Florida homeowners know the weather isn’t just sunshine and beaches — it’s also hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds. That’s why wind mitigation has become a vital part of both home protection and insurance savings.
In this guide, we’ll explain what wind mitigation is, why it matters in Florida, and how American US Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Miami, can help you lower your premiums and better protect your home.
What Is Wind Mitigation?
Wind mitigation refers to construction features and upgrades that help protect a home against damage from high winds. In Florida — where hurricanes and strong storms are common — wind mitigation can make a significant difference in both safety and insurance costs.
Florida insurance companies are required to offer discounts when a home includes certain wind-resistant features. These discounts can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings per year.
What Does a Wind Mitigation Inspection Check?
A wind mitigation inspection is a special home inspection performed by a licensed professional. The inspector looks for specific features that make your home more resistant to wind damage.
Key areas evaluated include:
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Roof Covering: The type of shingles or materials used, and how recently they were installed.
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Roof Deck Attachment: How the roof is fastened to the home’s structure — staples, nails, screws, etc.
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Roof-to-Wall Connections: Are hurricane straps or clips used? These prevent the roof from lifting off in high winds.
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Roof Geometry: Homes with hip roofs typically fare better in windstorms.
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Secondary Water Resistance: Underlayment materials that help prevent leaks if the roof is damaged.
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Opening Protection: Are windows, doors, and garage doors protected with impact-resistant glass or shutters?
Homes with more of these features typically qualify for the largest insurance discounts.
How Much Can You Save?
Homeowners who complete a wind mitigation inspection and have qualifying features can save up to 30–40% on the windstorm portion of their homeowners' insurance.
The cost of a wind mitigation inspection usually ranges between $75 and $150, and many homeowners recoup that cost in savings during the first year alone.
At American US Insurance, we work directly with homeowners to evaluate your inspection results and ensure all eligible discounts are applied to your policy. We’ve helped many Florida residents reduce their annual premium by $500 or more — just by taking advantage of credits they already qualified for.
How to Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
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Hire a licensed inspector who is certified to complete wind mitigation inspections in Florida.
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The inspector completes a standardized form after evaluating your home.
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Submit the completed inspection form to your insurance agency.
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The insurance company recalculates your premium based on any qualified discounts.
American US Insurance partners with trusted local inspectors throughout Florida and can connect you with a certified professional in your area.
What If My Home Doesn’t Qualify?
If your home lacks wind mitigation features, don’t worry — many improvements are easy to make:
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Install hurricane shutters or impact-rated windows
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Reinforce your roof with clips or straps
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Add a secondary water barrier under your roofing materials
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Replace outdated garage doors with wind-rated models
We’ll walk you through the changes that offer the best return on investment — and help you get re-inspected when you’re ready.
Why This Matters Now
In recent years, Florida has seen a sharp increase in homeowners insurance premiums. But with the right wind mitigation credits, you may be able to offset those increases.
If you're renewing your policy this year, now’s the perfect time to schedule an inspection and review your current coverage. The licensed agents at American US Insurance are here to help you make informed decisions, unlock available discounts, and protect your home for the long haul.
Wind Mitigation FAQ
Q: Is a wind mitigation inspection required in Florida?
A: No, but it's highly recommended. It’s the only way to unlock wind mitigation discounts on your home insurance.
Q: How often should I get a wind mitigation inspection?
A: Typically every 5 years, or after you make qualifying upgrades like installing a new roof or hurricane shutters.
Q: How long does the inspection take?
A: Most inspections take 30 to 60 minutes and can be scheduled at your convenience.
Q: What if my home doesn’t pass?
A: There’s no pass or fail — but the fewer wind-resistant features you have, the fewer discounts you’ll qualify for. Many homeowners choose to upgrade and then get re-inspected.
Q: Who do I submit my report to?
A: Send it directly to your insurance agent. At American US Insurance, we’ll handle it for you and ensure the right discounts are applied.
About American US Insurance
American US Insurance is an independent insurance agency based in Miami, Florida, serving homeowners and businesses across the state. Our licensed agents specialize in finding smart, affordable insurance solutions tailored to Florida’s unique challenges — from hurricanes to rising premiums.
We work with top-rated carriers, but we work for you — comparing policies, applying discounts, and explaining coverage in plain terms. Whether you're a longtime homeowner or buying your first house, we’re here to protect what matters most.
Proudly serving Miami and all of Florida
Visit us at amerinsured.com to get started