Wind mitigation credits are not a coupon and they are not automatic. They depend on documented features of your home that reduce wind damage risk, and they are typically verified on Florida's standard form: OIR-B1-1802.
What carriers usually care about
At a high level, carriers are looking for features that help a home resist wind and water intrusion. That can include roof-to-wall connections, roof deck attachment, secondary water resistance, opening protection, and roof covering details.
Citizens explains the same concept plainly: documenting qualifying mitigation features may help you qualify for discounts on your policy.
What the inspection actually does
A qualified inspector documents the home's wind-resistant features and records them on the OIR-B1-1802 form.
Under Florida law, insurers must use the uniform mitigation verification form when it is submitted for wind-insurance discount purposes, and the form must be signed by an authorized inspector.
How long the form is valid
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation states that the OIR-B1-1802 form is generally valid for up to five years, provided no material changes are made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found on the form.
What is realistic to expect
Some homes qualify for meaningful savings. Some qualify for modest savings. Some already have helpful features that simply have not been documented correctly.
The right expectation is not 'this will cut my premium in half.' The right expectation is that a proper inspection tells you what credits may be available, what documentation your carrier needs, and what improvements could improve your position.
Where My Safe Florida Home fits
The My Safe Florida Home program offers free wind-mitigation inspections for eligible homeowners and may provide grant assistance for approved improvements.
The inspection can serve two purposes: it can help you confirm whether you are already receiving all available discounts, and it can act as a roadmap for future hardening work.
Three mistakes homeowners make
- assuming the roof's age is enough
- using the wrong inspector or incomplete documentation
- expecting every carrier to price credits the same way
The simple version
“A wind mitigation inspection does not promise savings. It gives you the paperwork to find out what savings you may be entitled to.”
Sources
Want to know what your home actually qualifies for?
Schedule a wind mitigation inspection and get documentation you can use with your carrier.