Are Hurricane Windows Required in Florida?

Florida’s coastal exposure, high humidity, and frequent tropical storms make window and door performance a critical safety consideration. The Florida Building Code outlines specific situations where homeowners must use impact-resistant glazing or an approved protective system. Knowing these requirements helps you make informed decisions if you are updating your windows with replacement windows.

What Are Hurricane Impact Windows?

Impact windows use laminated glass that bonds two panes around a durable interlayer such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas Plus (SGP). Even if the outer glass cracks, the interlayer retains the fragments and helps prevent a breach. Frames are typically built from sturdy materials like aluminum, vinyl, or composite to maintain stability under pressure. These windows are engineered to handle flying debris, high wind forces, and pressure changes that occur during hurricanes.

You can see examples of products built for this purpose by reviewing Renuity’s hurricane windows and impact windows. Both categories describe window systems developed to resist storm-driven stresses.

When Impact Windows Are Required in Florida

Impact windows are not mandatory for every property, but they are required in specific regions and project types.

Wind-Borne Debris Regions (WBDRs)

Homes located in designated wind-borne debris regions must use either:

• Impact-rated windows
• Or code-approved hurricane shutters

A property falls within a WBDR when it meets either of the following:

• Within one mile of the coastal mean high-water line where the design wind speed is 130 mph or higher
• Any location where design wind speed is 140 mph or higher

These regions cover much of Florida’s coastline, including many Atlantic and Gulf communities.

High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)

The HVHZ applies only to Miami-Dade County and Broward County. These counties have the strictest requirements in the state and require approved protection on all glazed openings for new construction and many substantial renovation projects. Impact windows or compliant shutters are typically used to meet these standards.

How Florida Determines Compliance

Impact-resistant products must pass recognized testing protocols, which evaluate both debris resistance and pressure performance. Products that pass appear in the Florida Product Approval database or carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA). 

These listings confirm that a window or shutter system has been tested to withstand the wind pressures and debris impacts expected in hurricane-prone zones. More insight into these considerations is available in our guide on what to look for in hurricane impact windows.

Are Hurricane Shutters an Acceptable Alternative?

Yes. Code-approved shutters are fully acceptable in both WBDRs and the HVHZ. Roll-down, accordion, and panel systems are common options. However, they must remain permanently installed and must meet the same impact testing requirements used for window systems.

Temporary materials such as plywood can be used during emergencies but do not satisfy code requirements for permanent protection.

Why Some Homeowners Choose Impact Windows Instead

Even when shutters are allowed, many Floridians prefer impact windows for continuous readiness. Benefits include:

• Consistent protection without manual setup
• Improved sound reduction
• UV filtering that helps protect interior finishes
• Energy efficient windows improve performance through laminated glazing
• Potential for insurance premium reductions when paired with wind mitigation documentation

How to Tell If You Need Impact Windows

Your property’s exact requirements depend on county maps, design wind speed, and proximity to the coast. Homeowners can confirm local rules by checking municipal building department resources or by reviewing Florida’s wind-speed maps.

The Bottom Line

Impact windows are required when:

• Your home is in the HVHZ
• Your home is in a WBDR and you do not have approved shutters

They are not required when:

• You are outside a designated WBDR
• You choose code-compliant shutters instead of impact-rated glazing

Regardless if they’re necessary by code, impact windows are still a strong long-term choice for many properties due to their combination of safety, durability, and comfort benefits.

Considering Impact Windows for Your Home?

Renuity offers impact-resistant window options designed for Florida’s varied coastal and inland conditions. We help you select products that meet your county’s building code requirements and provide lasting protection during hurricane season. To learn more about the additional benefits of impact windows, you can also check out our post on their impact to noise reduction, UV mitigation, and home security.

If you are planning a window project and want guidance that aligns with Florida’s building code, our team is here to help you choose options that support comfort, structural resilience, and long-term value.