What is wind mitigation? It is the process of adding things to your home to that will help to increase resistance to storm or hurricane caused winds. Applying wind mitigation features to your home, e.g., your roof can save you money in the long run. Home insurance companies might consider discounts on your insurance policy and taking preventative steps before a storm can get to the roof, may result in less damage. One way to ensure more protection is to install water barriers (sealing the deck). Also, reinforce the walls to the roof and foundation of the house.
To qualify for credits (with home insurance) you need a certified inspector to check the roof out. The inspector observes add-ons that help to reduce storm and hurricane winds.
Florida wind mitigation as defined by Wikipedia (2014)
In Florida, a wind mitigation inspection is performed by a licensed general contractor, building contractor, architect, engineer, building inspector or home inspector. The information gathered is presented on a standard wind mitigation form, OIR-B1-1802, commonly referred to as the 1802 form. As of Feb 1, 2012, all inspections must have photos showing each feature listed on the wind mitigation form. Inspectors will collect the following information during an inspection, The age of the home to determine what building code was in place at the time of construction, the age of the roof, documentation to prove if the roof was installed to any certain building code, the roof deck attachment, roof to wall connection, roof shape, existence of a SWR and the opening protection of the doors and windows.