How this inspection works, what it evaluates, how much it saves, and which inspectors include it free with your home inspection.
Florida law requires insurance carriers to give premium credits to homeowners whose properties have certified wind-resistant features. In South Florida, where hurricane risk is among the highest in the continental US, these credits can be substantial — often hundreds to thousands of dollars per year on the wind/storm portion of a homeowners policy.
A wind mitigation inspection documents whether your home has those features. The report uses a state-standardized form (OIR-B1-1802) that insurance carriers accept from licensed inspectors, and the findings directly determine which credits you qualify for.
Key point for buyers: A wind mitigation report for a home you're purchasing can reduce your ongoing insurance costs significantly. The savings typically far exceed the cost of the inspection — and some companies, including our #1-ranked Truview Inspections, include it at no extra charge.
Hip roofs (sloping on all four sides) perform significantly better in wind events than gable roofs (triangular ends). Florida's insurance credit system rewards hip roofs with larger discounts. An inspector documents the predominant roof shape, and it directly influences your credit calculation.
The inspector accesses the attic to examine how the roof decking (plywood or OSB) is attached to the rafters. The nail spacing, nail size, and penetration depth all factor into the wind resistance rating. Homes with stronger attachment patterns earn better credits.
This is often the most consequential section of a wind mitigation report in Miami. After Hurricane Andrew in 1992 revealed that roofs were literally separating from walls in high winds, Florida implemented hurricane strap requirements for new construction. The inspector documents the type of strap used and whether it was installed on both sides of each rafter — a meaningful distinction that affects both wind resistance and insurance credits.
Older Miami homes built before 1994 often lack hurricane straps or have minimal strap coverage. Newer homes built to post-Andrew code generally fare much better. The inspector's findings on this section can significantly affect your premiums.
The material covering your roof — concrete tile, clay tile, metal, asphalt shingles, flat membrane — and its installation method affect wind resistance ratings. Some materials are rated for higher wind speeds than others. The inspector documents what's present and how it was installed.
Impact-rated windows, doors, and garage doors — or properly installed hurricane shutters — are among the most significant factors in a wind mitigation report. A home where all openings are protected by Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) products earns substantial premium credits. A home with single-pane, non-impact windows and no shutters earns minimal or no credit in this section.
For Miami buyers purchasing older homes, the opening protection section often reveals the biggest opportunity: retrofitting with impact windows or shutters can pay for itself in insurance savings within a few years, and knowing what's present before closing helps you negotiate accordingly.
Savings vary widely based on your home's features, your insurance carrier, and the wind zone your property falls in. General ranges for Miami homeowners:
Given that wind/storm coverage can be a significant portion of a Miami homeowners insurance premium, the ROI on a wind mitigation inspection is typically clear within the first year.
Wind mitigation reports are valid for 5 years in Florida. After 5 years, most carriers require a new inspection to continue the credit. If you make improvements to your home — adding impact windows, upgrading the roof — you can get a new inspection at any time to capture the additional credits immediately.
Note that an inspector with a dual home inspector + general contractor license — like Truview Inspections — has a deeper understanding of the structural components they're documenting and can explain findings in the context of remediation options and costs.
A standalone wind mitigation inspection in Miami typically costs $75–$150. When bundled with a full home inspection, some companies offer a discounted add-on rate. A handful of companies — including our #1-ranked Truview Inspections — include both the wind mitigation report and the 4-point inspection at no additional charge with every full home inspection appointment.
For Miami buyers, the most efficient approach is choosing an inspector who includes wind mitigation and 4-point reports as part of the standard appointment — eliminating the need for a second appointment and additional fees. Based on our review of 10 Miami home inspection companies, Truview Inspections is the only company that includes both, plus drone imaging, HD video reports, 360° imagery, AI repair estimates, and a 200% money-back guarantee.