Two Reports You'll Hear About Often in Florida
If you're buying a home in the Florida Keys, you'll likely hear the terms Wind Mitigation Inspection and Four-Point Inspection early in the process.
While they may sound similar, they serve very different purposes—and both can play an important role in obtaining homeowners insurance.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A Wind Mitigation Inspection evaluates features that may help a home better withstand high winds during tropical storms and hurricanes.
It looks at items such as:
- Roof shape
- Roof covering
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Secondary water resistance
- Impact-rated windows and doors
- Hurricane shutters
- Garage door protection
These features may help reduce the home's vulnerability to wind damage and can sometimes qualify for insurance credits, depending on the insurer and the home's characteristics.
What Is a Four-Point Inspection?
A Four-Point Inspection focuses on four key systems that insurance companies commonly evaluate, particularly for older homes:
Roof
Age, condition, remaining useful life
Electrical
Panel type, wiring, visible hazards
Plumbing
Supply lines, drain lines, fixtures, water heater
HVAC
Heating and air conditioning systems, age, condition, operation
Unlike a general home inspection, a Four-Point Inspection is primarily designed to provide insurance carriers with information about these major systems.
Do You Always Need Both?
Not necessarily.
Whether either report is required depends on factors such as:
- The age of the home
- The insurance company
- The type of policy
- The property's characteristics
Your insurance agent can help determine which reports may be needed.
Can They Save Money?
Homes with certain wind-resistant features may qualify for insurance credits.
While savings vary, understanding these features before you buy can help you evaluate the total cost of ownership—not just the purchase price.
Academy Tip
When comparing two homes with similar prices, don't overlook differences in insurance costs. Features like a newer roof, impact-rated openings, and favorable inspection results may influence your long-term ownership expenses.
Free Download
Wind Mitigation & Four-Point Inspection Comparison Guide
Inside you'll find:
- Side-by-side comparison chart
- What each inspection evaluates
- Questions to ask your insurance agent
- Features that may improve insurability
- Space to record inspection findings
Coming Next
Lesson 11
Building Codes & Permits in the Florida Keys
Learn why permit history matters, how to verify improvements, and what buyers should review before closing.
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