Maintain Your Wind‑Mit Credits: Palm Beach Owner To‑Dos

Are you counting on wind-mitigation credits to help keep your Palm Beach County insurance costs in check? You are not alone. With premiums rising, you want to hold on to every discount you have already earned. This quick guide shows you what counts, when to update your inspection, how to avoid common rejections, and which local steps matter most. Let’s dive in.

What wind‑mit credits are

Florida requires insurers to recognize discounts for proven wind‑hardening features on your home. Those credits are documented on the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, also known as OIR‑B1‑1802. You submit this form to your insurer so they can apply credits under state rules. You can find official wind mitigation resources and the form through the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

• Florida law outlines how insurers handle mitigation credits and how the state evaluates them over time. See the statute overview for the latest framework at the Florida Legislature’s website: Florida Statutes, Chapter 627.
• For consumer resources and the OIR‑B1‑1802 form, see the Florida OIR wind mitigation page.

When credits can change

Your OIR‑B1‑1802 is generally accepted by insurers for up to five years if the structure has not materially changed. If you replace your roof, install impact windows, or alter your garage door, plan on a new inspection. State regulators also reevaluate which features and discount levels are justified on a set schedule, including a checkpoint on or before January 1, 2025. Check your next renewal to confirm your credits remain applied.

• See OIR guidance on the form and validity window at the Florida OIR wind mitigation page.

Palm Beach owner to‑dos

Find your paperwork

• Locate your most recent OIR‑B1‑1802 and attached photos.
• Gather closed permits and final inspections for roof, window, door, or garage door work.
• Keep invoices and manufacturer approvals in the same folder. Organization speeds credit decisions.

Time an inspection update

• Schedule a wind‑mitigation inspection when you buy a home, before renewal if your form is older or missing, after any reroof or impact opening upgrades, or every five years to stay current.
• If you reroofed, wait until the permit is finaled to ensure everything is documented correctly. Use the Florida OIR resources for form details.

Hire a qualified inspector

• Use a Florida‑licensed home inspector with mitigation training, a licensed contractor, engineer, architect, or certified building code inspector.
• Confirm the license is active before you pay. Insurers can reject forms signed by unqualified or inactive inspectors. Learn what carriers look for at Citizens’ wind mitigation guidance and see license tips in this industry FAQ: Disaster Smart inspector FAQ.

Pull and close permits for upgrades

• In Palm Beach County, most permanent work that affects credits requires permits and final inspections. This includes reroofs, impact windows and doors, and garage doors.
• Keep your closed permit and final approval. Insurers often require these documents before applying credits. Review local code and permitting guidance at Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building.

Submit and confirm with your insurer

• Send the completed OIR‑B1‑1802 with permit documents, product approvals, and invoices to your agent or insurer well before renewal.
• Some carriers allow document deferrals for new policies with strict timelines. For example, Citizens has specific new business deferral rules. See their update on documentation timing: Citizens new business document timing.
• Verify credits appear on your policy declarations at renewal.

Plan for transfers and re‑inspections

• You need a new mitigation inspection if you materially change the home.
• When a property changes hands, the new owner typically needs a new form. The current owner’s attestation does not transfer permanently. See related guidance in Citizens support resources.

Explore mitigation assistance

• The My Safe Florida Home program periodically offers free inspections and grants that can help fund upgrades like impact windows or roof improvements.
• Funding opens and closes on cycles and often prioritizes certain applicants. Check current status and coverage updates here: Florida home hardening grant overview.

What inspectors look for

A wind‑mitigation inspection focuses on features that reduce wind damage and water intrusion. These include roof covering and age, the way the roof deck is attached, roof‑to‑wall connections, roof shape, sealed roof deck or secondary water barrier, and opening protection like impact windows, doors, shutters, and garage doors. See a clear overview of common inspection items here: Wind mitigation inspection basics.

Proof insurers accept

• Closed permits and final inspections, especially for reroofs and window or door work.
• Product approvals such as Florida or Miami‑Dade Notice of Acceptance numbers.
• Paid invoices and detailed contracts.
• Clear photos attached to your OIR‑B1‑1802. For examples of acceptable documentation, see this guideline summary: Homeowners program documentation tips.

Avoid common pitfalls

• Missing photos or incomplete forms can lead to a denial of credits.
• Forms signed by unlicensed or inactive inspectors are often rejected. Always verify credentials.
• Carriers may independently verify features and ask for additional proof like permits or product approvals. Review what carriers expect at Citizens’ wind mitigation guidance.

Keep your records tidy

Create a simple digital folder with your last OIR‑B1‑1802, inspector photos, closed permits, product approvals, and invoices. Update it after each project and re‑inspection. Share the folder with your insurance agent before renewal so credits are applied on time.

Ready to align your mitigation steps with your next move or investment in Palm Beach County? If you want a local, concierge real estate partner to coordinate timelines, connect you with vetted pros, and keep your transaction smooth from contract to close, reach out to Linda Faille-Roy.

FAQs

What is the OIR‑B1‑1802 wind mitigation form and why is it important?

• It is Florida’s standard inspection form that documents wind‑hardening features so insurers can apply discounts under state rules. See the Florida OIR wind mitigation page.

How long is my wind‑mitigation inspection valid in Palm Beach County?

• Insurers generally accept a completed OIR‑B1‑1802 for up to five years if there are no material changes to the structure. See the Florida OIR wind mitigation page.

When should I update my inspection after a reroof or window upgrade?

• After your permit is closed and the final inspection is approved, schedule a new OIR‑B1‑1802 so you can submit fresh documentation to your insurer. Check local permitting at Palm Beach County PZB.

Do wind‑mit credits transfer to a new owner when I buy a home?

• Not automatically. The current owner’s attestation does not carry over and the new owner typically needs a new mitigation form. See guidance in Citizens support resources.

Who can sign my wind‑mit form so my insurer accepts it?

• Florida‑licensed home inspectors with mitigation training, licensed contractors, professional engineers, architects, or certified building code inspectors can usually sign. Carriers verify credentials. See Citizens’ wind mitigation guidance.

What documents help prove impact windows and doors to my insurer?

• Closed permits, final inspection approvals, product approval numbers, invoices, and clear photos attached to your form. See documentation tips here: Homeowners program documentation tips.

Is the My Safe Florida Home grant program open right now?

• Funding opens and closes on cycles and can fill quickly. Check coverage updates and timing here: Florida home hardening grant overview.