What a wind mitigation inspection checks
Florida insurers must offer discounts for building features that reduce hurricane damage. An inspector records these on the state's uniform mitigation form (OIR-B1-1802). On the roof, the inspection looks at:
- Roof covering: whether it was permitted under current code.
- Roof deck attachment: the size and spacing of the nails that hold the roof deck down.
- Roof-to-wall connection: how the roof is tied to the walls, from nails to clips and straps.
- Roof shape: hip roofs earn a bigger discount than gable roofs.
- Secondary water resistance: a sealed layer under the roof covering.
Building for every credit
When we replace a roof, we nail the deck to current spacing, add a sealed water barrier and photograph the work before the covering goes on. Those photos give your inspector the proof needed for the discount.
The 15-year roof rule
An insurer can't refuse to write or renew your homeowner's policy just because your roof is less than 15 years old. If your roof is 15 years or older, the insurer must let you get an inspection from an authorized inspector, at your expense. If the inspection shows at least 5 years of useful life left, the insurer can't refuse coverage based on age alone.
Fla. Stat. 627.7011(5)(b), (c) (verified 2026-10-10 against leg.state.fl.us)Roofing contractors are on the list of authorized inspectors, subject to your insurer's approval.
Fla. Stat. 627.7011(5)(a)If you get a nonrenewal letter because of your roof's age, call us before you get replacement quotes. If your roof still has life left, we'll document it.
My Safe Florida Home grants
This state program starts with a free wind mitigation inspection and can help pay for approved upgrades for homes that qualify. Funding opens and closes, so check the current status at mysafeflhome.com.