Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast means beautiful weather and great sunsets, and it also means hurricanes and strong winds every year. That’s why wind mitigation matters here. If you own a home in Hernando, Pasco or Citrus County, or you work in real estate or insurance, here’s how wind mitigation discounts are claimed and what to expect.

Why Do Wind Mitigation Discounts Matter?

Insurance premiums in Florida can be high, especially for wind coverage. Insurers give credits for homes that are built or upgraded to resist wind damage, because those homes are less likely to suffer costly storm damage.

A wind mitigation inspection documents those features: roof shape, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, window and door protection and more. The more qualifying features your home has, the more credits it may earn. How much each one is worth depends on your insurer, so your agent is the person to ask.

The first step is a wind mitigation inspection from a qualified inspector. It’s quick, and it produces the documentation your insurance company needs to apply any credits.

How Do You Claim Wind Mitigation Discounts in Florida?

It isn’t complicated, but it takes a little paperwork and some timing:

1. Get a wind mitigation inspection. A qualified inspector checks your home’s features and completes the official form, OIR-B1-1802.
2. Send the report to your insurance agent or company. If your renewal is coming up, plan ahead so the report is on file in time.
3. Ask your agent how the credits apply. Insurers don’t all treat discounts the same way.
4. Consider upgrades. If your home doesn’t qualify for many credits, ask a licensed contractor about options like hurricane clips or straps, a wind-rated garage door or impact windows, and ask your agent which would actually change your premium.
5. Keep your documentation. Hold on to inspection reports, permits and receipts for upgrades. You may need them at renewal.

One more thing to know: Florida updated the form to Rev. 04/26 on April 1, 2026. Some insurers may still accept an older-form report under five years old if nothing on the home has changed; others may ask for a new inspection on the current form.

Which Wind Mitigation Features Do Insurers Look For?

Here are the main features on the form:

• Roof covering: the type of roofing material and when it was installed or permitted.
• Roof deck attachment: how the roof decking is nailed down. Larger nails and tighter spacing hold better.
• Roof-to-wall connections: clips or straps that tie the roof to the walls help keep the structure together.
• Roof shape: hip roofs, which slope down on all four sides, generally earn more credit than gable roofs.
• Opening protection: impact-rated windows and doors, or approved shutters, keep wind and debris out.
• Secondary water resistance: a barrier under the roof covering that helps limit leaks if the roof covering is damaged.

The key is having a professional document each of them correctly.

How Can You Get the Most from Your Wind Mitigation Report?

• Schedule early: don’t wait until your renewal notice arrives. Inspecting early gives you time to make upgrades.
• Ask your agent how your credits apply and whether other carriers treat them differently.
• Keep up with maintenance: roof, window and shutter maintenance keeps your home in good shape.
• Prioritize upgrades with your agent’s input: roof-to-wall connections and opening protection are common places to start, but your agent can tell you what matters for your policy.
• Work with licensed professionals: qualified inspectors and licensed contractors who know Florida’s building codes.

Ready to Get Your Wind Mitigation Report?

If you haven’t had a wind mitigation inspection, or your last one is on the old form, now’s a good time. PointWise wind mitigation inspections are $125, or $200 combined with a 4-point inspection, and reports usually arrive the same day. Learn more on our wind mitigation inspections page, or see the towns we serve, like Hernando Beach. Call or text (352) 616-8768, or book online.