Wind can be the biggest line item on your Florida insurance bill. If you own a home in Bradenton or you are buying on Anna Maria Island, wind mitigation credits can lower that cost and strengthen your home at the same time. You want clarity on what counts, how to qualify, and what kind of savings to expect. This guide breaks it all down and shows you how to move from inspection to credits with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Wind mitigation credits explained
Wind mitigation credits are discounts that insurers offer when your home has features proven to reduce wind damage. Florida law requires insurers to provide actuarially reasonable credits for these features and to share details publicly. The credits apply to the wind or hurricane part of your policy, not to flood or other perils. You can review the state’s requirement in Florida Statute Chapter 627.
To claim credits, you submit the state’s Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, also called OIR‑B1‑1802, to your insurer. The form includes photos and is generally valid for up to five years if you do not make structural changes, according to guidance on Form 1802.
What counts for credits
Inspections focus on a short list of features documented on Form 1802. These are the items most likely to earn you credits in Bradenton.
Year built and code level
Homes built to newer Florida Building Code editions often earn better pricing. Inspections document your year built and major permitted upgrades that bring your home to current standards. See an overview of the form’s focus areas in this wind mitigation features guide.
Roof covering and install date
Newer, code‑approved roof coverings can qualify for meaningful credits. Inspectors verify your roof material, the installation or replacement date, and product approvals.
Roof deck attachment
Nail type and spacing that secure the roof sheathing affect uplift resistance. Tighter spacing and larger nails can improve your credit tier.
Roof‑to‑wall connections
Metal clips or straps that tie roof framing to the walls create a continuous load path. Upgrading from simple toe‑nails to clips or straps often improves your credit.
Roof shape and gable bracing
Hip roofs usually score better than gables. Braced gable ends may earn partial credit.
Opening protection
Impact‑rated windows and doors or approved shutters protect every opening. Insurers often require protection on all openings for the highest credit. Keep product labels, approvals, and photos.
Secondary water resistance
A self‑adhering membrane under the roof covering helps keep water out if shingles lift. Inspectors look for documentation when it cannot be seen directly.
Garage door strength
Wind‑rated garage doors or bracing help prevent pressure failures that can lead to major damage. This can be a high‑value upgrade in coastal areas.
Who can inspect and sign
Florida allows several licensed professionals to complete wind mitigation inspections and sign Form 1802. Qualified signatories include licensed contractors, architects, professional engineers, certified building code inspectors, and licensed home inspectors who completed an approved wind‑mitigation course. You can review qualifications in this inspector eligibility overview.
How to get your credits
Follow these steps to document features and request savings.
Schedule an inspection. Hire a qualified inspector to complete OIR‑B1‑1802 with photos. The form and photos are your proof. See what the form captures in this Form 1802 explainer.
Send the form to your insurer. Submit the completed report to your agent or company. Insurers apply credits based on their filed rate plans. Learn how credits are applied to the wind portion of your policy in this credit application notice.
Keep records and calendar a refresh. The form is generally valid for up to five years if nothing major changes. If you reroof or replace windows, get a new inspection to update credits.
Know typical cost and timing. Standalone wind mitigation inspections often run about $75 to $300 and take 30 to 60 minutes on site. See examples of pricing and process in this inspection services overview.
What you could save
Actual savings depend on your carrier and the features your home has. Industry examples often show reductions around 10 to 50 percent or more on the wind portion of your premium when features are documented correctly. Since the wind part can be a large share of a Bradenton policy, that can add up to hundreds or thousands per year. Ask your agent for a carrier‑specific estimate after you submit your Form 1802. See common ranges in this wind mitigation features guide.
Remember, these credits affect only the wind portion of your policy. Flood risk is separate and handled by flood insurance. For coastal Bradenton, review both wind and flood needs. This overview of Florida insurance basics explains the distinction.
Upgrade costs and ROI
Some improvements pay back faster than others. Get local quotes to confirm your numbers.
- Garage door reinforcement or replacement. Often about $500 to $3,000 depending on size and rating.
- Impact windows and doors. Whole‑home projects can run several thousand to tens of thousands. See national ranges in this impact window cost guide.
- Roof‑to‑wall connectors. Retrofitting clips or straps varies by access and roof design. Many single‑family homes fall in the low thousands.
- Reroof to modern code with a secondary water barrier. Costs depend on size and materials; adding a self‑adhering underlayment can help with credits.
For eligible homeowners, Florida’s My Safe Florida Home program offers free inspections and grant help for approved work when funding is available. The program was expanded in 2025 with significant new funding. See details in this program update and apply through the program portal.
Bradenton buyer and seller tips
Whether you are keeping, selling, or buying a home, use these local steps to protect your budget.
If you own in Bradenton
- Order a wind mitigation inspection if you do not have a recent one. Check My Safe Florida Home for free inspections when available.
- Submit the form to your insurer and request a written premium estimate showing applied credits. Ask how your carrier combines credits and whether caps apply. See how carriers apply credits in this rate filing notice.
- If upgrades make sense, collect multiple bids and compare savings against cost. Save permits, receipts, and photos. Reinspect after upgrades to update credits.
If you are buying in Bradenton
- Ask the seller for any existing Form 1802, roof permits, and documentation for windows and doors. Order your own wind mitigation inspection for current documentation.
- Remember that wind credits reduce wind premiums. Flood risk is separate, so review flood zones and lender requirements for coastal properties.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming credits apply automatically. You must submit Form 1802 for the insurer to apply credits.
- Overestimating savings. Credits apply to the wind portion and some carriers cap totals or combine credits in specific ways.
- Skipping documentation. Keep photos, product labels, and permits. Inaccurate forms can cause issues during claims.
- Ignoring the garage door. A reinforced or rated garage door can be a high‑value upgrade in wind events.
Ready to make a smart move?
Wind mitigation credits can lower your carrying costs and make your Bradenton or Anna Maria Island home more resilient. If you are planning to buy, sell, or reposition a property for personal use or rental income, let’s create a plan that aligns upgrades, insurance savings, and market value. Reach out to Jessica Batten for local guidance and a smooth path from inspection to closing.
FAQs
What is a wind mitigation credit in Florida?
- It is an insurance discount for documented features that reduce wind damage, required by state law and applied to the wind portion of your premium per Florida Statute Chapter 627.
How do I qualify for wind credits in Bradenton?
- You schedule a wind mitigation inspection, get Form OIR‑B1‑1802 with photos, and submit it to your insurer to apply credits as explained in this Form 1802 guide.
Who can complete the wind mitigation inspection in Florida?
- Licensed contractors, architects, professional engineers, certified building code inspectors, and home inspectors with approved training can sign the form per this inspector eligibility overview.
How long is the wind mitigation form valid?
- The OIR‑B1‑1802 is generally valid for up to five years if no structural changes are made, per this Form 1802 explainer.
Do wind credits affect flood insurance for Bradenton homes?
- No. Wind credits adjust the wind portion of your homeowner policy, while flood is separate coverage, as outlined in this Florida insurance overview.
