How Often Do You Need a 4-Point Inspection in Florida?

There is no fixed statewide schedule. Most insurers require a 4-point on new policies for homes over 20 years old and treat the report as current for about 12 months. Here is how that actually plays out.

A 4-point inspection is not renewed on a fixed calendar; it is required at specific moments, mainly when you apply for a new policy on a home that has crossed the age threshold your insurer uses. Citizens Property Insurance, whose rules are public and widely used as a reference point by private carriers, requires one for "all property owner, dwelling and mobile home applications for properties more than 20 years old," per its inspections page.

When exactly is one triggered?

New-business applications on a home over the carrier's age threshold almost always trigger one. Renewals usually do not, unless underwriting flags a specific concern, such as a prior claim or a change in coverage. Some carriers set the threshold lower than 20 years, so it is worth asking your agent directly what your specific insurer requires rather than assuming the Citizens threshold applies everywhere.

How current does the report need to be?

Citizens generally wants the report dated within about 12 months of your new-business application, with a tighter 90-day window for homes with a prior sinkhole claim. If your existing report is close to that age, it may be simpler to book a fresh one than to argue over whether an older report will be accepted.

Does a wind mitigation report expire on the same schedule?

No, and this trips people up. Your wind mitigation form stays valid for up to five years, far longer than the roughly 12-month window most insurers apply to a 4-point report. See the full comparison at wind mitigation vs. 4-point inspection.