Does Your Roof Qualify for Florida’s Mitigation Credits?

Does Your Roof Qualify for Florida’s Mitigation Credits?

If you’re a Florida homeowner, chances are you’ve heard of wind mitigation credits. These credits are part of a state-backed effort to reward property owners who take steps to strengthen their homes against hurricane-force winds. They can lead to substantial savings on your homeowner’s insurance. But not every roof qualifies. So, how do you know if yours does?

What Are Wind Mitigation Credits?

Florida’s wind mitigation program was created to help reduce damage from strong storms and hurricanes. In return for investing in protective features, homeowners may be eligible for insurance premium discounts. These are called wind mitigation credits.

Insurance companies assess your roof and other parts of your home to determine how well they can withstand high winds. The more resilient the structure, the lower your risk profile. Lower risk means lower premiums.

The good news is that even if your roof isn’t brand new, it might still qualify—if it has the right features.

Why Roofs Play a Big Role

The roof is the first line of defense in a windstorm. When a roof fails, everything beneath it is at risk. That’s why insurers look closely at roofing materials, installation techniques, and how the roof connects to the rest of the home.

In Florida, where building codes are strict and hurricanes are a constant threat, certain roofing upgrades are highly encouraged. Some of these upgrades may already be part of your roof, especially if it was installed or replaced after 2002. That’s when Florida introduced major changes to the building code.

Roof Features That Qualify

To earn mitigation credits, your roof needs to include specific features. Here’s what insurers are typically looking for:

Roof Shape

The shape of your roof impacts how wind moves around your home. Some shapes are more aerodynamic, reducing the risk of wind uplift. Hip roofs, which slope down on all sides, are preferred. They offer better wind resistance than gable roofs, which have flat vertical ends.

If your home has a full hip roof, you’re more likely to receive a credit.

Roof Deck Attachment

This refers to how the roof decking—the plywood or OSB panels that form the base of your roof—is fastened to the trusses or rafters. The stronger the connection, the more secure your roof is during high winds.

Common attachment methods include:

• 6d nails spaced 6 inches apart
• 8d nails spaced 6 inches apart (stronger)
• Clips or hurricane ties that reinforce the deck-to-truss connection
  

Homes built after 2001 often meet higher standards for deck attachment. If your roof was updated more recently, it might qualify.

Roof Covering

The type of roofing material matters. Asphalt shingles, metal panels, and tiles all qualify if they meet Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements. But it’s not just the material—it’s also how it’s installed.

For example, shingles must be nailed in a specific pattern using corrosion-resistant nails to comply with FBC guidelines. If your roof covering meets current code, you could receive credits for it.

Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)

This is an extra layer of protection beneath your roof covering. SWR keeps water out if your primary roof system fails. In Florida, this usually means a peel-and-stick membrane that seals around nails and resists leaks.

Homes with SWR qualify for one of the more valuable credits. It’s not required by code but is a smart upgrade if you’re planning a roof replacement.

Roof-to-Wall Connection

The way your roof is anchored to the walls below affects how well it holds up under pressure. Builders use different hardware to strengthen this connection:

• Toe nails (least secure)
• Clips (moderate)
• Straps (most secure)

The more robust the connectors, the higher your chance of qualifying for mitigation discounts.

How to Find Out if Your Roof Qualifies

You’ll need a wind mitigation inspection to know for sure. A licensed inspector evaluates your roof and fills out a standard form called the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. This form is used by all insurance companies in Florida.

The inspection is visual and non-invasive. It usually takes an hour or two and costs between $75 and $150. The potential insurance savings often outweigh the cost.

If your home qualifies for multiple credits, you could save hundreds—sometimes even over a thousand dollars—annually on insurance premiums.

What If Your Roof Doesn’t Qualify?

If your roof falls short, don’t worry. You still have options. Many homeowners use wind mitigation inspections as a roadmap for future upgrades. For example, if your roof deck is in good shape but lacks SWR, you can plan to install it during your next roof maintenance or repair.

Replacing toe nails with hurricane straps or upgrading roof covering during a scheduled replacement can also earn credits. These aren’t always expensive changes, but they add long-term value and protection.

Replacing Your Roof? Plan for Mitigation Features

If you’re already thinking about replacing your roof, now is the time to add qualifying features. Make sure your contractor is familiar with Florida Building Code and mitigation best practices.

Ask for peel-and-stick underlayment instead of felt. Choose materials rated for high wind resistance. Ensure proper nail spacing and hurricane clips are used during installation.

A roof replacement is a major investment—but if done right, it pays off in more ways than one. You’ll not only have a safer home, but also lower insurance costs for years to come.

Conclusion

Mitigation credits are one of the few ways homeowners in Florida can reduce their insurance premiums. With rising insurance rates across the state, it’s worth knowing where your roof stands.

Even older homes can qualify if they’ve been upgraded properly. A quick inspection gives you a clear picture and can help you make informed decisions when planning roof work.

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a licensed roofing contractor who understands Florida’s wind mitigation requirements. They can inspect your current setup, explain your options, and guide you toward a more storm-ready—and cost-effective—home.