Hurricanes are part of life in West Palm Beach, but higher insurance bills don’t have to be. If your home has wind‑resistant features, you may be leaving money on the table. You can document those features, qualify for credits, and even tap state grants to help with upgrades. Here is how to capture wind mitigation savings with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Wind mitigation credits in Florida
Florida requires licensed insurers to offer discounts for documented wind‑resistant construction features. The state maintains the inspection and discount forms that carriers use to verify and apply credits, including the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, known as OIR‑B1‑1802. You can review the rules and forms through the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
- Learn how discounts work and find the official forms on the Office of Insurance Regulation’s page for premium discounts for hurricane loss mitigation.
- Credits apply to the wind portion of your policy, not the entire premium. You can confirm how that portion is calculated in Citizens Property Insurance’s mitigation overview.
- Rules are being updated. OIR completed a 2024 study and is updating the inspection and discount forms. Insurers will refresh their filings, so what earns credits and how much may shift as changes take effect. Check OIR’s wind mitigation resources for updates.
Links for reference:
- Florida OIR on mitigation discounts and forms: premium discounts for hurricane loss mitigation
- Citizens overview of discounts: mitigation discounts apply to the wind portion
- OIR updates and study info: wind mitigation resources
What inspectors credit
A wind mitigation inspection documents specific features with photos and supporting records. The most common creditable categories include:
- Building code compliance or construction date. Homes built to the 2001 Florida Building Code or later often receive an automatic credit.
- Roof covering and age. Approved, code‑compliant shingles, metal, or tile installed to current standards are favorable.
- Roof deck attachment. Nail type and spacing, plus deck thickness, reduce uplift and are verified from the attic.
- Roof‑to‑wall connections. Hurricane clips or straps are a major factor versus simple toe nails.
- Secondary water resistance. A peel‑and‑stick underlayment beneath the roof covering limits water intrusion.
- Opening protection. Impact‑rated windows and doors, or professionally installed shutters, are among the most valuable credits.
- Roof geometry. Hip roofs generally perform better than gable roofs.
See what the inspection requires and why photos matter in the official OIR‑B1‑1802 form.
How to get credits in West Palm Beach
Follow these steps to document your features and apply savings to your policy.
1) Choose your inspection path
- Free option. Apply for a no‑cost inspection through the state’s My Safe Florida Home program. The program reopened with significant 2025 funding and can also connect you to grants.
- Paid option. Hire a qualified private inspector. In Palm Beach County, typical fees often range from about 150 to 350 dollars depending on home size and complexity.
2) Verify the inspector’s credentials
Authorized signers include licensed contractors, professional engineers, architects, certified building code inspectors, and in many cases licensed home inspectors with the required training. Confirm credentials before scheduling. Review eligibility through the CFO’s mitigation guidance.
3) Gather documents and allow access
Have permits, invoices, manufacturer labels, product approval numbers, and any prior reports ready. Inspectors need attic access to verify roof deck nailing and connectors. The OIR‑B1‑1802 requires photo documentation for many items, which speeds insurer acceptance. See photo requirements in the official form.
4) Submit your report to your insurer
Send the completed OIR‑B1‑1802 and supporting photos to your insurer through your agent. Licensed carriers must accept properly completed OIR forms and apply credits based on their filed discount schedule. If questions arise, keep responding with the requested documentation. For rules and forms, visit OIR’s page on premium discounts for hurricane loss mitigation.
5) Plan upgrades, permits, and grants
If you plan to install impact openings or replace your roof, check local permitting requirements first. Use the Palm Beach County Permit Center or the City of West Palm Beach Building Division if you are within city limits. For cost help, the My Safe Florida Home program offers grants for eligible homeowners. The program requires its free inspection before you apply for funding.
6) Follow up and keep records
A mitigation report generally remains valid for up to five years if you do not change features. Insurers may ask for a new inspection when you change carriers. Keep copies of your report, photos, permits, and invoices. For details, see OIR’s mitigation discount resources.
What savings to expect
Savings vary by carrier, home features, and how your insurer allocates credits. Florida’s OIR is updating the inspection and discount framework based on a 2024 study, so credit amounts may change as new filings roll out. Check OIR’s wind mitigation resources for current guidance and confirm estimates with your agent.
Program results offer a helpful signal. The state has reported strong average premium reductions for homeowners who completed upgrades through My Safe Florida Home. Remember, credits apply only to the wind portion of your policy, which is why the net dollar impact depends on how large that portion is for your property. For a clear explanation, review Citizens’ note that discounts apply to the wind portion of premium.
Quick checklist for your next renewal
- Get a wind mitigation inspection and confirm the OIR‑B1‑1802 is complete with photos.
- Collect permits, invoices, labels, and approval numbers for any upgrades.
- Ask your agent for a carrier‑specific estimate of wind credits before renewal.
- If planning upgrades, confirm permits, get bids, and check My Safe Florida Home for grant windows.
- Save all records and calendar a reminder to refresh the inspection within five years or when you change insurers.
Local resources
- State program and grants: My Safe Florida Home
- Rules, forms, updates: Florida OIR mitigation discounts and forms
- OIR study and rulemaking: Wind mitigation resources
- Consumer guidance: Florida DFS hurricane mitigation
- Citizens overview: Wind mitigation discounts
- Permits, unincorporated county: Palm Beach County Permit Center
- Permits, city properties: City of West Palm Beach Building Division
Ready to pressure‑test your insurance strategy as you plan your next West Palm Beach move? If you want a data‑driven view of risk, cost, and value across neighborhoods and property types, connect with Santiago Ferreira to align your real estate decisions with long‑term resilience.
FAQs
Do wind mitigation credits lower my whole homeowners premium in West Palm Beach?
- Credits apply to the wind portion of your policy, so your total savings depend on both the credit and how large the wind portion is for your home. See Citizens’ overview of wind‑portion discounts.
How long is a Florida wind mitigation inspection valid?
- A report is generally valid up to five years if you do not change features, though a new carrier may request a fresh inspection. OIR is also updating forms, so confirm the latest version on OIR’s mitigation page.
Who can legally complete my wind mitigation inspection in Florida?
- Licensed contractors, professional engineers, architects, certified building code inspectors, and in many cases licensed home inspectors with required training are authorized. Verify credentials using the CFO’s mitigation guidance.
Which features usually earn the biggest wind credits in Palm Beach County?
- Commonly credited items include impact opening protection, roof‑to‑wall straps or clips, roof deck nailing, secondary water resistance, roof covering built to code, and favorable roof geometry. See details in the OIR‑B1‑1802 form.
How do I document new impact windows or a roof replacement for credits?
- Keep contractor invoices, permits, product approval numbers, and manufacturer labels, then attach them with photos to the OIR‑B1‑1802. The form’s instructions outline the photo and documentation requirements.
Are there grants to help West Palm Beach owners pay for mitigation upgrades?
- Yes. The state’s My Safe Florida Home program provides free inspections and grants for eligible homeowners. Check the portal for current funding windows and rules.
