What Are Wind Mitigation and Four-Point Inspections in Florida?
Wind mitigation and four-point inspections are Florida-specific inspections that affect your insurance costs and eligibility. Here is what each covers, when they are required, and how they can save you money.
What Are Wind Mitigation and Four-Point Inspections in Florida?
Wind mitigation and four-point inspections are Florida-specific inspections that affect your homeowners insurance costs and eligibility. They are separate from the standard home inspection and serve different purposes.
Wind Mitigation Inspection
A wind mitigation inspection documents the hurricane-resistance features of a property. Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts based on wind mitigation features.
What it documents:
- Roof covering type and age
- Roof deck attachment method
- Roof-to-wall connections (clips, straps, single wraps, or toe nails)
- Opening protection (impact windows and doors, hurricane shutters)
- Roof shape (hip roofs perform better than gable roofs)
- Building code compliance
Why it matters: Properties with strong wind mitigation features qualify for significant insurance discounts — sometimes hundreds of dollars per year. A property with impact windows, a hip roof, and strong roof-to-wall connections can qualify for discounts of 20–40% on the wind portion of the premium.
When to get it: Before or shortly after closing. If the seller has a recent wind mitigation report, ask for a copy — it can be used by your insurer.
Four-Point Inspection
A four-point inspection is a limited inspection that focuses on four major systems:
- Roof — age, condition, and remaining useful life
- Electrical — panel type, wiring, and condition
- Plumbing — pipe materials and condition
- HVAC — age and condition
Why it matters: Many Florida insurers require a four-point inspection for homes over 10–15 years old before they will bind coverage. The inspection results affect whether the insurer will write the policy and at what premium.
When to get it: As part of your pre-closing due diligence, especially for older properties.
How They Differ from a Standard Home Inspection
A standard home inspection is comprehensive — it covers all systems and components of the property. Wind mitigation and four-point inspections are limited in scope and are specifically designed for insurance purposes.
You should get all three: a standard home inspection for your own due diligence, and wind mitigation and four-point inspections for insurance purposes.
FAQ
Are wind mitigation and four-point inspections required in Florida?
They are not legally required, but many insurers require a four-point inspection for older homes before binding coverage. A wind mitigation inspection is optional but can result in significant insurance savings.
How much do these inspections cost?
Wind mitigation inspections typically cost $75–$150. Four-point inspections typically cost $75–$150. Many inspectors offer a combined package.
Can I use the seller's existing wind mitigation report?
Yes, if it is recent (typically within 5 years). Ask the seller for a copy.
Buying on the Emerald Coast and need guidance on inspections? I can help you coordinate wind mitigation and four-point inspections as part of your due diligence.
— Kinsey Haddock P.A., Broker Associate | Coldwell Banker Realty — Panhandle | License #BK3253849
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Written by
Kinsey Haddock P.A.Kinsey Haddock P.A. is a Broker Associate and REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty, specializing in coastal real estate across the entire Florida Panhandle — from St. George Island and the Forgotten Coast to Panama City Beach, Scenic Highway 30A, and Destin.