The Florida hurricane shutters building code was changed and put into effect on March 1, 2002. These new updated building codes have stricter requirements for homeowners and builders.

The most important change to these codes is that homes have to be built to withstand winds that are 110 to 150 miles per hour, depending on your location. This significant change will ensure that homes stay intact during a violent hurricane or storm.

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Some other very important changes to the Florida Building code are listed below.

• Wind-borne debris protection shall be required seaward of the 120 mph wind line.
• Miami-Dade County will adopt 146 mph countywide.
• Monroe County ( Florida Keys ) will remain 150 mph.
• All coastal areas will revert from Exposure "D" to Exposure "C".
• Manufacturers shall be required to provide installation and attachment requirements.
• Wind-borne debris protection will be required for all areas one mile inland within 110-mile wind line (Except Panhandle exclusion zone - one mile inland regardless of wind speed).
• Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will only accept Miami-Dade approvals.
• The rest of the state will accept either Miami-Dade approval or ASTM E1886 and E1996 or SSTD-12.
• Manufacturers will be required to provide test reports or engineering calculations for mull bars.
• Mull bars will require anchorage to the substrate.
• All building plans require the architect or engineer of record to specify design pressures for all openings.
• AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97 has been included as testing requirements for windows and doors.

How to Meet These Code Requirements

The best way to meet these code guidelines is to protect your home or business with impact glass or hurricane shutters of some type.

Impact glass is actually made of the same material, and same way that automobile glass is made. It is two pieces of glass that are glazed with a impact resistant material, and between them there is a piece of strong plastic to prevent it form breaking.

Hurricane shutters can come in these different styles.

• Accordion Storm Shutters
• Rolling Storm Shutters
• Storm Panels
• Bahama/Colonial Storm Shutters

Your home or businesses hurricane shutters can also be equipped with an electric motor so they can be opened and closed at the flick of a switch, or with a pull rope.

Miami Dade residents can learn more at the Miami-Dade government website.