4-Point Inspection for Florida Home Insurance: What It Covers
A 4-point inspection is a limited report on four systems of a home: the roof, the electrical system, the plumbing system and the heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Florida's Insurance Consumer Advocate describes it as something homeowners insurance companies commonly require when they issue or renew a policy, so the insurer can judge whether the home meets its underwriting standards (Florida CFO guide). The guide presents it as an insurer requirement, and each insurer sets its own criteria.
Last updated November 4, 2026. Facts checked November 2, 2026 against the sources at the end of this page.
At a glance
| What it covers | Roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and nothing else. It is not a full home inspection (Florida CFO guide) |
|---|---|
| Who does it | A verifiable Florida-licensed professional, such as a home inspector or a general, residential or building contractor |
| How long it takes | Generally about one hour |
| Typical cost | The state's guide says a standalone inspection "may typically range from $100 to $300"; it varies with the inspector, the market and the size of the home |
| How long the report stays current | Generally dated within the 30 days before the insurance application is submitted, but each insurer sets its own window |
| Which homes need one | The insurer decides. The state guide gives no age cutoff, so ask your agent what each company requires for your home |
What the inspector looks at
The state's guide lists what an inspector reports on each system. Photographs are part of the report: each side of the home, each slope of the roof, the water heater, under-cabinet plumbing and drains, open electrical panels, and the HVAC equipment with its dated manufacturer's plate (Florida CFO guide).
| System | What is assessed |
|---|---|
| Roof | The roof type, age and condition, and any visible damage or deterioration |
| Electrical | The type of wiring, the condition of the electric panel, and hazards such as exposed wiring or outdated components |
| Plumbing | The water heater and its age, the type of pipes, leaks or other problems, and whether the plumbing has been updated or re-piped |
| HVAC | The age and condition of the system, whether it works, any visible damage, and whether wood-burning stoves or central gas fireplaces were professionally installed |
What can hold up a policy
Insurers set their own standards for each system, and the state guide says only that they are "generally similar" with "slight variations." It does say two things that matter to a homeowner:
- Findings can mean repairs first. Depending on what the inspection shows, a homeowner may have to complete repairs before an insurance company will issue a policy. The guide advises addressing any hazard or deficiency promptly. The state's homeowners overview adds that the applicant pays for a 4-point inspection, and that if the insurer asks for one and it is not provided, the insurer may refuse certain coverage or refuse to insure the property (Florida CFO, homeowners insurance overview).
- The roof can need extra proof. As an example, it says an insurer may require documentation of at least five years of remaining useful life for roofs older than 15 years (shingles) or 20 years (tile or metal). The separate state roof-age law is explained in our guide to roof age and home insurance.
What an insurer treats as a problem is its own call. If a company turns a home down after the report, that is not a ruling on every company. Asking several insurers is the point of an independent agency.
How it compares with the other inspections
| 4-point inspection | Wind mitigation inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| What it reports | Condition of the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems | How the home is built to resist wind (nine questions on the state form) |
| Form | Report prepared by the inspector; insurers have their own requirements | State form OIR-B1-1802, adopted by rule |
| Who asks for it | The insurer, to decide whether to issue or renew a policy (the guide's description) | You, to document features the insurer may credit |
| How long it lasts | Generally within 30 days of the application, set by the insurer | Up to five years if the home has not materially changed |
Details on the second column are in our wind mitigation guide (Florida OIR).
Why the 30-day window matters: a worked example
This is a made-up timeline. A buyer has a 4-point report dated March 10. The offer on the home is accepted in May and the insurance application goes in on June 20, which is more than 30 days after the report. If the insurer wants a report dated within 30 days before the application, the March report may not be accepted and a new one is needed. A report ordered after the contract is signed and dated close to the application avoids that, but the rule is the insurer's, so ask first.
Choosing an inspector
- Check the license. The guide tells homeowners to verify a contractor's or inspector's license on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation site, myfloridalicense.com.
- Compare prices. The guide suggests getting quotes from several licensed inspectors.
- Ask what the insurer needs. Tell the inspector which insurer or agent will receive the report, since each insurer has its own criteria.
- A package price is possible. If the 4-point is done together with a home inspection or other services, the price may be part of a package.
4-point inspection questions
What is a 4-point inspection?
A limited inspection of four systems: roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Florida's Insurance Consumer Advocate says it is commonly required by homeowners insurance companies when they issue or renew a policy, to assess the condition and safety of those systems and judge insurability.
Does Florida law require a 4-point inspection?
The state guide describes it as something insurance companies commonly require, and says some companies mandate it to evaluate the risk of insuring a home. It does not describe it as a legal requirement on homeowners. Each company sets its own criteria, so the rules differ between companies.
How old does a home have to be for a 4-point inspection?
The state guide does not give an age. The age or other triggers differ by insurer and can differ between a new policy and a renewal. Ask your agent, who can check what each company on your quote requires.
How much does a 4-point inspection cost?
The state guide says a standalone inspection may typically range from $100 to $300, and that the price varies with the inspector, the region and the home. If it is done with a home inspection, it may be part of a package price.
How long is a 4-point inspection report good for?
Generally the report should be dated within the 30 days before the insurance application is submitted, but each insurance company decides the acceptable window, so confirm it with the insurer or your agent.
Who can perform a 4-point inspection?
A licensed Florida inspection professional, such as a home inspector or a general, residential or building contractor. The report must be completed and signed by a verifiable Florida-licensed professional.
What if the inspection finds a problem?
Depending on the findings, the insurer may require repairs before it issues a policy. Ask the insurer what it accepts as proof of the repair, such as a permit, an invoice or a new report.
Talk to an agent
Your agent can check your policy and tell you whether the insurers you are considering ask for a 4-point report for your home, before you pay for one.
More Florida homeowner guides
- All Florida insurance guides
- Wind mitigation inspection
- Roof age and home insurance
- Hurricane deductibles
- Buying a home in Florida: insurance checklist
- Home insurance non-renewal in Florida
- Water damage and home insurance
- Homeowners insurance in Florida
Local pages that cover older homes and what insurers ask about them: Hollywood, Weston (about half of its homes were built in the 1990s) and Kendall. See all areas we serve.
Sources
- Florida CFO, Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate: Four-Point Inspection guide (what is inspected, who does it, cost, timing, repairs)
- Florida OIR: Wind Mitigation Resources (the wind mitigation form and its validity)
- Florida DBPR license search
- Florida CFO, homeowners insurance overview (who pays, what happens if it is not provided)
This page is general information, not advice about your policy. Coverage, discounts and eligibility vary by insurance company and policy, and your policy documents control. Best One Insurance is an independent insurance agency, not an insurance company. Licensed in Florida (DFS agency licenses L035127 and L087202).
