By Andy B. Cooper — Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker, SFR Certified · Cabana West Real Estate
Ask any Florida buyer what surprised them most during the purchase and many will say the same thing: the insurance quote. Two short inspections have a big influence on that quote. The wind mitigation inspection can lower your premium. The 4-point inspection can decide whether some insurers will write the policy at all on an older home. Here's how both work and when to order them.
Why these inspections exist
Florida's property insurance market is built around hurricane risk. Insurers want to know how well a home resists wind and how old and sound its major systems are. Rather than send their own staff to every house, they rely on standardized reports from licensed inspectors. As a buyer, you usually pay for these reports during the inspection period, and your insurance agent uses them to quote the policy.
The wind mitigation inspection
Florida law requires insurers to reward homes built or upgraded to resist wind. Under section 627.0629, Florida Statutes, rate filings for residential property insurance must include actuarially reasonable discounts, credits or other rate differentials for properties with fixtures or construction techniques shown to reduce windstorm losses. The statute points to features that improve things like roof strength and covering performance, roof-to-wall connections and opening protection for windows, doors and skylights.
The inspection documents those features on a state form, the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802). According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the form is valid for up to five years as long as no material changes are made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found. OIR also notes that an updated version of the form took effect on April 1, 2026, based on newer research into which features reduce windstorm losses.
What the wind mitigation inspector looks at
- The roof covering and its age or permit history.
- How the roof deck is attached to the trusses.
- How the roof is tied to the walls, such as clips or straps.
- Roof shape, since some shapes resist wind better than others.
- Secondary water resistance under the roof covering.
- Protection over windows, doors and other openings, such as impact glass or shutters.
OIR encourages consumers to verify that the inspector is authorized under section 627.711(2)(a).
Why it matters to your budget
Two identical-looking houses can have very different premiums because one has hurricane clips, a newer roof and impact windows, and the other doesn't. If the seller already has a recent wind mitigation report, ask for a copy. It may still be valid and can save you the cost of a new one.
The 4-point inspection
A 4-point inspection is not a full home inspection. It's a limited report on four systems insurers care about: roof, electrical, plumbing and heating/air conditioning. The goal is to show the insurer that these systems are in acceptable condition and not near the end of their life.
There's no single state rule for when a 4-point is required. Each insurer sets its own underwriting guidelines. As one example, Citizens Property Insurance states that it requires a four-point inspection for all property owner, dwelling and mobile home applications for properties more than 20 years old, and that a Florida-licensed inspector checks the electrical system, plumbing, HVAC and roof. Private insurers may use different ages or requirements, so ask your insurance agent before the inspection period ends.
What can cause problems on a 4-point
- An older roof with little remaining life.
- Outdated or unsafe electrical panels and wiring types some insurers won't accept.
- Certain older plumbing materials or active leaks.
- An aging or poorly maintained AC system.
If the report shows an issue, you may need to repair or replace the item, negotiate with the seller, or find an insurer with different guidelines. That's why timing matters.
When to order both inspections
Order them early in the inspection period, at the same time as your general home inspection. Many inspectors offer all three together. Send the reports to your insurance agent right away and ask for a written quote before the inspection period ends. That way, if the premium is higher than expected or an insurer declines, you still have time to negotiate or make a decision under the contract.
Our earlier article on Florida home insurance costs in 2026 covers the wider picture, and the mortgage calculator lets you plug in your real insurance quote to see the full monthly payment.
For sellers: prepare the reports in advance
If you're selling an older home, a recent wind mitigation and 4-point report can make buyers more comfortable and speed up their insurance quotes. If the roof or AC is near the end of its life, it's better to know before listing than to discover it in the middle of a negotiation. Our guide on what adds value before you sell covers the improvements buyers notice most.
FAQ
Q: Is a wind mitigation inspection required by law?
It's not required to own a home, but Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for qualifying wind-resistant features, and the inspection is how you document them.
Q: How long is a wind mitigation report valid?
According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the OIR-B1-1802 form is valid for up to five years if no material changes are made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found.
Q: What does a 4-point inspection cover?
The roof, electrical system, plumbing and heating/air conditioning.
Q: When do insurers require a 4-point inspection?
It depends on the insurer. Citizens, for example, requires one for property owner, dwelling and mobile home applications on properties more than 20 years old.
Andy B. Cooper is a Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker, SFR Certified, with Cabana West Real Estate, serving Wellington, Palm Beach County, and all of Florida. Cabana West is a bilingual (English/Spanish) brokerage.
Disclaimer: This article is general educational information, not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice. Laws and requirements change. Confirm details with the official sources linked above and with a licensed professional before acting.