Are Impact Resistant Windows Required In Florida

In wbdr one mile of the coast where ultimate design winds are 130 mph or greater and areas where the ultimate design wind speed is 140 mph or greater exterior glazing of doors and windows must be impact resistant or protected.

Are impact resistant windows required in florida.

All replacement windows and doors must comply with the minimum 130 miles per hour wind speed resistance specification. If you install impact protection shutters on your replacement door and window it must have an approval number from the state of florida and an evaluation report from the manufacturer. Approved impact resistant windows and doors must be certified to meet either miami dade tas 201 202 and 203 or sstd12 or astm e1886 and e1996 impact tests may be used except in hvhz where only products tested to miami dade protocols are permitted. However impact windows offer several advantages to both safety and quality of life and are advisable even if not legally required.

Installation requirements for all windows and doors. High impact windows are not required in the entire state of florida but are required in coastal areas with some counties being more strict than others. The florida building code fbc requires windows to be impact resistant or protected if located within one mile of the coast where the wind speed is 110 mph or greater. The question of whether hurricane windows and doors are required in florida is not a simple answer.

The reason is that local building codes determine the requirements as to whether impact windows and doors are required in a certain application. All building envelope projects sold in florida must be approved by the florida product approval program. It requires windows to be impact resistant or protected by a shutter if the structure is located within one mile of the coast where the wind speed is 100 mph or greater. Of course even if your home is not located in this area this may be a good idea.

As always consult your local laws and country requirements when upgrading your windows.