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Compliance

Florida Building Code

Window codes are essential for every Florida resident to know so that they can evaluate their residence better and ensure everything is up to these standards.

Building Codes for Impact Windows

Impact windows are an essential part of the home. These windows not only stop intruders from entering the home, but the tempered sheets of glass are also shatter-proof, meaning they keep your home’s interior secured during hurricane season.

Since 2000, Florida has adopted and made into law the state-wide standards for all communities to use so that their structures stay safe from floods, hurricanes, and high winds. Window codes are essential for every Florida resident to know so that they can evaluate their residence better and ensure everything is up to these standards.

The Florida window codes require all windows to be impact resistant. The glass must be strong to withstand any wind from either part of the state. If you live less than a mile from the coast, your panes must withstand wind speeds of 130 mph or more, and if your home is further in-land, your windows must resist up to 140 mph or higher wind speeds.

Does Every Florida Home Need To Meet Building Codes?

Yes! Any person residing in the state of Florida, or who has a vacation home here, needs to ensure their home meets Florida building codes. These structural standards are key to protecting your interior from excessive storm damage.

If your home is in a coastal region of Florida, it’s essential to use hurricane-impact windows. These windows are strong and can protect the interior of your house. Get to know your area better by researching how close you are to the coast. If you are at least a mile from any large bodies of water, make sure to schedule a window replacement. Replacing your windows helps you pass building inspections and protects you and your family from interior damage.

There are various things to remember when learning the Florida building code requirements. At Florida Window and Door Solutions, we proudly provide you with updated information on the Florida Building code. You can learn more by visiting our contact page for insight on requesting a free consultation.

At a glance

What the Florida Building Code requires of replacement windows

The figures below are the ones that decide whether a window replacement needs impact-rated glazing, and whether replacing a few windows triggers requirements for the whole house. Every number is drawn from the code itself rather than from industry summaries.

8th Edition (2023)
Current Florida Building Code

Florida Building Code, Building and Existing Building, 8th Edition (2023), adopted statewide.

140 mph
Wind-borne debris region threshold

Areas with an ultimate design wind speed of 140 mph or greater fall inside the wind-borne debris region and require impact-rated glazing or approved opening protection.

130 mph
Threshold within one mile of the coast

Within one mile of the coast, the wind-borne debris region begins at 130 mph rather than 140 mph — which is why two homes in the same county can face different requirements.

25%
Replacement glazing exemption ceiling

Florida Building Code, Existing Building (2023) §707.4 — homes built under earlier codes are exempt from opening-protection requirements only while replaced glazing stays at or below 25% of the home's aggregate glazed area within any 12-month period.

Required
Permit, product approval and inspection

Replacement windows and exterior doors require a permit, Florida Product Approval documentation for the units installed, and a post-installation inspection.

2 counties
High-Velocity Hurricane Zone

The HVHZ provisions apply only to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. No county in the Central Florida service area is in the HVHZ.

Sources

Code and certification criteria change between cycles. Confirm current requirements with the source above or with your local building department before making a purchase decision.

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