Florida homeowners who have installed impact windows, impact doors, or completed roofing improvements may already be familiar with wind-mitigation inspections.
However, Florida's wind-mitigation inspection form changed in 2026.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation updated the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, officially known as OIR-B1-1802.
The revised form, OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26), became effective April 1, 2026.
The update includes changes involving opening protection, roof-related features, inspection documentation, photographs, and FORTIFIED Home certifications.
For Florida homeowners considering impact-window, impact-door, or roofing improvements, understanding these changes can help make the inspection process easier to navigate.
This guide explains what changed, what documents may be useful, and what homeowners should know before scheduling a wind-mitigation inspection.
What Is a Wind-Mitigation Inspection in Florida?
A wind-mitigation inspection evaluates specific construction features that may help a home resist damage from high winds.
The inspection is different from a general home inspection.
Rather than evaluating every aspect of the property's condition, a wind-mitigation inspection focuses on designated wind-resistant construction and mitigation features.
These can include:
- Building code information
- Roof covering
- Roof deck attachment
- Roof-to-wall attachment
- Roof geometry
- Secondary water resistance
- Exterior opening protection
A qualified inspector documents the applicable characteristics using the official inspection form.
What Is Form OIR-B1-1802?
OIR-B1-1802 is Florida's Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form.
It provides a standardized method for documenting specified wind-mitigation characteristics of eligible residential buildings.
Insurance companies may use the information when evaluating wind-mitigation credits under their applicable rules.
However, the form itself does not guarantee that every feature will qualify for an insurance discount.
When Did the New Wind-Mitigation Form Take Effect?
The revised OIR-B1-1802 form became effective on April 1, 2026.
Inspections performed on or after that date must use the revised form.
The current revision is identified as:
OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26)
Homeowners should verify that an inspector is using the correct form for a new inspection.
What Changed on the 2026 Wind-Mitigation Form?
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation revised several existing categories and added new information requirements.
According to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, updates involve:
- Building code
- Roof covering
- Roof deck attachment
- Roof-to-wall attachment
- Secondary water resistance
- Opening protection
The form also includes new fields relating to:
- FORTIFIED Home certifications
- Region based on design wind speed
- Roof slope information
These changes make accurate inspection documentation especially important.
1. Opening Protection Is an Important Part of the Updated Form
Opening protection is particularly relevant to homeowners who have installed impact-resistant windows and doors.
Exterior openings can include:
- Windows
- Glazed entry doors
- Non-glazed exterior doors
- Sliding glass doors
- French doors
- Skylights
- Garage doors
- Other applicable exterior openings
The revised form contains an opening-protection classification chart that addresses glazed and non-glazed openings.
Homeowners should not assume that replacing several windows automatically establishes the protection classification for the entire home.
2. The Weakest Opening Can Affect the Classification
One important concept in the opening-protection portion of the form is how the protection levels of different openings are evaluated.
The form directs inspectors to identify the applicable protection levels and determine the weakest protection classification among glazed openings, while also documenting non-glazed opening protection.
This is why whole-home opening protection matters.
For example, a property may contain:
- New impact-resistant windows
- An older sliding glass door
- An unprotected glazed entry door
- A garage door with different protection characteristics
The inspector must evaluate the applicable openings according to the form's requirements rather than assuming that all openings have the same level of protection.
3. Impact Windows Should Be Properly Documented
If a homeowner has installed impact windows, the exact products may be relevant to the inspection.
Useful documentation can include:
- Manufacturer information
- Product series
- Florida Product Approval information
- Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, where applicable
- Window schedules
- Permit records
- Installation documentation
These documents may help an authorized inspector identify the products and evaluate the appropriate characteristics.
Learn more about impact windows from Statewide Windows & Doors.
4. Impact Doors Are Also Important
Homeowners should not overlook exterior doors when preparing for a wind-mitigation inspection.
A home may have impact windows while still containing older exterior doors.
Relevant door systems can include:
- Front entry doors
- French doors
- Sliding glass doors
- Other exterior entry systems
Each applicable opening must be evaluated according to the form's classifications and documentation requirements.
Homeowners planning improvements can explore impact doors and sliding glass doors.
5. Garage Doors and Skylights Should Not Be Forgotten
Windows and entry doors are not the only openings addressed by the updated form.
The opening-protection chart also includes categories for garage doors and skylights.
Homeowners should understand what products are installed and what documentation is available.
A garage door or skylight should not automatically be assumed to have the same impact-protection characteristics as the home's windows.
6. Photographs and Supporting Documentation Matter
The revised form includes specific requirements for validating reported mitigation characteristics.
For questions 2 through 9, the form requires supporting evidence for the reported attributes.
At least one photograph or qualifying document must accompany the form to validate each applicable attribute.
Additional documentation may be requested by the insurer.
Homeowners should understand that photographs are part of the inspection process, but other acceptable documentation may also be used where permitted.
7. What Types of Photographs Might Be Taken?
The exact photographs depend on the property and the features being evaluated.
Depending on the inspection, an inspector may need to document:
- Roof characteristics
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Roof deck attachment evidence
- Secondary water resistance
- Opening-protection features
- Other applicable mitigation attributes
Homeowners should allow the authorized inspector to determine which photographs and documents are appropriate.
Do not assume that a homeowner's own photographs will automatically satisfy every inspection requirement.
8. What Is FORTIFIED Home?
FORTIFIED Home is a construction and retrofitting standard developed to help improve a home's resilience against severe weather.
The program includes different designation levels relating to specific building features.
These include:
- FORTIFIED Roof
- FORTIFIED Silver
- FORTIFIED Gold
The revised Florida wind-mitigation form recognizes qualifying FORTIFIED Home certifications as documentation for specified mitigation characteristics.
9. FORTIFIED Roof, Silver, and Gold: What's the Difference?
FORTIFIED Roof
This designation focuses on roof-related construction requirements intended to improve performance during severe weather.
FORTIFIED Silver
FORTIFIED Silver builds on the roof requirements and includes additional protection considerations involving exterior openings and connected structures.
FORTIFIED Gold
FORTIFIED Gold builds on the lower designation levels and includes requirements relating to a continuous load path from the roof to the foundation.
Each designation has its own technical requirements and certification process.
10. Can FORTIFIED Certification Replace Inspection Photographs?
Under the revised form, qualifying FORTIFIED Home certification may be used as supporting documentation for specified mitigation attributes.
The form identifies eligible use of FORTIFIED certificates for questions 4 through 6 and questions 8 through 9.
The applicable certificate must be identified and attached as required.
This does not mean every FORTIFIED certificate automatically replaces every photograph or proves every feature.
The inspector and insurer must follow the requirements associated with the specific attribute being documented.
11. The Updated Form Includes Region Information
The revised form includes a region field associated with design wind speed.
This reflects the importance of location and applicable wind-related requirements in evaluating a property's construction characteristics.
Homeowners should not attempt to select a region themselves based solely on a city name.
The authorized inspector should complete the field using the applicable criteria.
12. Roof Slope Information Was Added
The updated form also includes roof slope information.
For applicable single-family homes with multiple roof slopes, the inspector must document the relevant characteristics according to the form.
Roof geometry and roof slope are related concepts but should not be treated as interchangeable.
The inspector should evaluate the roof using the actual form instructions.
13. Roof Covering Remains an Important Feature
The form continues to address roof covering characteristics.
Homeowners who have replaced their roof should retain documentation relating to the project.
Useful records may include:
- Roofing contract
- Permit information
- Final inspection records
- Roofing product information
- Applicable installation documentation
A new roof does not automatically establish every wind-mitigation characteristic of the property.
14. Roof Deck Attachment and Roof-to-Wall Connections
The updated form continues to evaluate structural features involving how the roof deck is attached and how the roof connects to the walls.
These are different construction characteristics.
They can depend on:
- Fasteners
- Connection details
- Construction methods
- Installation characteristics
- Applicable documentation
An authorized inspector should evaluate these features using the requirements of the revised form.
15. Secondary Water Resistance
Secondary water resistance, often abbreviated as SWR, is another category addressed by the form.
This feature relates to specified methods intended to reduce water intrusion if the primary roof covering is compromised.
Homeowners should not assume that every roofing underlayment or roof replacement automatically qualifies for a particular SWR classification.
The inspector must evaluate the applicable requirements and supporting evidence.
16. Does the 2026 Form Automatically Increase Insurance Discounts?
No.
The updated form does not automatically create additional insurance savings for every homeowner.
In its March 2026 communication, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation stated that the new features and revisions would not change the available or applied credits at that time.
Insurance treatment may vary by carrier and may change under future approved rules.
Homeowners should ask their insurance professional how the current requirements apply to their specific policy.
17. Do You Need a New Wind-Mitigation Inspection?
Not every homeowner automatically needs a new inspection simply because the form was revised.
Florida's wind-mitigation verification form can remain valid for up to five years, provided no material changes have been made to the structure and no inaccuracies are found.
Citizens has also explained that it continues to accept certain previously completed forms under its stated conditions.
Homeowners should confirm their insurer's current requirements before scheduling a new inspection.
18. What If You Recently Installed Impact Windows?
If you recently replaced windows or doors, consider organizing your project documentation before contacting a wind-mitigation inspector.
Useful information may include:
- Final contract
- Product manufacturer
- Product series
- Applicable product approvals
- Permit number
- Final inspection information
- Installation date
- Window and door schedule
These records may help the inspector understand the improvements completed at the property.
19. What If You Replaced Only Some Windows?
Some Florida homeowners replace their windows in phases.
For example, a home may have new impact windows in the bedrooms while older windows or doors remain elsewhere.
The inspector must evaluate the actual opening-protection characteristics of the property.
Homeowners should not assume that replacing several openings will automatically produce the same classification as protecting every applicable opening.
20. Why You Should Keep Product Approval Records
Impact-resistant products are evaluated as complete systems.
Product approval documentation may identify:
- Approved configurations
- Impact testing information
- Glass configurations
- Maximum sizes
- Design pressures
- Installation requirements
This information can be useful when the exact installed product needs to be verified.
Homeowners should retain documentation for the products actually installed, not just general manufacturer advertising.
21. Who Can Perform a Florida Wind-Mitigation Inspection?
Florida requires wind-mitigation inspections to be completed by an appropriately authorized professional.
Depending on the applicable qualifications, authorized professionals may include:
- Qualified licensed home inspectors
- Authorized building code inspectors
- Qualifying licensed contractors
- Licensed professional engineers
- Licensed professional architects
- Other professionals recognized under applicable requirements
Homeowners should verify that the professional is authorized to complete the inspection.
22. Can Your Window Contractor Complete the Wind-Mitigation Form?
Installing impact windows and being authorized to complete a wind-mitigation inspection are separate considerations.
A contractor may be able to provide product, permit, and installation documentation.
However, the inspection must be completed by a professional who meets the applicable qualifications.
Homeowners should not assume every window installer is automatically authorized to complete the form.
23. How to Prepare for a Wind-Mitigation Inspection
Before the appointment, consider taking the following steps:
- Confirm that the inspector is properly authorized.
- Ask whether the current OIR-B1-1802 form will be used.
- Gather available window and door product information.
- Gather roofing records if improvements were completed.
- Locate permit and inspection documents.
- Identify recent changes to the home.
- Make relevant areas accessible where safe and appropriate.
- Have available FORTIFIED certification documentation, if applicable.
- Ask how photographs and supporting documents will be handled.
- Keep a copy of the completed inspection report.
24. Common Wind-Mitigation Documentation Mistakes
Using an Outdated Form for a New Inspection
Inspections performed on or after April 1, 2026, must use the revised form.
Assuming New Windows Automatically Qualify for Every Credit
Opening protection must be evaluated according to the applicable classification requirements.
Forgetting About Exterior Doors
Glazed and non-glazed exterior openings can affect how opening protection is documented.
Discarding Product Documentation
Product approvals, permits, and installation records may be useful for future verification.
Assuming FORTIFIED Certification Proves Everything
FORTIFIED certificates may support specified features, but their use is subject to the form's requirements.
Expecting Guaranteed Insurance Savings
A completed inspection does not guarantee a particular discount or premium reduction.
25. Why Impact Windows and Roofing Should Be Considered Together
Wind-mitigation inspections evaluate multiple features of a home.
That means homeowners considering major improvements may benefit from looking at both their exterior openings and roof-related characteristics.
For example, a home-improvement plan may involve:
- Impact windows
- Impact entry doors
- Impact sliding glass doors
- Roof replacement
- Roof-related mitigation improvements
Each feature is evaluated according to its own requirements.
Upgrading one part of the home does not automatically establish the classification of another.
Impact Windows and Doors From Statewide Windows & Doors
Statewide Windows & Doors helps Florida homeowners plan impact-window and impact-door replacement projects with attention to product selection, installation, permitting, and project documentation.
Statewide offers solutions involving:
- Impact windows
- Impact entry doors
- Impact French doors
- Impact sliding glass doors
- Roofing services
Homeowners can explore impact windows, impact doors, and sliding glass doors when planning exterior improvements.
Why Choose Statewide Windows & Doors?
Statewide Windows & Doors brings more than 25 years of combined industry experience to Florida window and door projects.
Statewide helps homeowners navigate important stages of the improvement process, including:
- Product selection
- Measurements
- Project planning
- Permitting
- Installation
- Inspections
- Project completion
- Post-installation service
Homeowners can review completed projects, explore Statewide's service areas, or contact Statewide Windows & Doors to discuss an upcoming project.
2026 Florida Wind-Mitigation Checklist
- Confirm the inspection uses OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26)
- Verify the inspector's qualifications
- Gather impact-window product information
- Gather impact-door product information
- Identify all exterior openings
- Gather product approval documentation
- Keep window and door permit records
- Keep final inspection records
- Gather roofing documents
- Identify any FORTIFIED Home certification
- Make relevant inspection areas accessible
- Confirm required photographs or documentation are included
- Review the completed form for missing information
- Keep a copy of the final report
- Ask your insurance professional about policy-specific treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Florida wind-mitigation form for 2026?
The revised form is OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 04/26), effective April 1, 2026.
What changed on the 2026 wind-mitigation form?
The update revises existing mitigation categories, including opening protection and roof-related features, and adds information involving FORTIFIED Home certification, region, and roof slope.
Are photographs required?
The revised form requires supporting evidence for applicable attributes in questions 2 through 9. Qualifying documentation may be accepted in place of photographs where the form permits.
Do impact windows automatically qualify for an insurance discount?
No. The inspector must evaluate the property and applicable opening-protection characteristics. Insurance treatment depends on the insurer and policy.
Does the form include impact doors?
Yes. Opening protection includes applicable glazed and non-glazed exterior openings, which can include entry doors and other door systems.
Does the form include garage doors?
Yes. The opening-protection chart addresses garage doors as well as other exterior openings.
What is FORTIFIED Home?
FORTIFIED Home is a program with specific construction and mitigation standards. The revised form recognizes qualifying Roof, Silver, and Gold certifications as supporting evidence for specified attributes.
Does the new form increase insurance discounts?
Not automatically. Citizens stated in March 2026 that the revisions would not change its available or applied credits at that time. Homeowners should confirm current treatment with their own insurer.
Do I need a new inspection if I already have one?
Not necessarily. A form may remain valid for up to five years if no material structural changes or inaccuracies affect it. Insurer-specific acceptance requirements should be confirmed.
Can Statewide help with impact-window project documentation?
Statewide Windows & Doors helps homeowners navigate product selection, permitting, installation, and inspections associated with window and door replacement projects. A separately authorized professional must complete any required wind-mitigation inspection.
Final Words
Florida's updated 2026 wind-mitigation form places continued importance on accurately documenting a home's wind-resistant construction features.
For homeowners who have installed impact windows, impact doors, or completed roofing improvements, the changes reinforce the value of keeping detailed project records.
Opening protection should be evaluated across the applicable exterior openings, not just the newest windows.
Photographs and supporting documentation also play an important role in the revised inspection process.
Homeowners should work with an authorized inspector, retain their product and permit records, and confirm insurance-specific requirements with their insurance professional.
Understanding the updated form can help homeowners prepare for inspections and maintain a more complete record of their hurricane-protection improvements.
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