Florida 4-Point Inspection Checklist: What Insurers Review
A Florida 4-point inspection checklist covers four systems insurers underwrite: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Use this list to prepare your Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach home before the visit—Green Foot 4-points start at $125 with same-day PDF delivery.
Why do Florida insurers require a 4-point?
Carriers use the 4-point to decide eligibility and conditions on older homes (commonly 20–30+ years). It is not a full buyer inspection. For the broader insurance picture—including when wind mitigation is also needed—see our insurance inspections guide. This page is the practical checklist for the appointment itself.
Roof checklist items
- Covering type (tile, shingle, metal, flat) and approximate age
- Visible damage: missing tiles/shingles, cracked tiles, ponding on flat roofs
- Flashing and penetration condition where visible
- Signs of prior leaks or patchwork repairs
- Remaining useful life notes for the carrier form
Palm Beach and coastal Broward roofs often get extra scrutiny on underlayment and age. If the roof is at end of life, ask whether a separate roof certification is needed for your carrier.
Electrical checklist items
- Main panel brand, amperage, and visible safety concerns
- Red-flag panels historically associated with claims risk (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco)—documented when present
- Aluminum branch wiring notes if observed
- GFCI protection where expected (kitchens, baths, exterior)
- Double-taps, scorched lugs, or missing covers
Plumbing checklist items
- Supply and waste materials visible (copper, CPVC, PEX, galvanized, polybutylene, etc.)
- Active or past leaks, corrosion, and water stains
- Water heater age, type, and T&P discharge path
- Polybutylene or aging galvanized systems flagged for underwriting impact
HVAC checklist items
- Approximate age of outdoor and indoor units
- Operational condition during the visit
- Secondary drain / condensate concerns where visible
- Deferred maintenance that could shorten remaining life
How should you prepare the day of the inspection?
- Unlock the electrical panel and clear storage in front of it.
- Provide attic access and safe ladder clearance.
- Make HVAC equipment reachable (closet, attic, outdoor pad).
- Secure pets; leave gate codes with the office if needed.
- Share recent roof or panel upgrade invoices—photos go further when documents exist.
What happens after the report?
Your agent or carrier may clear the file, ask for repairs, or request follow-up proof (for example, panel replacement). We categorize findings by insurance impact so you know what is typically urgent versus noted. Book or learn more on our 4-point inspection page.
Which findings most often slow underwriting?
- Roof at or past expected useful life with active leak signs
- Recalled or high-risk electrical panels without a clear upgrade plan
- Polybutylene or failing galvanized supply lines
- HVAC clearly beyond typical service life with deferred maintenance
Not every note blocks a policy. Minor GFCI gaps or cosmetic roof wear may be accepted with documentation. Critical safety or end-of-life systems usually need a contractor invoice before renewal. If you are comparing a buyer inspection versus a 4-point, remember they answer different questions—purchase risk versus insurance eligibility.
Condo vs house: checklist differences
For condos, the roof and many exterior systems belong to the association. The 4-point still focuses on the unit’s electrical panel, HVAC, and accessible plumbing, and documents what we can observe without HOA crawl-space permission. Bring the HOA master policy contacts so your agent can align the 4-point with association insurance rules.
Same-day reporting in South Florida
Most carriers want a dated PDF with photos they can file. We deliver same-day digital reports from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach appointments so renewals and new applications are not waiting on overnight turnaround. Combine with wind mitigation when your agent wants both files in one upload.
Frequently asked questions
Roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—age, condition, and insurer risk factors for each, with photos and form-ready notes.
Clear access to the panel, attic, water heater, and HVAC. Unlock gates and have roof paperwork ready if recently replaced.
Usually 60–90 minutes, with a same-day digital report from Green Foot.
Green Foot 4-points start at $125 in South Florida; bundles with wind mitigation are available.
Ready to schedule?
Call (786) 301-5677 or book online. Same-day and next-day appointments available across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach.