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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.
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.
Impact windows are not mandatory for every property, but they are required in specific regions and project types.
Homes located in designated wind-borne debris regions must use either:
A property falls within a WBDR when it meets either of the following:
These regions cover much of Florida’s coastline, including many Atlantic and Gulf communities.
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.
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.
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.
Even when shutters are allowed, many Floridians prefer impact windows for continuous readiness. Benefits include:
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.
Impact windows are required when:
They are not required when:
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.
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.
As a content manager at Renuity, Francheska spent nearly two years helping homeowners discover the possibilities of transforming their spaces. Renuity is a leader in home remodeling, specializing in everything from windows and doors to bathrooms and home storage solutions, and she’s proud to be part of a team that prioritizes quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. She graduated from Florida International University with a double major in International Business and Marketing, ranked among the top programs in the nation. Her passion for home improvement runs deep—since childhood, she’s been inspired by watching HGTV and seeing the magic of remodels come to life. Now, she channels that passion into connecting readers with ideas, tips, and solutions to create homes they love.
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