The answer to this questions lies in the difference between “hurrcane windows” and “impact windows.” New windows installed throughout Florida are required by code to stand up to the extreme wind pressure exerted on them during a hurricane, and are called “hurricane windows.” Homeowners often show us manufacturer documentation indicating that their new windows are rated by the manufacturer at 130 mph winds or more. 

    But the only windows that get a discount on the wind mitigation form are “impact windows,” the ones that are also built to take a hit from flying debris during a hurricane. Impact windows or shutters are required by code in South Florida and coastal areas around the state, but not in most of central and north Florida. They are easily identified by a sticker on the frame indicating ASTM and Florida or Miami-Dade Building Code approval numbers.

    Also see our blog post What can I do during a hurricane to reduce the possiblity of roof damage?

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about the WIND MITIGATION FORM:

• How much does a wind mitigation inspection save on insurance?

• Who can perform a wind mitigation inspection in Florida?

• How long does it take for a wind mitigation inspection? 

• What is checked during a wind mitigation inspection? 

• Is a wind mitigation inspection report (OIR-B1-1802) required for homeowners insurance in Florida? 

• Which building permit date is used for the Building Code section of the wind mitigation form? 

• What are the different roof deck attachment discount categories for a wind mitigation inspection?

• What determines the year of a house? 

• What is the difference between a toe nail, clip, single wrap, and double wrap for the wind mitigation form?

 • How do I get the hip roof discount for my homeowners windstorm insurance?

• Can I do my own wind mitigation inspection?   

• What’s the difference between a gable and hip roof for my insurance? 

• What is the wind mitigation inspection for homeowner's insurance? 

• Why did I get no discounts or only a small discount from my wind mitigation inspection? 

• How can I tell how hurricane resistant a Florida house is before I buy it?

• How long does a wind mitigation inspection remain valid? 

• What is a wind mitigation discount?

• Do I get a a discount for partial hurricane shutters in a Wind Mitigation inspection?

• Why did I get no discount for roof-to-wall-attachment in my Wind Mitigation report? 

• What’s the difference between a four-point and wind mitigation inspection?

• What is the discount for Secondary Water Resistance (SWR) on a Wind Mitigation Inspection Report (OIR-B1-1802)? 

• What is the discount for gable end bracing in a Wind Mitigation Inspection (OIR-B1-1802)? 

• What is the discount for wall construction type in a Wind Mitigation Inspection Report (OIR-B1-1802)?

• Does RhinoRoof® underlayment qualify to the Secondary Water Resistance (SWR) discount on a Florida Wind Mitigation (OIR-B1-1802) inspection? 

• Can I get the Florida Building Code (FBC) discount on a wind mitigation form even if the permit application was before March 1, 2002?

• What is the difference between the HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) and the Wind-Borne Debris Region in Florida Building Code? 

• If the strap has 2 nails at my roof trusses, what credit do I get on my wind mitigation inspection?

• Is a digital signature acceptable for customers on the Florida Wind Mitigation Form (OIR-B1-1802)? 

• Can I get a wind mitigation inspection for a mobile home? 

• Can I get a wind mitigation inspection for a modular home?

• Why didn't I get the hip roof discount on my wind mitigation inspection? 

     Visit our INSURANCE page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.