Question 1

What is a 4-point inspection in Florida?

Accepted Answer

It's a short inspection of four systems an insurer cares about: the roof, electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling. It isn't a full home inspection. The insurer uses it to decide whether it will write the policy, and Citizens says plainly that it's not a warranty on any of those systems.

Question 2

When is a 4-point inspection required?

Accepted Answer

Citizens requires one on new applications for homes more than 20 years old, and the report has to be dated within 12 months of the application. Private insurers set their own rules, but most ask for one on older homes too. It's usually a new-policy requirement, though Citizens can ask for one at renewal case by case.

Question 3

What is a wind mitigation inspection?

Accepted Answer

It documents the features that help a house hold up in a hurricane, on the state's Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802). The current version took effect April 1, 2026. It records the building code the home was built under, roof covering, how the roof deck is attached, how the roof is tied to the walls, roof shape, whether there's a secondary water barrier, and whether the windows and doors are protected.

Question 4

Does a wind mitigation inspection lower my insurance?

Accepted Answer

It can, and Florida law requires insurers to offer the discounts. Under F.S. 627.0629, insurers' rates have to include credits or deductible reductions for wind-resistant features like roof-to-wall attachment, roof deck strength and opening protection. The inspection is how you prove you have them. Without the form, the insurer usually assumes you don't.

Question 5

How long is a wind mitigation report good for?

Accepted Answer

Up to five years, as long as nothing material has changed on the house, like a new roof or new windows. If you've made upgrades, a new inspection can pick up credits the old form didn't show.

Question 6

Who can do these inspections?

Accepted Answer

For the 4-point, Citizens accepts a Florida-licensed home inspector, general, residential or building contractor, or building code inspector, and a licensed tradesperson can sign just their own section. For wind mitigation, Florida law lists licensed home inspectors with the hurricane mitigation training, building code inspectors, general, building or residential contractors, engineers and architects.

Question 7

Can an insurer drop me because my roof is old?

Accepted Answer

Not for age alone if the roof is under 15 years old. Florida law bars insurers from refusing to write or renew a policy solely because of roof age in that case. For a roof 15 years or older, you can pay for a roof inspection, and if it shows at least 5 years of useful life left, the insurer can't refuse on age alone. Citizens' own rule: shingle roofs over 25 years and tile or metal roofs over 50 need to show 5 years of remaining life.

Question 8

Can I get a wind mitigation inspection for free?

Accepted Answer

Maybe. The state's My Safe Florida Home program offers free inspections for owner-occupied, homesteaded single-family homes, and grants for upgrades on homes built before 2008 with an insured value of $700,000 or less: up to $10,000, matched $2 for every $1 you put in, or with no match for low-income homeowners. It was taking applications as of August 2026, but funding comes in rounds and can run out.

4-point and wind mitigation inspections, explained.

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