Wind mitigation inspections in Miami-Dade and Broward: what they are and how they may help lower your insurance premium
If you own a home in South Florida, you have probably heard someone mention a "wind mit." It sounds technical, but the idea is simple: an inspector documents the features of your home that help it stand up to strong wind, and your insurance company can use that information when it calculates your premium. Here is what it involves and what to expect.
What a wind mitigation inspection is
A wind mitigation inspection is a visual review of how your home is built to resist wind. The findings are recorded on an official state form called the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, OIR-B1-1802, which is adopted by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, admitted insurance companies in Florida are required to accept a valid form that has been completed and signed by a qualified inspector.
What the OIR-B1-1802 form checks
The current version of the form (Rev. 04/26) has been required for inspections since April 1, 2026. It asks about the building code in effect when the home was built, the wind region, and the roof slope. The core of the form covers these wind-resistance features:
Roof covering: the type of roofing material in use and whether it can be documented as meeting code.
Roof deck attachment: how the roof sheathing or deck is fastened to the framing. The form asks for the weakest form of attachment found.
Roof-to-wall attachment: how the roof structure is connected to the walls, such as with clips, single wraps, or double wraps. Again, the form records the weakest connection.
Roof geometry: the shape of the roof, for example hip or another shape.
Secondary water resistance: whether there is a sealed roof deck, a layer meant to help keep water out if the roof covering is damaged.
Opening protection: the weakest level of wind-borne debris protection on windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors, such as impact-rated products or shutters.
The form requires at least one photo or document as proof for each feature marked in questions 2 through 9, so photos are a normal part of the visit.
Why it matters for South Florida homes
Miami-Dade and Broward are both in what the form calls the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). Homes here are built and evaluated with strong wind in mind, and many already have features such as impact windows, shutters, or reinforced roof connections. The catch is that those features only help on your policy if they are documented. A wind mitigation report is how that documentation reaches your insurer.
How it may affect your premium
Here is the honest answer: it depends. Discounts and credits vary by insurance company and by home. Some features on the form may not qualify for a discount at all, and the form itself says so. We can't promise a specific dollar amount or percentage, and nobody else can either.
What the report does is give your insurer an accurate, documented picture of your home. If your home has qualifying features, the report gives your insurer what it needs to review them. Your insurance agent can explain how your carrier applies the results.
What to expect: visit, pricing, and turnaround
The visit is straightforward. We walk the exterior, look at windows and doors and any shutters, and check the attic when it is accessible so we can see how the roof deck and roof-to-wall connections are fastened. Having any paperwork you already have on hand, such as roof or window product documentation, can help.
See current pricing on our Services page.
Turnaround: your report is delivered in 2 days.
Language: we can walk you through the inspection in English or Spanish. Reports are written in English.
Service area: Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Why choose a PE for your wind mitigation
ENGINEEREYE is owned by Edgar Vadell, a Florida Professional Engineer (PE #103487) and licensed Home Inspector (license HI18179) with building envelope experience. Professional engineers are one of the license types allowed to sign the form under Florida law. An engineer looks at the roof, connections, and openings as one system, and explains the findings in plain language.
Schedule your inspection: engineereye.com
Ready to get your wind mitigation report? Schedule your inspection online or call (786) 327-1749.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a wind mitigation report good for?
The OIR-B1-1802 form states that it is valid for up to five years, provided no material changes have been made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found on the form. If you replace your roof or windows, a new inspection may be worth considering.
Will a wind mitigation inspection lower my insurance?
It may, but it is not guaranteed. Discounts and credits vary by insurer and by home, and some features may not qualify. The inspection documents what your home has so your insurer can apply any credits it offers.
Can I get the inspection in Spanish?
Yes. We can explain the inspection and answer your questions in Spanish. The written report is in English, which is the format insurers receive.
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