As of April 1, 2026, a new wind mitigation form has officially been rolled out across Florida—and it’s creating real opportunities for homeowners to save money on their insurance premiums.
This updated form isn’t just a routine change. It reflects modern building science, updated testing data, and new approved installation methods that make it easier than ever to qualify for key insurance discounts.
What Changed With the New Wind Mitigation Form?
The updated form introduces expanded qualification paths for some of the most valuable insurance credits. In simple terms, homeowners now have more ways to prove their home is hurricane-resistant, which can translate into bigger savings.
Two of the biggest areas of improvement include:
- Secondary Water Resistance (SWR) credits
- Roof-to-wall connection (clips and straps) credits
- Slope of the roof must now be recorded
- The wind zone home is located in must also be documented
More Ways to Qualify for SWR (Secondary Water Resistance)
SWR is one of the most valuable features when it comes to protecting your home from water intrusion during a storm. The new form recognizes additional installation methods when re-roofing a home.
This means:
- Homeowners installing a new roof now have more options to qualify
- Contractors can use updated, approved systems to meet requirements
- You may be eligible for a discount even if your method wouldn’t have qualified under the old form
If you’re planning a roof replacement, this change alone could make a significant difference in long-term insurance costs.
New Options for Roof-to-Wall Connection Credits
Roof-to-wall connections are critical in high winds, and the new form expands how homeowners can qualify for these credits.
Previously, qualifying for clips or straps often required very specific configurations. Now, there are multiple approved retrofit methods, making it easier to upgrade older homes without major reconstruction.
One of the biggest developments comes from Simpson Strong-Tie, an industry leader in structural connectors. Their newly approved retrofit solutions provide practical ways to strengthen existing homes and meet current insurance standards.
These systems are now recognized by the state, giving homeowners more flexibility when upgrading their properties.
Homes Built Between 1970–1999: A Hidden Opportunity
If your home was built between 1970 and 1999, there’s a very good chance it already has hurricane clips installed.
However, many of these homes don’t currently qualify for insurance credits—not because the clips are missing, but because they don’t have enough nails to meet today’s standards.
Here’s the good news:
👉 In many cases, you can retrofit those existing clips simply by adding the required number of nails.
This is often:
- Affordable
- Minimally invasive
- One of the easiest ways to unlock a valuable insurance discount
Instead of a full structural upgrade, a targeted improvement can bring your home up to current mitigation standards.
Why This Matters for Florida Homeowners
With insurance premiums continuing to rise across Florida, these updates come at the right time. The new form is designed to:
- Reflect real-world hurricane performance
- Reward homeowners who invest in strengthening their homes
- Provide more accessible pathways to insurance discounts
For many homeowners, this means missed credits from the past may now be within reach.
Don’t Guess—Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
The only way to know what credits your home qualifies for is to have a certified wind mitigation inspection completed using the new 2026 form.
An inspection can:
- Identify existing features you may not be getting credit for
- Show upgrade opportunities with strong return on investment
- Provide the documentation your insurance company requires
Schedule Your Inspection Today
You could already have upgrades in place that qualify… or be just a few nails away from real savings.
📞 Call today to schedule your wind mitigation inspection and start maximizing your insurance discounts under the new 2026 form.