can change without roof work.
Roof-to-wall reading Toe Nail is the weakest category and common in older homes. Roof deck attachment is graded A through D, with D strongest. Secondary water resistance is a yes or no.
If you make improvements after your inspection — adding impact windows, for example — you need a new inspection to claim the improved credits. Carriers do not apply them automatically, and many will apply the credit from the date the new report is received.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost in Florida?
Typically in the low hundreds of dollars. Many homeowners recover the cost through the first year of credits, and some agents can arrange inspections at reduced cost.
How long does a wind mitigation report last?
Generally five years in Florida. When a report expires without renewal, associated credits can drop off at your next renewal, causing an unexplained premium increase.
Do I need a new inspection after installing impact windows?
Yes. Credits are not applied automatically. A new certified inspection documenting the protection must be submitted to your carrier, which is how the opening protection credit gets claimed.
What if my inspection shows no credits at all?
Then you have a clear roadmap. Opening protection is usually the largest credit available and the only major one achievable without roof work, which is why most homeowners start there.
See what your report is costing you
Our free Wind Mitigation Savings Calculator estimates your unclaimed credits in about a minute — no account required.
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