Florida’s 2026 Wind Mitigation Form: What Homeowners Need to Know

Florida has revised the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form used to document wind-resistant features of residential properties. According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, the new OIR-B1-1802 form, revision 04/26, must be used for applicable inspections beginning April 1, 2026.

For homeowners in Coral Springs and across South Florida, the purpose remains practical: a qualified inspector documents construction features that an insurance company can review when determining eligibility for available windstorm credits. The inspection does not set the premium and cannot guarantee a particular discount.

What is a wind mitigation inspection?

A wind-mitigation inspection is a focused inspection of features that may help a building resist hurricane-force winds. The inspector personally observes the accessible property, reviews acceptable supporting documentation when available, photographs required features, and completes the state form.

This is different from a full home inspection. A wind-mitigation inspection is intended to document specific construction characteristics for insurance review; it is not a comprehensive evaluation of all accessible home systems.

What features may be documented?

The form addresses information such as:

• Building-code or permit standard associated with the structure
• Roof-covering type and documented installation information
• Roof-deck attachment methods
• Roof-to-wall connections, including clips, straps, or other connectors
• Roof geometry
• Secondary water resistance when visible and verifiable
• Opening protection for windows, exterior doors, and garage doors

Not every feature can be verified by appearance alone. Permits, product approvals, invoices, prior reports, or other acceptable records may be needed to support some entries. Keep documentation for roof work, impact-rated openings, shutters, garage doors, and structural upgrades.

Who may complete the Florida form?

Florida limits who may sign the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. Qualified professionals can include appropriately licensed home inspectors who have completed the required hurricane-mitigation training, as well as certain building-code inspectors, contractors, engineers, architects, and other professionals recognized under the applicable requirements.

Before scheduling, confirm that the person completing the report is authorized and that the report will include the required photographs and documentation.

How long is a wind mitigation report valid?

The Florida Department of Financial Services states that a completed form may remain valid for up to five years as long as no material changes have been made to the structure and no inaccuracies are identified. An insurance carrier may still review the documentation, request verification, or apply its current underwriting requirements.

Consider a new inspection when the prior report is approaching expiration or when the home has received a new roof, new opening protection, structural changes, or other mitigation upgrades that are not reflected in the existing report.

How to prepare for the inspection

1. Locate the previous wind-mitigation report, if one exists.
2. Gather roof permits, paid invoices, contracts, and product-approval documents.
3. Collect documentation for impact windows, doors, shutters, and the garage door.
4. Provide safe access to the attic opening when possible.
5. Tell the inspector about relevant renovations or additions.
6. Ask your insurance agent when the completed form must be submitted.

Can the inspection reduce your insurance cost?

The report may establish that a home has features eligible for windstorm premium credits. The insurer determines eligibility and calculates any adjustment. Because policies, rating factors, documentation, and property characteristics vary, an inspector should not promise a specific amount of savings.

A useful next step is to send the completed report to your insurance agent or carrier and ask for a written explanation of any available credits. If improvements are being considered, compare the project cost with safety, maintenance, property-protection, and potential insurance benefits—not insurance savings alone.

Wind mitigation inspections near Coral Springs

Tough Shield Inspections serves Coral Springs and nearby communities including Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, and other nearby South Florida locations.

Official reference: Florida Department of Financial Services — Mitigation Notices, Inspections and Forms. Requirements and forms may change; verify current instructions with your insurer and the State of Florida.