Wind Mitigation
Inspections in Florida
Florida law requires carriers to give homeowners credit for wind-resistant construction features. A $150 inspection unlocks those credits — and most Bradenton and Sarasota homeowners are leaving serious money on the table.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Florida law (Section 627.0629, Florida Statutes) requires all insurance carriers to offer premium discounts for homes with specific features that reduce hurricane damage. A licensed wind mitigation inspector evaluates your home against 8 standardized factors and completes the official OIR-B1-1802 form.
You submit that form to your insurance carrier, and they\'re legally required to apply the applicable credits. The stronger your construction, the larger your discount. It\'s the single most impactful action a Florida homeowner can take to reduce their annual premium.
The 8 Factors Inspectors Evaluate
Every credit tier is determined by how your home scores on these eight factors. Understanding them helps you know where to invest for maximum savings.
Roof Covering
FBC (Florida Building Code)-compliant roofing materials installed after March 1, 2002 earn credits. Newer roofs generally earn more significant discounts.
A roof replaced after 2002 with FBC-rated shingles or tile qualifies for this credit automatically.
Roof Deck Attachment
How strongly your roof sheathing (plywood) is nailed to the roof framing. Inspectors look for nail spacing and length — 6/6 nailing pattern vs. 6/12 makes a significant difference.
This is one of the biggest credit drivers. Homes with 8d nails at 6/6 spacing earn the highest tier.
Roof-to-Wall Connection
How your roof is attached to your home's walls. Options from weakest to strongest: toenails, clips, single wraps, double wraps, and structural anchors.
Double wraps and structural anchors earn the top credit tier. This single factor can be worth $400–$1,200/year on its own.
Roof Shape
Hip roofs (all four sides slope down) are the most wind-resistant shape and earn the largest discount. Gable roofs (triangle ends) are more vulnerable and earn less credit or a surcharge.
Can't change your roof shape, but knowing your shape helps set expectations for your credit tier.
Secondary Water Resistance
A self-adhering underlayment beneath your shingles that prevents water intrusion if shingles are lost in a storm. Sometimes called "peel-and-stick" underlayment.
Many newer roofs include SWR as standard. Ask your roofing contractor to confirm and document it.
Opening Protection
Hurricane-rated windows, doors, skylights, and especially garage doors. This is the biggest single credit available. Full protection (all openings rated) earns the top tier.
Impact windows and doors don't just protect during storms — they significantly reduce your annual premium year-round.
Roof Deck Thickness
Thicker roof sheathing (5/8" vs 7/16") is more resistant to wind uplift. Inspectors measure or verify thickness during the inspection.
This factor has a smaller premium impact but still contributes to your overall credit profile.
Construction Year
Homes built after the 2002 Florida Building Code revision automatically meet higher wind resistance standards. This affects the baseline for how other credits are calculated.
Even older homes can earn strong credits through upgrades — the inspection evaluates current condition, not just age.
Real Savings from SW Florida Clients
These are representative examples of annual premium reductions Bulls Insurance clients achieved by optimizing their wind mitigation credits.
Sarasota, 2,100 sq ft
Basic Hip Roof, No Upgrades
Annual Savings
$1,150
Bradenton coastal, 2,400 sq ft
Hip Roof + Impact Windows
Annual Savings
$2,480
Lakewood Ranch, 3,200 sq ft
Double Wraps + SWR + Impact
Annual Savings
$3,195
Examples are representative and based on actual client cases. Individual results vary based on home features, carrier, and coverage amounts.
The Process
Simple, fast, and worth every minute
Schedule an Inspection
Hire a licensed wind mitigation inspector in Florida. Cost is typically $150–$250. The report is valid for 5 years.
Inspection Takes 45–90 Minutes
The inspector evaluates all 8 factors, photographs the attic and roofline, and measures connections and attachments.
Receive Your OIR-B1-1802 Form
This is the official FL wind mitigation report form. Your carrier requires this exact form — not just a letter.
Bring the Report to Bulls Insurance
We shop your report across all our carriers to find who prices your specific combination of features most favorably.
Premium Is Recalculated
Your carrier applies the wind mitigation credits and issues an endorsement. Many clients see savings start with their next renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically $150–$250 for a standard single-family home in Manatee or Sarasota County. Given the potential savings of $800–$3,000/year, the ROI is almost immediate.
The OIR-B1-1802 form is valid for 5 years from the inspection date. After 5 years, or following a significant roof replacement or upgrade, you'll need a new inspection.
Yes. The wind mitigation report belongs to you and can be submitted to any carrier. Bulls Insurance uses it to shop your rate across all our markets simultaneously.
Absolutely. A new roof often means upgraded deck attachment, improved roof-to-wall connections, and potentially SWR — all of which can dramatically improve your credits.
Yes. All Florida-admitted carriers — including the state's insurer of last resort — are required by Florida law to offer wind mitigation credits. In many cases, the credits are even more significant with state-backed coverage than with some private carriers.
The report shows exactly which factors are holding back your score. We can work with you to identify which upgrades offer the best premium return — impact windows and garage doors typically have the strongest ROI.
Already Have a Wind Mitigation Report?
Upload it when you request a quote — we\'ll instantly shop it across all our carriers and find who gives you the best credit for your specific home features.