Florida's 4-Point Inspection: What Electrical Issues Get Flagged

What a 4-Point Inspection Actually Is

Florida insurers typically require a 4-point inspection — roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — before writing or renewing a policy on a home past a certain age, usually somewhere around 30 to 40 years old depending on the carrier. It's not a full home inspection; it's a narrower underwriting check aimed at the systems most likely to cause a costly claim.

What Gets Flagged Electrically

• Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels — the single most common electrical flag on older Lee County homes — see our full explainer.
• Aluminum branch wiring — common in homes built from the late 1960s through the mid-1970s; not always an automatic decline, but it needs documented licensed assessment.
• Double-tapped breakers — two wires connected to a breaker designed for one — a common sign of past DIY or unlicensed work.
• Missing GFCI protection — in bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior outlets where current code requires it.
• Panel corrosion, rust, or an open/missing panel cover — visible signs an inspector doesn't need special equipment to catch.
• Obvious DIY or exposed wiring — open splices, unpermitted-looking additions, wiring outside conduit where it should be protected.

What Happens If Something Gets Flagged

Depending on the carrier and the issue, a flag can mean a higher premium, a required repair before the policy binds, or an outright decline. None of those are fixed positions — most flagged issues (especially a panel brand) get resolved with a documented repair or panel upgrade, after which the carrier reassesses.

What to Do About It

If you're buying, selling, or renewing on an older home, get ahead of the inspection rather than reacting to it — a licensed electrical inspection before the 4-point tells you exactly what an insurer will see, while there's still time to fix it on your terms instead of a closing deadline.