← Back to Blog

4-Point Inspection vs. Wind Mitigation: What Florida Homeowners Need to Know

February 15, 2026·6 min read·Insurance

Two Inspections, Two Very Different Purposes

If you own a home in Florida, you've probably heard about 4-point inspections and wind mitigation inspections. They're often mentioned together, but they serve completely different purposes.

4-Point Inspection = Required by your insurance company to *get* or *keep* coverage.

Wind Mitigation Inspection = Saves you money on your insurance premiums.

Let's break down each one.

The 4-Point Inspection

What Is It?

A 4-point inspection evaluates the four major systems in your home:

1. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

2. Electrical (panel, wiring type, and condition)

3. Plumbing (pipes, water heater, fixtures)

4. Roof (material, age, and condition)

Who Needs One?

Most Florida insurance companies require a 4-point inspection for homes over 20 years old (some require it at 15 years). If you're:

  • Buying an older home
  • Switching insurance carriers
  • Renewing your policy on an older home
  • ...you'll likely need one.

    What Happens If You Fail?

    You don't technically "pass" or "fail" a 4-point inspection — but the insurance company reviews the report and may:

  • Accept your home — and issue/renew the policy
  • Require repairs — before issuing coverage (common with old roofs, outdated electrical panels like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, or polybutylene plumbing)
  • Decline coverage — if the issues are severe enough
  • How Much Does It Cost?

    A 4-point inspection in Orlando typically costs $75–$150. It takes about 30–45 minutes and is much less involved than a full home inspection.

    The Wind Mitigation Inspection

    What Is It?

    A wind mitigation inspection documents your home's wind-resistant features. Florida law (Section 627.0629, Florida Statutes) requires insurance companies to offer discounts for homes with qualifying wind-resistant construction.

    What We Inspect

  • Roof covering — material and age
  • Roof deck attachment — how the plywood is attached to the trusses (nails vs. staples, spacing)
  • Roof-to-wall connections — clips, single wraps, or double wraps (this is the big one for discounts)
  • Roof geometry — hip roof vs. gable (hip roofs get bigger discounts)
  • Secondary water resistance (SWR) — barrier under the roof covering
  • Opening protection — hurricane shutters, impact-rated windows and doors
  • How Much Can You Save?

    This is where it gets exciting. Depending on your home's features, a wind mitigation inspection can save you:

  • $500–$1,500+ per year — on homeowner's insurance
  • Homes with double wraps, hip roofs, and impact windows see the biggest savings
  • The inspection costs $75–$150 and pays for itself in the first month of savings
  • Every Florida Homeowner Should Get One

    Even if your home is newer, you're likely leaving money on the table. We've inspected homes where the owner was paying $3,000/year for insurance and, after documenting their wind-resistant features, they dropped to under $1,500.

    Can You Do Both at the Same Time?

    Yes! And we recommend it. When you bundle a 4-point and wind mitigation inspection, it saves time and we typically offer a bundled price. Both inspections can be completed in about an hour.

    Which One Do You Need?

    Situation4-Point?Wind Mit?
    Buying a home (20+ years old)✅ Required✅ Recommended
    Buying a newer home❌ Usually not✅ Recommended
    Renewing insurance (older home)✅ Likely required✅ Recommended
    Want to lower your premium❌ Not needed✅ Yes!
    Insurance company request✅ As required✅ If requested

    Schedule Your Inspection

    Whether you need a 4-point, wind mitigation, or both — contact us to schedule. We serve Orlando, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Sanford, and all of Central Florida. Same-week availability is usually possible.

    Patrick Hardy

    Patrick Hardy

    Owner & Lead Inspector · 20+ Years Experience

    Licensed home inspector, ICA educator, and Army veteran. Patrick founded H&H Real Estate Consulting to give every client the full picture — no shortcuts, no surprises.

    Ready to schedule your inspection?

    Call us at (407) 258-1886 or request a quote online.

    Get a Quote