If you own a home in Florida and have not had a wind mitigation inspection, you are almost certainly overpaying for insurance. This is not a sales pitch. It is math. Florida law (Section 627.0629, Florida Statutes) requires insurance companies to offer premium discounts for homes with wind-resistant features. The only way to claim those discounts is to have a licensed inspector document your home's features on the standardized OIR-B1-1802 form.
The inspection costs $75 to $150 and takes less than an hour. The resulting discounts save most Pinellas County homeowners $800 to $5,000 per year. Over the 5-year life of a single inspection report, that is $4,000 to $25,000 in savings from a one-time investment of under $150. No other home improvement offers a return on investment anywhere close to this.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a focused evaluation of how well your home is built to resist hurricane-force winds. It is not a general home inspection. The inspector looks at five specific construction features that directly affect how a home performs during a windstorm, and documents findings on the OIR-B1-1802 form required by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
The concept is straightforward: homes with better wind resistance cost less to insure because they are less likely to sustain major damage during hurricanes. Florida law mandates that insurers reward these features with premium discounts. But the insurer cannot verify your home's features remotely, so they rely on the standardized inspection report.
Think of it as a report card for your home's hurricane readiness. Each section of the OIR-B1-1802 form grades a specific feature, and each grade translates to a specific discount (or lack of discount) on your windstorm premium.
The OIR-B1-1802 Form: Section by Section
The OIR-B1-1802 form is divided into five main sections, plus a building code verification. Understanding what each section evaluates and how it affects your premium is the key to maximizing your insurance savings. Here is a detailed breakdown.
Section 1: Roof Covering
This section documents what type of roof covering you have and whether it meets Florida Building Code (FBC) standards. The inspector verifies:
- The type of roof covering (shingles, tile, metal, built-up, etc.)
- The permit date or installation date of the current roof
- Whether the roof was installed or replaced on or after March 1, 2002 (when the FBC took effect) or meets FBC equivalent standards
How it affects your premium: A roof that is FBC-compliant (installed after March 2002 with a valid permit) qualifies for the best discount in this category. Roofs installed before 2002 may still qualify for a partial discount if they meet FBC-equivalent standards, but this requires the inspector to verify specific product approvals and installation methods.
| Roof Covering Status | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|
| FBC-compliant (post-March 2002, permitted) | Up to 22% reduction on wind premium |
| FBC-equivalent (meets standards, pre-2002) | Partial reduction (varies by insurer) |
| Non-FBC (older roof, no verification) | No discount, possible surcharge |
Pinellas County context: Homes re-roofed after 2002 with proper permits automatically qualify. The challenge comes with homes that have not been re-roofed since original construction in the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s. These homes miss out on potentially the largest single discount category. A new roof immediately qualifies for the full FBC-compliant discount.
Section 2: Roof Deck Attachment
This section evaluates how the roof deck (plywood or OSB sheathing) is fastened to the trusses or rafters below. The strength of this connection determines whether the deck stays in place when wind creates uplift pressure on the roof.
The inspector documents the fastener type, size, and spacing pattern. The form provides four options, labeled A through D:
| Level | Description | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Level A | 6d nails, 6 inches on center at edges | No discount (minimum) |
| Level B | 8d nails, 6 inches on center at edges | Moderate discount |
| Level C | 8d nails, 6 inches on center at edges and field | Better discount |
| Level D | Ring-shank nails or screws meeting specific pull-out strength | Best discount |
What inspectors look for: The inspector accesses the attic space and examines the underside of the roof deck to identify fastener type and spacing. They look at the nail points protruding through the sheathing into the attic. A 6d nail is shorter and thinner than an 8d nail, and the difference is visible. Spacing is measured between fasteners.
Pinellas County context: Homes built before the early 1990s commonly have Level A attachment (6d nails, wide spacing). Homes built after 2002 typically meet Level C or D. During a roof replacement, upgrading deck attachment is relatively inexpensive (the deck is exposed) and can yield hundreds of dollars in annual premium savings.
Section 3: Roof-to-Wall Connection
This is one of the most impactful sections on the form. It documents how the roof structure (trusses or rafters) is attached to the top of the exterior walls. During a hurricane, wind forces try to lift the roof off the walls. The strength of this connection determines whether the roof stays attached.
The form identifies several connection types, from weakest to strongest:
| Connection Type | Description | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Toe Nails | Nails driven at an angle through truss into wall plate | No discount (weakest) |
| Clips | Small metal connectors with one or two nails per side | Significant discount (up to 22%) |
| Single Wraps | Metal strap wrapping over the truss, nailed on both sides | Better discount (up to 28%) |
| Double Wraps | Metal strap wrapping over the truss with multiple nails per side | Best discount (up to 32%) |
What inspectors look for: The inspector examines the attic space where trusses or rafters meet the exterior wall top plate. They photograph the connections to document whether toe nails, clips, or wraps are present. The distinction between clips and wraps is important: a clip is a small connector attached to one side of the truss/rafter, while a wrap goes over the top of the truss and is attached on both sides.
Pinellas County context: This is where the biggest discrepancies exist among Pinellas County homes. Pre-1990 construction almost universally has toe nail connections. Post-2002 homes typically have clips or wraps. Homes built between 1990 and 2002 are mixed. Retrofitting from toe nails to clips or wraps can cost $2,000 to $6,000 but produces annual savings of $500 to $2,000. The retrofit pays for itself in 1 to 5 years.
Section 4: Roof Geometry
This section documents the shape of your roof. The two main categories are hip roof and non-hip (gable or flat) roof. This distinction matters enormously for wind performance.
A hip roof has slopes on all four sides that meet at a ridge or peak. A gable roof has two sloped sides with flat vertical walls (gable ends) at the other two sides. Hip roofs perform dramatically better in hurricanes because:
- The sloped surfaces deflect wind upward and over the roof rather than catching it like a sail (which gable ends do)
- All surfaces share the wind load more evenly, preventing concentrated pressure on any single face
- The continuous slope eliminates the flat vertical gable end, which is the weakest point on a gable roof during high winds
The form classifies roofs as:
| Roof Shape | Definition | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Roof | All roof slopes are hip (no gable ends, or gable ends are less than 10% of total perimeter) | Up to 32% discount |
| Non-Hip (Gable, Flat, Other) | Any roof with gable ends exceeding 10% of perimeter | No discount for geometry |
Pinellas County context: Many Florida homes, especially ranch-style and older construction, have hip roofs without the owner realizing it. If your roof slopes on all four sides with no flat vertical walls at the ends, you likely have a hip roof. This single feature can reduce your wind premium by up to 32%, which in Pinellas County translates to $1,000 to $3,500 per year. You cannot change your roof geometry without a major renovation, but if you already have a hip roof, make sure your wind mitigation report documents it.
Section 5: Secondary Water Resistance (SWR) and Opening Protection
The final section covers two related but distinct features: secondary water resistance for the roof deck, and opening protection for windows and doors.
Secondary Water Resistance (Sealed Roof Deck)
SWR refers to a sealed roof deck that prevents water intrusion even if the primary roof covering (shingles, tile, or metal panels) is blown off during a hurricane. This is achieved by applying self-adhering modified bitumen (peel-and-stick) underlayment to the entire roof deck, or by using a foam adhesive system that seals the deck seams.
| SWR Status | Description | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|
| SWR Present | Full sealed deck with peel-and-stick or equivalent | Up to 33% discount |
| SWR Not Present | Standard felt or synthetic underlayment only | No discount |
Pinellas County context: Current Florida Building Code requires sealed roof deck in the high-velocity hurricane zone, which includes Pinellas County. Any new roof installed with a proper permit should qualify for this credit. Homes with pre-2002 roofs that have not been re-roofed almost certainly lack SWR. This is one of the most compelling reasons to replace an aging roof: the SWR discount alone can be worth $1,000 to $3,000 annually.
Opening Protection
Opening protection refers to how windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors are protected against wind-borne debris impact. Options range from no protection to full impact-rated assemblies:
- No protection: Standard windows and doors with no shutters or impact rating. No discount.
- Basic shutters (plywood or fabric): Provides some protection but typically qualifies for only a minimal discount.
- Hurricane shutters (accordion, roll-down, or panel): Qualifies for significant discounts when all openings are protected.
- Impact-rated windows and doors: Qualifies for the best discounts because protection is permanent and does not require installation before a storm.
For maximum discount, ALL openings must be protected. A home with impact windows on the front but no protection on a single bathroom window may not qualify for the full credit. The inspector documents the weakest link.
How Each Section Affects Your Premium: The Combined Impact
The discounts from each section are not simply added together. They are applied multiplicatively to the wind portion of your premium, which means the combined effect is substantial. Here is a realistic example for a Pinellas County home.
| Feature | Worst Case (No Credits) | Best Case (All Credits) |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Covering | Pre-FBC, no discount | FBC-compliant: up to 22% off |
| Roof Deck Attachment | Level A (6d nails) | Level D (ring-shank/screws): additional discount |
| Roof-to-Wall | Toe nails: no discount | Double wraps: up to 32% off |
| Roof Geometry | Gable: no discount | Hip: up to 32% off |
| SWR | None: no discount | Sealed deck: up to 33% off |
| Opening Protection | None: no discount | All impact-rated: additional discount |
Real Dollar Examples for Pinellas County
| Scenario | Annual Wind Premium | With All Credits | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland home, $350K value | $3,500-5,000 | $1,800-2,800 | $1,200-2,200 |
| Coastal home, $500K value | $6,000-10,000 | $3,000-5,500 | $3,000-4,500 |
| Waterfront home, $750K value | $8,000-15,000 | $4,000-8,000 | $4,000-7,000 |
| Barrier island, $1M+ value | $12,000-20,000+ | $6,000-11,000 | $6,000-9,000+ |
These numbers illustrate why the wind mitigation inspection is the single best return on investment available to Florida homeowners. Even in the most modest scenario, a $75 to $150 inspection saves over $1,000 per year. The Florida roof insurance guide covers additional strategies for managing your premium.
The ROI of a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Let us break down the return on investment in concrete terms:
- Inspection cost: $75 to $150 (one time)
- Report validity: 5 years
- Typical annual savings: $800 to $5,000+
- 5-year total savings: $4,000 to $25,000+
- ROI: 2,600% to 16,600% over the report's life
- Payback period: Less than 1 month for most homeowners
No other home improvement or service offers anything close to this return. For comparison, solar panels typically offer a 7 to 10 year payback. A kitchen remodel returns 50 to 80% at resale. A wind mitigation inspection pays for itself in weeks and continues saving money for years.
Which Upgrades Give the Biggest Discounts?
If your current wind mitigation report shows opportunities for improvement, here is where your investment dollars go the furthest:
| Upgrade | Cost | Annual Premium Savings | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| New roof (FBC + SWR) | $10,000-25,000 | $1,500-4,000 | 3-8 years |
| Hurricane strap retrofit | $2,000-6,000 | $500-2,000 | 1-5 years |
| Impact windows (full house) | $15,000-40,000 | $800-2,500 | 8-20 years |
| Hurricane shutters (full house) | $3,000-12,000 | $500-1,500 | 3-10 years |
| Gable end bracing | $500-2,000 | Does not change geometry credit | Structural only |
| Roof deck re-nailing | $1,500-4,000 | $200-800 | 2-8 years |
The clear winner is a new roof combined with hurricane strap retrofit, which together address three of the five form sections (roof covering, deck attachment/SWR, and roof-to-wall connection). For homeowners who need a roof replacement anyway, adding the strap retrofit during the project (when the attic is accessible and workers are already on site) is far more cost-effective than doing it as a standalone project later.
How to Prepare for a Wind Mitigation Inspection
While the inspection itself is straightforward, a few preparations help ensure accurate results and maximum credits:
- Provide attic access. The inspector must enter the attic to examine roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, and other features. Clear a path to the attic access panel and remove any items stored directly around the opening. If your home has multiple attic spaces, ensure all are accessible.
- Gather documentation. Permit records, contractor receipts, and product specifications for your roof can help verify the installation date and material compliance. This is especially important for roofs installed near the March 2002 FBC effective date.
- Document opening protection. If you have hurricane shutters, make sure they are present and functional. If you have impact-rated windows, locate the manufacturer labels or product approval numbers (often etched in the corner of the glass or printed on the window frame).
- Point out improvements. If you have made upgrades that may not be visible (such as hurricane straps installed during a renovation), let the inspector know so they can verify and document them.
- Clear exterior access. The inspector may need to photograph the exterior of the roof and wall connections from outside. Trim vegetation away from the roofline and ensure all sides of the home are accessible.
Common Findings in Pinellas County Homes by Era
The age of your home strongly predicts what the wind mitigation inspection will find. Here is what we typically see across Pinellas County construction eras.
Pre-1970 Construction
Homes built before 1970 in areas like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo typically score poorly on most sections:
- Roof covering: Usually non-FBC unless recently re-roofed
- Deck attachment: Level A (6d nails, wide spacing) is standard
- Roof-to-wall: Toe nails only (no clips or straps)
- Geometry: Often hip roof (many mid-century Florida homes are hip), which is the silver lining
- SWR: Not present unless recently re-roofed
For these homes, a roof replacement combined with strap retrofit is the most impactful improvement. The geometry credit is already favorable on many homes in this era.
1970s-1980s Construction
Homes from this era, common in Seminole, Pinellas Park, and Palm Harbor, are slightly better but still miss most credits:
- Roof covering: Non-FBC unless re-roofed post-2002
- Deck attachment: Level A or B (some improvement in nail size)
- Roof-to-wall: Toe nails predominantly, some clips in late 1980s construction
- Geometry: Mix of hip and gable, depending on architectural style
- SWR: Not present
1990s Construction
Homes from this period, including much of the construction in East Lake, Oldsmar, and Safety Harbor, show improvement but still predate the 2002 FBC:
- Roof covering: Non-FBC (these roofs are now 26 to 36 years old and need replacement regardless)
- Deck attachment: Level B or C (8d nails became more common)
- Roof-to-wall: Mix of clips and toe nails, depending on builder and local code enforcement
- Geometry: Varies widely by community and builder
- SWR: Not present
Post-2002 Construction
Homes built after the 2002 Florida Building Code took effect generally score well on most sections:
- Roof covering: FBC-compliant if original roof is intact
- Deck attachment: Level C or D (code-mandated improved fastening)
- Roof-to-wall: Clips or straps (code-required)
- Geometry: Varies by design
- SWR: Often present, especially in homes built after 2007 code update
Even post-2002 homeowners should get a wind mitigation inspection. You likely qualify for substantial credits that you are not currently receiving if you have not submitted a report to your insurer.
What Happens After the Inspection
Once the inspector completes the OIR-B1-1802 form, here is the process for turning it into savings:
- Receive your report. The inspector provides a completed OIR-B1-1802 form, typically within 24 to 48 hours. Review it for accuracy before submitting to your insurer.
- Submit to your insurance company. Send the report directly to your insurer or agent. Most companies accept it via email or their online portal. Request written confirmation of receipt.
- Insurer applies credits. Your insurance company reviews the report and applies applicable discounts. This may happen at your next renewal or mid-term, depending on the carrier's policy.
- Verify your new premium. When you receive your updated policy or renewal notice, verify that all applicable discounts have been applied. Compare the report's findings to the credits reflected in your premium.
- Shop your policy. With a wind mitigation report in hand, you have a powerful tool for comparing quotes from multiple carriers. Different insurers weight the credits differently, so the same report may yield different savings amounts from different companies.
Wind Mitigation After a New Roof: Maximum Savings
A new roof is the single most impactful event for your wind mitigation credits. When you replace your roof with a reputable contractor who installs to current Florida Building Code standards, you automatically improve multiple sections of the OIR-B1-1802:
- Roof covering becomes FBC-compliant (Section 1)
- Roof deck attachment is upgraded to current standards during the tear-off and re-deck process (Section 2)
- Secondary water resistance is installed via sealed roof deck underlayment (Section 5)
- Roof-to-wall connections can be upgraded during the project while the attic is accessible (Section 3, if retrofit is included)
We recommend scheduling a new wind mitigation inspection within 30 days of completing any roof replacement. Every month you wait is a month of discounts you are not receiving. We include wind mitigation documentation as part of our standard roof installation process, giving your inspector the information they need to complete an accurate report.
Common Wind Mitigation Mistakes to Avoid
- Not getting an inspection at all. This is the biggest mistake. If you have never had a wind mitigation inspection, you are paying the maximum premium regardless of what features your home has.
- Not updating after improvements. If you replaced your roof, added hurricane shutters, or retrofitted straps, get a new inspection immediately. Your 5-year-old report does not reflect these improvements.
- Choosing an unqualified inspector. The inspector must be licensed in Florida as a contractor, home inspector, engineer, or architect. An unqualified report may be rejected by your insurer.
- Not submitting the report. Having the inspection done means nothing if you do not send the report to your insurance company. Submit it proactively rather than waiting for them to ask.
- Accepting a bad report without question. If you know your home has features that should qualify for credits (such as hurricane straps you watched being installed), but the report says otherwise, request clarification from the inspector. Errors do happen, and an incorrect report costs you money every month.
- Letting the report expire. The 5-year validity period passes quickly. Set a calendar reminder to schedule a new inspection before the old one expires, especially if you have made any improvements in the interim.
Wind Mitigation for Hurricane-Prone Pinellas County
Pinellas County sits on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides, making it one of the most hurricane-vulnerable counties in the United States. Every home in the county is within the 140 to 150 mph design wind speed zone per the Florida Building Code. This means:
- Every Pinellas County homeowner benefits from wind mitigation credits. Unlike inland Florida counties where wind premiums are lower, Pinellas County's coastal location means the wind portion of your insurance premium is a substantial percentage of the total.
- The savings are proportionally larger. A 30% discount on a $5,000 wind premium ($1,500 saved) means more than a 30% discount on a $1,500 wind premium ($450 saved). Pinellas County's higher base premiums make each credit more valuable in dollar terms.
- The wind exposure varies within the county. Barrier island homes face the highest premiums and therefore benefit most from wind mitigation credits. But even mainland homes in Largo, Pinellas Park, and Seminole have substantial wind premiums that the inspection can reduce.
Related Roofing Resources
- Complete Roofing Guide for Pinellas County
- Florida Roof Insurance: What Homeowners Need to Know
- Roof Wind Ratings: Understanding MPH and Uplift Resistance
- Florida Building Code Roof Requirements
- Hip Roof Guide: Design, Benefits, and Wind Performance
- Hurricane Roof Damage: Prevention, Assessment, and Claims
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wind mitigation inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a standardized evaluation of your home's wind-resistant features, documented on the OIR-B1-1802 form required by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. A licensed inspector examines five key areas: roof covering type and compliance, roof deck attachment strength, roof-to-wall connection method, roof geometry (hip vs. gable), and opening protection. The results determine which insurance premium discounts your home qualifies for. Florida law requires insurers to offer these discounts, making the $75 to $150 inspection one of the highest-ROI investments a homeowner can make.
How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost?
A wind mitigation inspection costs $75 to $150 in Pinellas County. The inspection takes 30 to 60 minutes. The inspector examines your attic, roof, and exterior, then produces a report on the OIR-B1-1802 form. The report is valid for 5 years. Given that the resulting discounts typically save $800 to $5,000 per year, the inspection pays for itself within the first month for most homeowners. Some roofing contractors include a free wind mitigation inspection after completing a roof replacement.
How much can a wind mitigation inspection save on insurance?
Savings range from $800 to $5,000+ per year depending on your home's features and your insurance carrier. Homes with all favorable features (hip roof, sealed deck, hurricane straps, FBC-equivalent roof covering, impact-rated opening protection) can see 40 to 50% reductions on the wind portion of their policy. Even homes with only one or two qualifying features typically save $500 to $1,500 annually. The higher your base premium (which correlates with property value and location), the larger the dollar savings.
What is the OIR-B1-1802 form?
The OIR-B1-1802 is the standardized wind mitigation inspection form created by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Every insurance company in Florida must accept this form and apply the corresponding discounts. It documents five specific features: roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, roof geometry, and opening protection. Only licensed inspectors (contractors, home inspectors, engineers, or architects) can complete the form. The completed form is submitted to your insurer to activate your premium discounts.
How long is a wind mitigation inspection valid?
A wind mitigation inspection report is valid for 5 years from the inspection date. If you make improvements during that period (new roof, added shutters, strap retrofit), get a new inspection immediately to capture additional credits rather than waiting for the 5-year expiration. Set a calendar reminder to renew the inspection before it lapses, as your insurer may revert to the no-credit premium if the report expires without replacement.
Who can perform a wind mitigation inspection in Florida?
Florida law authorizes licensed general contractors, building contractors, roofing contractors, home inspectors with wind mitigation training, professional engineers, and registered architects to perform wind mitigation inspections. The inspector must hold a valid Florida license and carry appropriate insurance. When selecting an inspector, verify their license through the Florida DBPR website and confirm they have experience with the OIR-B1-1802 form. Many roofing contractors offer inspections as a service, and some include a complimentary inspection after completing a roof installation.