Wind mitigation inspections are a vital tool for Florida homeowners, helping to secure insurance premium discounts by documenting features that bolster a home’s resistance to hurricane-force winds. Question 2 of the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802) commonly referred to as a Wind Mitigation asses the roof covering, which serves as the first line of defense against storms. This question evaluates whether your roof’s materials and installation meet Florida’s stringent building codes, directly impacting your eligibility for insurance credits. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the history of roof covering standards, what the question asks, how inspectors assess it, the science behind its importance, common scenarios, and what it means for you as a homeowner.
The History of Roof Covering Standards in Florida: Lessons from the Storms
Florida’s roof covering requirements were shaped by the devastating lessons of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, a Category 5 storm that exposed the fragility of many roofing systems. Shingles, tiles even entire roofs blew off, families shattered, and this was all compounded by water intrusion causing widespread damage, contributing to over $25 billion in losses. This catastrophe prompted a major overhaul of building standards, particularly in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, designated as the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). The South Florida Building Code (SFBC-94), effective September 1, 1994, introduced rigorous product approval systems for roofing materials, requiring them to withstand high wind speeds and resist uplift forces. Wikipedia Hurricane Andrew
By March 1, 2002, the Florida Building Code (FBC 2001) extended similar standards statewide, mandating that roof coverings meet specific wind resistance criteria, such as those outlined in ASTM standards. The FBC also introduced the Florida Product Approval system, ensuring materials are tested for durability in hurricane conditions. In the HVHZ, the Miami-Dade Product Approval system also known as NOA (Notice Of Approval) sets an even higher bar, requiring materials to endure wind speeds and resist wind-borne debris. These standards have evolved with updates, like the FBC 2007, which refined installation requirements to enhance roof performance. Studies, such as the 2024 Applied Research Associates (ARA) Loss Mitigation Study, continue to validate these measures, showing significant loss reductions for compliant roofs.
What is Question 2? Breaking Down the Question Itself
Question 2
“Roof Covering: Does the roof covering comply with the wind resistance requirements of the Florida Building Code (2001 or later) or, for homes in the HVHZ (Miami-Dade or Broward Counties), the 1994 South Florida Building Code (or later)?”
Question 2 on the Wind Mitigation Form evaluates whether the roof covering (e.g., shingles, tiles, metal, etc.) and its installation comply with the wind resistance requirements of the Florida Building Code (FBC 2001 or later) or, for homes in the HVHZ (Miami-Dade or Broward Counties), the 1994 South Florida Building Code (SFBC-94 or later).
It focuses solely on whether the roof was installed with a permit aligned with these codes or has a valid Florida Product Approval number or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) number (HVHZ). The roof’s current condition is not considered.
How to Answer Question 2: Evaluation and Documentation
Inspectors assess Question 2 based on specific criteria tied to the roof’s permit date or product approval:
- Statewide (outside Miami-Dade and Broward):
- The roof covering qualifies if the permit was issued on or after March 1, 2002, aligning with FBC 2001 or later, OR
- The roof is original and the home was built in 2004 or later (indicating compliance with FBC 2001), OR
- Lastly by verifying a Florida Product Approval number. This is often challenging due to a lack of access to original contracts or roofing material and/or documentation. This information is required for confirmation in the Florida Building Commission’s database.
- HVHZ (Miami-Dade and Broward Counties):
- The roof covering qualifies if the permit was issued on or after September 1, 1994, aligning with SFBC-94 or later, OR
- The roof is original and the home was built in 1997 or later, OR
- The roofing material has a valid Miami-Dade Product Approval number, confirmed via Miami-Dade’s Notice of Acceptance (NOA) database.
Inspectors, authorized under Section 627.711(2)(a), Florida Statutes, verify compliance by reviewing permit records, certificates of completion, or product approval documentation. They document the roof covering type (e.g., asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, metal panels), permit number, and installation date, attaching photos of any relevant labels or documents to the form. The form remains valid for five years, barring significant changes to the roof. If you’re looking to locate permits for your home, you can visit our website, which includes a dedicated page with convenient links to the permitting departments for the regions we serve, including Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Lake, and Volusia counties. Orlando Inspex Permit Links
The Science Behind the Savings: ARA Studies and Loss Reductions
The insurance discounts tied to Question 2 are grounded in data from engineering studies, most recently by the 2024 ARA Loss Mitigation Study commissioned by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Using the HURLOSS model, this study simulates hurricane impacts across thousands of scenarios, analyzing how roof coverings perform under wind pressures and debris impacts. The findings show that code compliant roof coverings reduce insured losses by 30–50% compared to noncompliant roofs, particularly in high wind events.
These reductions translate into meaningful premium discounts for the wind portion of your policy, covering the dwelling, contents, and additional living expenses. The Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology validates these models, ensuring their reliability. Compliant roofs not only save money but also enhance a home’s ability to withstand storms, protecting both property and occupants.
Common Field Scenarios and Nuances: What Affects Question 2
Roof replacements and other factors can complicate Question 2, but they don’t always change the answer:
- Entire New Roof Installation: A re-roof after March 1, 2002 (or September 1, 1994 in HVHZ) with a valid permit or product approval qualifies for a “Yes,” even if the home predates these dates.
- Partial Roof Coverings: Homes with multiple roof coverings, such as on the main structure and an addition, may be classified as Category C (partial compliance) if not all sections meet the required standards.
- Missing Permits or Documentation: Without a permit or product approval number, the roof may not qualify, even if the materials appear modern. Homeowners can sometimes resolve this by obtaining a retroactive permit (rare) or product approval verification.
- Roof Condition: Question 2 doesn’t assess wear, leaks, or remaining life. Those are covered on different inspections like a Roof Certification or 4-Point Inspection.
What It All Means for Homeowners: Savings, Safety, and Next Steps
Question 2 signals that your roof covering meets wind resistance standards, unlocking insurance credits that can substantially reduce your annual premiums. Beyond savings, compliant roofs offer greater protection against hurricanes, reducing the risk of costly repairs and ensuring safer shelter for your family. Programs like My Safe Florida Home can provide grants to upgrade non-compliant roofs, amplifying these benefits.
Plain-Language Takeaway
If your roof’s permit was issued after March 1, 2002 (or September 1, 1994 in HVHZ), or it has a valid Florida or Miami-Dade Product Approval number, you’re likely in store of savings from Question 2. This means lower insurance costs and a roof better equipped to handle Florida’s storms. Check your permit records or reach out to us here at Orlando Inspex to confirm eligibility, and schedule an inspection to document it.
For more resources, visit the Citizens Insurance wind mitigation page or contact us to schedule your inspection!
