What it is
A wind mitigation inspection is a visual inspection of the roof, openings and structural connections that determine how a house behaves in a windstorm. The inspector records the findings on the state's uniform verification form, and the insurer uses it to apply discounts.
It is not a general home inspection. It looks only at wind-related features and does not assess other systems or the overall condition of the property.
What the inspector checks
The form covers the roof covering and its age, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connection, roof shape, secondary water resistance and opening protection such as shutters or impact-rated windows and doors. Each feature is classified, and better classifications earn larger credits.
A hip roof generally performs better than a gable roof, and impact windows protect openings. Features built to the code in force when the house was constructed also matter.
Who can perform it
The inspection must be done by a qualified licensed professional, such as a licensed home inspector, engineer, architect or contractor, depending on the rules. Ask for the license number and confirm it before you hire anyone.
The cost is usually modest compared with the savings, but compare prices and check what the inspector will deliver.
When to order it
The best time is during the inspection period, before you bind insurance, so that quotes already include the credits. If the seller has a recent report, ask for a copy, and have your insurance agent confirm whether the insurer accepts it.
Reports are valid for a limited period unless the home is changed, so a report from many years ago may not be accepted.
How the savings work
Insurers are required to recognize qualifying wind mitigation features when pricing a policy, and the credit can be significant on homes with strong features. The exact discount depends on the insurer, the home and the coverage, so ask for quotes with and without the report.
If the report shows weak features, you may decide to upgrade, for example by adding shutters, and ask your insurer how much the upgrade would save.
Condos and townhomes
Condo owners usually do not order their own roof report because the building structure belongs to the association, but the unit can still qualify for credits through window protection or the building's features. Ask your insurance agent whether a form for your unit helps.
For townhomes the rules depend on who owns and maintains the roof.
Common mistakes
Ordering the inspection after binding the policy, hiring an unlicensed inspector, assuming an old report is still valid and failing to send the report to the insurance agent.
Another mistake is paying for upgrades without asking the insurer what credit they would earn.
How to read the report
The form lists each feature with a classification letter or number. Ask the inspector to explain which features are strong and which are weak, and which single upgrade would improve the result most. Keep the original report and the photos, because the insurer may ask for them at renewal.
If an insurer disagrees with the classification, the inspector who signed the form is the right person to answer.
Cost and timing in practice
Most inspections take under an hour on site and the report arrives within a few days. Book it together with the general inspection so the inspector can share access to the attic and roof, and send the finished form to your insurance agent the same day so the quotes can be updated.
Remember that credits apply to the specific home. A report for a neighbouring house says nothing about yours.
Next step
If you are buying a house, ask us to schedule the wind mitigation inspection together with the general inspection so the quotes reflect the credits. Lidiya Tretyak is a licensed Florida real estate agent with Douglas Elliman and speaks English, Russian and Ukrainian; the first consultation is free.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and programs change — confirm details with a Florida attorney and a US tax professional.
