Florida Hurricane Codes Explained: HVHZ, Wind-Borne Debris and Product Approval

Hurricane rules shape almost every exterior project in Florida. You don't need to know the code, but knowing a few terms helps you understand quotes, ask the right questions and avoid buying products that won't pass inspection.

The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone

The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) is Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The Florida Building Code has a separate set of HVHZ provisions with stricter testing, product approval and installation requirements. If you live in either county, expect exterior products and installation to cost more, and expect inspectors to check product approvals closely.

The wind-borne debris region

The wind-borne debris region is where flying debris is considered a serious enough threat that glazed openings (windows, glass doors, skylights) must be impact-resistant or protected by approved impact coverings. Under the current code it includes:

• all of Miami-Dade and Broward
• areas within one mile of the coastal mean high-water line where an Exposure D condition (open water upwind) exists and the design wind speed is 130 mph or more (2023 Florida Building Code)
• anywhere the design wind speed is 140 mph or more

A May 2026 draft report for the Florida Building Commission is studying the boundary in 130-139 mph areas, so confirm your address's status with your building department or a licensed contractor rather than relying on a map you found online.

Design wind speed and pressure

Every location in Florida has a design wind speed set by the code's wind maps, which are based on the ASCE 7 standard. The 2023 code adopted the ASCE 7-22 maps. Windows, doors, roofing and shutters are rated for design pressures, and the pressure a product must meet depends on the wind speed, the building's height and exposure, and where the opening is on the wall. That's why the same window can need different ratings on different homes.

Need a contractor for this project?Request an impact window estimate

Product approval

Exterior building products sold for use in Florida, including windows, doors, garage doors, shutters, roofing, skylights and impact protection systems, must have:

• a Florida product approval (an "FL number"), through the Florida Building Commission's statewide system, or
• a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA), which is required for HVHZ use. Elsewhere, many NOA products also carry a Florida approval, or a building department can accept the NOA through local product approval.

Each approval lists the tested sizes, design pressures, whether the product is impact-rated and how it must be installed. Approvals expire and get revised, so check that the approval is current. You can search Florida approvals on floridabuilding.org, and Miami-Dade posts each NOA as a document.

How this shows up in your project

• Windows and doors: see window and door replacement permits.
• Roofs: see roof permits and the 25% rule.
• Choosing protection: see impact windows vs. hurricane shutters.
• Insurance: opening protection and roof features drive wind mitigation discounts.

Code editions

The 8th Edition (2023) of the Florida Building Code has been in effect since December 31, 2023. The 9th Edition (2026) takes effect December 31, 2026, according to the Florida Building Commission's schedule. Miami-Dade has said applications submitted on or after that date must comply with the new edition. If your permit will be submitted near the changeover, ask your contractor which edition applies and whether the products they're quoting are approved under it.