Quick Answer: A Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection Is Valid for Up to Five Years
A Florida wind mitigation inspection is valid for up to five years from the inspection date, provided no material changes have been made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found on the form. This rule applies to Florida’s Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, OIR-B1-1802.
You may need a new inspection sooner if you replace your roof, install impact windows or shutters, make structural changes, discover an error on the existing report, or your insurance company requires updated documentation.
Not sure whether your wind mit is still usable? Call or Text (407)781-1600. Sun Insurance Services can help you review the report and determine what your insurance carrier may require.
What Should Florida Homeowners Know About the Five-Year Rule?
The five-year rule means the inspection report can generally be used for insurance purposes for up to five years when the information continues to accurately describe the home. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation states that the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form is valid for up to five years provided no material changes are made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found.
The inspection date matters more than the date you first submitted the report to an insurance company. Check the inspection date shown on your OIR-B1-1802 form when determining how old the report is.
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation also states that wind mitigation inspections are valid for up to five years from the inspection date when no material changes have been made to the structure.
If you cannot find the date or are unsure whether your report is still acceptable, Call or Text (407)781-1600 and we can help you review what you have.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection in Florida?
A wind mitigation inspection documents construction features that may help a building resist wind damage. A qualified inspector records the applicable features on Florida’s Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, commonly called the OIR-B1-1802 or simply a “wind mit.”
The inspection may document features such as:
- Applicable building code information
- Roof covering information
- Roof deck attachment
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Roof geometry
- Secondary water resistance
- Opening protection for windows, doors, skylights, and other applicable openings
A wind mitigation inspection does not guarantee an insurance discount. The insurance company determines applicable credits based on the documented features, its approved rating plan, policy information, and other applicable requirements.
For a broader explanation of wind mitigation and Florida home coverage, visit our Florida homeowners insurance guide.
When Does a Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection Expire?
A Florida wind mitigation inspection reaches the end of its stated validity period five years after the inspection date. The report may become unusable sooner when a material change has been made to the structure or an inaccuracy is identified.
| Situation | What It May Mean for Your Wind Mit |
|---|---|
| Inspection is less than five years old | It may remain valid if the structure has not materially changed and the report is accurate. |
| Inspection reaches five years old | A new inspection will generally be needed for continued use of the mitigation verification. |
| Roof was replaced | An updated inspection may be appropriate to document the current roof and qualifying mitigation features. |
| Impact windows or shutters were installed | A new inspection may document improvements that were not included on the previous report. |
| Structural changes were completed | An updated report may be required if the changes affect information documented on the form. |
| An error is discovered | The existing form should not be assumed to remain valid when it contains inaccurate information. |
Have a wind mit that is approaching five years old? Call or Text (407)781-1600 before your renewal and we can help you understand what documentation your carrier may need.
Does Replacing Your Roof Mean You Should Get a New Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Replacing a roof can be a good reason to obtain an updated wind mitigation inspection because the work may change information documented on the existing report. A roof replacement does not automatically update the wind mitigation information held by your insurer.
A new roof may involve changes to the roof covering, roof deck attachment, secondary water resistance, or other documented features. Whether those changes qualify for additional insurance credits depends on the completed construction, available documentation, insurer requirements, and applicable rating rules.
A new roof does not automatically produce a particular wind mitigation credit. The relevant construction features generally need to be documented and reviewed by the insurance company.
Learn more about how roofs can affect coverage in our Florida roof age and homeowners insurance guide.
If you recently replaced your roof and are wondering whether to order another wind mit, Call or Text (407)781-1600.
Should You Get a New Wind Mit After Installing Impact Windows or Shutters?
A new wind mitigation inspection may be useful after installing qualifying impact-resistant windows, shutters, doors, or other opening protection because the previous report cannot document improvements made after its inspection date.
Opening protection is a specific part of the Florida wind mitigation form. Documentation requirements matter, and simply describing a window as “impact” does not necessarily establish that it qualifies for a particular insurance credit.
Keep product approvals, permits, invoices, installation records, and other available documentation. Your inspector may need documentation to verify the applicable classification on the current form.
Home improvements can affect wind mitigation credits only when the applicable features can be properly documented and qualify under the insurer’s rating requirements.
Before paying for another inspection, Call or Text (407)781-1600 if you want help understanding how updated mitigation information may affect your insurance review.
Did Florida Change the Wind Mitigation Form in 2026?
Yes. Florida introduced an updated Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, OIR-B1-1802 Rev. 04/26, for inspections conducted on or after April 1, 2026.
The Florida Department of Financial Services states that the new form must be used for inspections as of April 1, 2026. The revised form includes additional categories and more specific documentation requirements.
The 2026 form change does not automatically invalidate every older wind mitigation inspection. Citizens, for example, stated that it would continue accepting the previous OIR-B1-1802 Rev. 01/12 form when it was completed within the applicable five-year period before April 1, 2026 and no changes had been made to the structure.
Read our detailed guide to Florida’s new wind mitigation form.
Confused about whether your older form is still usable after the 2026 change? Call or Text (407)781-1600.
Do You Need a New Wind Mit Just Because the Form Changed?
No. The introduction of the revised 2026 form does not necessarily mean a homeowner with an existing valid report must immediately obtain another inspection.
For example, Citizens has stated that an earlier OIR-B1-1802 Rev. 01/12 report may continue to be accepted if it was completed within five years before April 1, 2026 and no changes were made to the structure.
Your individual insurance company may have documentation or underwriting requirements that should be confirmed before relying on an older report.
Do not pay for another wind mitigation inspection solely because you heard that Florida changed the form. Check the inspection date, property changes, report accuracy, and carrier requirements first.
Want us to help you figure out whether another inspection makes sense? Call or Text (407)781-1600.
Can an Insurance Company Verify Your Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Yes. Florida’s Department of Financial Services explains that an insurer may have a Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form independently verified at the insurer’s expense before accepting it as valid.
The insurer may also request information concerning the qualifications of an authorized employee who performed an inspection in circumstances permitted by Florida law.
This is one reason accurate documentation matters. Photos, permits, product approvals, construction records, and other supporting information can help establish the features reported by the inspector.
A completed wind mitigation form is evidence of documented construction features, but the insurance company still reviews the report when determining applicable insurance credits.
If your carrier is questioning an existing report and you are not sure what it needs, Call or Text (407)781-1600.
Who Can Complete a Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Florida law specifies who may perform or certify the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. The authorized categories are governed by Florida law and applicable licensing requirements.
Homeowners should confirm that the person or company performing the inspection is authorized for the work. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation specifically encourages consumers to verify that an inspector is authorized under Section 627.711(2)(a), Florida Statutes.
Using an authorized inspector matters because the insurer relies on the completed form when evaluating applicable wind mitigation credits.
You can review the state’s current guidance through the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Wind Mitigation Resources.
If you need help understanding what type of wind mit your insurance company is requesting, Call or Text (407)781-1600.
How Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection Different From a Four-Point Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection documents construction features associated with resistance to wind damage, while a four-point inspection generally documents the condition and characteristics of four major home systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
| Inspection | Main Purpose | Common Insurance Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Mitigation | Documents qualifying wind-resistant construction features | May support applicable wind mitigation credits |
| Four-Point | Documents roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC characteristics or condition | Often used by carriers for underwriting, particularly on older homes |
A four-point inspection does not automatically replace a wind mitigation inspection, and a wind mitigation inspection does not automatically satisfy a carrier’s four-point requirement.
If your agent or carrier is asking for inspections and you are unsure which one you need, Call or Text (407)781-1600 before scheduling the wrong inspection.
Does a Valid Wind Mitigation Inspection Guarantee a Discount?
No. A valid wind mitigation inspection does not guarantee a specific premium reduction. It documents construction features that an insurer can evaluate under applicable Florida wind mitigation rating requirements.
The amount and availability of any credit can depend on the features documented, insurance company, policy, property, applicable rating plan, and supporting documentation.
Florida’s current OIR-B1-1802 form specifically notes that some items listed on the form may not qualify for a discount.
The purpose of a wind mit is to document the home’s applicable wind-resistant features accurately. It should not be treated as a promise of a particular insurance price.
Have a report and want to know how it may affect your current policy or a new quote? Call or Text (407)781-1600.
What Should You Do When Your Wind Mit Is About to Expire?
Start by checking the inspection date and contacting your insurance agent before the report reaches five years old. This gives you time to determine whether a new inspection is needed and submit updated documentation before a renewal is processed.
- Find your current OIR-B1-1802 wind mitigation report.
- Locate the inspection date.
- Determine whether the home has changed since that inspection.
- Gather roof permits, window documentation, shutter records, product approvals, and other relevant records.
- Ask your insurance agent what your current carrier requires.
- Schedule a new inspection when needed.
- Submit the completed report to your agent or insurer for review.
- Confirm how the updated information affected your policy before assuming a credit was applied.
Checking an expiring wind mit before renewal can help prevent last-minute questions about the documentation supporting your wind mitigation credits.
If your report is approaching five years, Call or Text (407)781-1600. We can help you review the insurance side of the process.
What Documents Should You Keep With Your Wind Mitigation Report?
Keep documents that help establish the home’s construction and mitigation features. The updated Florida form places significant emphasis on documentation supporting the inspector’s findings.
Useful records can include:
- Previous wind mitigation reports
- Roof replacement permits and contracts
- Window and door product approvals
- Shutter documentation
- Construction permits
- Contractor invoices
- Available photographs
- Documentation for secondary water resistance
- Records of structural improvements
Exactly what is needed depends on the feature being verified and the requirements applicable to the inspection.
Keeping mitigation records after a home improvement can make it easier to document the work during a future wind mitigation inspection.
Have documents but are not sure what your carrier needs? Call or Text (407)781-1600.
Should Home Buyers Ask for the Seller’s Wind Mitigation Report?
Yes. Florida home buyers can ask whether the seller has a current wind mitigation report because it may provide useful information during the homeowners insurance quoting process.
Check the report’s inspection date and confirm whether renovations occurred afterward. A report that is almost five years old may soon need to be replaced, while a report completed before a major roof or window project may no longer describe the home’s current features.
A seller’s wind mitigation report can be useful, but buyers should not assume that an older report will automatically be accepted for a new insurance policy.
Buying a Florida home and have a wind mit from the seller? Send us the information while getting your insurance quotes. Call or Text (407)781-1600.
Can a Wind Mitigation Report Affect Your Florida Homeowners Insurance Quote?
Yes. A current wind mitigation report may affect a Florida homeowners insurance quote when it documents features that qualify for credits under the insurer’s rating plan.
That does not mean every insurer will produce the same premium from the same report. Coverage, deductibles, underwriting rules, property characteristics, mitigation credits, and carrier rating plans can differ.
Sun Insurance Services is an independent Florida insurance agency based in Orlando that works with multiple insurance companies across personal and commercial lines. Carrier availability depends on product, property location, eligibility, underwriting requirements, and market conditions.
You can review insurance companies Sun Insurance Services works with in Florida or learn more about Florida homeowners insurance options.
If you are shopping your home insurance and already have a wind mit, Call or Text (407)781-1600.
What Are the Most Common Wind Mitigation Expiration Mistakes?
The most common mistakes involve assuming an old report remains usable indefinitely or assuming renovations automatically update the report held by the insurance company.
- Ignoring the inspection date: The form is valid for up to five years, not indefinitely.
- Replacing the roof without reviewing the wind mit: The existing report may no longer reflect the current structure.
- Installing impact protection without updating documentation: New features generally need appropriate verification before an insurer can evaluate them.
- Assuming the 2026 form change invalidated every older report: A qualifying existing report may still be usable during its validity period.
- Assuming every listed feature produces a discount: Credits depend on applicable insurance rating requirements.
- Confusing a four-point inspection with a wind mit: They serve different purposes.
Not sure which situation applies to your home? Call or Text (407)781-1600.
How Can Sun Insurance Services Help With a Wind Mitigation Question?
Sun Insurance Services can help Florida homeowners understand how an existing wind mitigation report may relate to an insurance quote, renewal, or carrier documentation request. The insurance company makes the final determination regarding applicable credits, eligibility, and underwriting.
If you have a wind mit, keep it available when requesting a homeowners insurance quote. If the report is approaching five years old, has inaccurate information, or predates major changes to the property, an updated inspection may be appropriate.
You do not have to guess whether an old wind mit may be usable for an insurance review. Check the inspection date and property changes, then ask what the applicable carrier requires.
Call or Text (407)781-1600 if you have a wind mitigation question, need help reviewing an existing report, or want to discuss Florida homeowners insurance options.
Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection FAQs
How long is a wind mitigation inspection valid in Florida?
A Florida Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form is valid for up to five years from the inspection date, provided no material changes have been made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found on the form. An updated inspection may be needed sooner when the property changes or the existing report is no longer accurate.
Does a Florida wind mitigation inspection expire after exactly five years?
The Florida OIR-B1-1802 states that the verification form is valid for up to five years. Homeowners should review the inspection date before the five-year point and ask their insurance agent when updated documentation should be submitted for a renewal or new policy.
Do I need a new wind mitigation inspection after replacing my roof?
You may need or benefit from an updated wind mitigation inspection after a roof replacement because the existing report may no longer reflect the home’s current construction features. Whether a new inspection is required depends on the changes made, the report, and insurer requirements. Call or Text (407)781-1600 with questions.
Do I need a new wind mit after installing impact windows?
An updated inspection may be useful after installing qualifying impact windows, doors, shutters, or other opening protection. The new features need appropriate documentation before an insurer can evaluate whether they qualify for applicable wind mitigation credits.
Did the 2026 Florida wind mitigation form make my old inspection invalid?
Not automatically. Florida’s revised OIR-B1-1802 Rev. 04/26 became required for new inspections performed on or after April 1, 2026. An existing report may remain usable within its applicable five-year validity period when the structure has not materially changed, the report remains accurate, and the insurer accepts it.
Does a wind mitigation inspection guarantee a homeowners insurance discount?
No. A wind mitigation inspection documents construction features for insurance review, but it does not guarantee a particular discount or premium. The result depends on documented features, the insurer’s applicable rating plan, policy information, supporting documentation, and other relevant factors.
Is a wind mitigation inspection the same as a four-point inspection?
No. A wind mitigation inspection documents wind-resistant construction features. A four-point inspection generally documents the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems for underwriting purposes. An insurer may request one or both depending on the property and its underwriting guidelines.
Can I use the seller’s wind mitigation report when buying a Florida home?
A seller’s existing wind mitigation report may be useful if it remains valid, accurate, and acceptable to the insurance company. Buyers should check the inspection date and determine whether the property was modified after the inspection. Carrier requirements can vary.
Should I wait until renewal to replace an expired wind mit?
It can be helpful to review an expiring report before renewal rather than waiting until the last minute. This provides time to obtain a new inspection and supporting documentation if needed. Call or Text (407)781-1600 if your wind mit is approaching five years old.
Where can I verify Florida’s wind mitigation rules?
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation maintains current wind mitigation resources, including information about the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. The Florida Department of Financial Services also provides consumer information about mitigation inspections, forms, authorized inspectors, and insurer verification rights.
Conclusion: Check the Date on Your Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection
A Florida wind mitigation inspection is valid for up to five years when no material changes have been made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found on the form. The inspection date shown on the OIR-B1-1802 is therefore one of the first things homeowners should check when reviewing their insurance documentation.
You may want an updated inspection before five years if you replaced the roof, installed impact windows or shutters, completed structural work, or discovered that the existing report does not accurately describe the property. Florida also introduced the revised OIR-B1-1802 Rev. 04/26 for new inspections performed on or after April 1, 2026.
An existing wind mit should not be assumed to be invalid simply because Florida updated the form. Its date, accuracy, changes to the home, and applicable insurer requirements should all be considered.
A wind mitigation report documents qualifying construction features, but it does not guarantee a specific insurance credit or premium.
If you have an old wind mit, cannot find your inspection date, recently replaced your roof, added impact protection, received an insurance request for a new inspection, or simply have questions, Sun Insurance Services can help you understand the insurance requirements that may apply.
You can also review our Florida homeowners insurance guide or our guide explaining Florida’s 2026 wind mitigation form changes.
Customer Reviews
References
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: Wind Mitigation Resources
- Florida Department of Financial Services: Mitigation Notices, Inspections and Forms
- Citizens Property Insurance Corporation: How Long Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection Valid?
Last Updated: August 26, 2026
This article is for educational purposes and does not provide legal, financial, inspection, or coverage advice. Insurance availability, eligibility, credits, underwriting, coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and pricing depend on the insurer, property, policy terms, supporting documentation, and individual circumstances. Discuss your specific situation with a licensed Florida insurance agent.