Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts to homes that meet wind-resistance standards. The catch is that carriers cannot apply a credit they have no documentation for. That is the entire purpose of the wind mitigation form.
The features that earn credits
- Roof covering. Whether the covering meets current code, and when it was permitted.
- Roof deck attachment. Nail size and spacing holding the deck to the trusses.
- Roof to wall connection. Toe nails, clips, or single and double wraps, in ascending order of credit.
- Roof geometry. A hip roof generally performs better than a gable.
- Secondary water resistance. A sealed deck under the covering.
- Opening protection. Rated shutters or impact glazing on every opening, including garage doors and skylights.
Why partial protection often earns nothing
Opening protection is usually all or nothing. Shutters on the front windows and nothing on the back slider will not qualify. If you are planning upgrades, price the whole envelope before committing, because the credit only lands when every opening is covered.
Timing the inspection
The form stays valid for five years in most cases, so it is worth doing well before renewal rather than in the middle of it. If you have re-roofed since your last form, get a new one. That is frequently where the largest credit appears.
Related reading: what Florida insurers look for in a 4-point inspection. Questions about scheduling are answered on the FAQ page.
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