CODE & REQUIREMENTS
Are impact windows required where I live in South Florida?
It depends on your location and the hurricane protection your home already has.
IF YOU’RE IN BROWARD OR MIAMI-DADE
You’re in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) — the strictest building code in the country. Exterior openings typically must be protected with approved impact-resistant windows and doors, or approved hurricane shutters.
Outside the HVHZ, local building codes may have different requirements, but every home must still have an approved form of hurricane protection that complies with applicable codes.
Beyond storm protection, impact windows also improve home security, reduce outside noise, and increase energy efficiency.
Do I need impact windows on every window?
Not necessarily — but every exterior opening must have approved hurricane protection.
That protection can take several approved forms:
- Impact-resistant windows
- Hurricane shutters
- Other code-approved hurricane protection systems
Which applies to your home depends on its location, your local building code, and the scope of the renovation.
Can I replace my impact windows in phases?
Possibly — it depends on your location and local code requirements.
Outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, homeowners may be able to replace windows over multiple phases. Within Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, code requirements for exterior openings may be more restrictive depending on the scope of the project.
Worth knowing before you split the job: replacing only some windows may reduce your potential insurance discount, because unprotected openings remain vulnerable during a hurricane. Sometimes phasing costs more over time than doing it once.
A professional evaluation can determine the best approach for your home.
Who handles the permits for impact window installation?
Your licensed contractor should — all of it.
That means your contractor should:
- Submit the permit applications
- Coordinate the inspections
- Ensure the installation complies with local building codes
- Close out the permit after final approval
Red flag: be cautious of any contractor who asks you to pull the permit yourself. It shifts legal responsibility for the work from them onto you.
COST & INSURANCE
How much do hurricane impact windows cost in South Florida?
Cost depends on window size, style, frame material, manufacturer, installation complexity and permit requirements. As a general guide:
$800–$1,400
Per window, installed
Typical range for most impact windows.
$10K–$25K
Whole-home replacement
Typical three-bedroom home, complete replacement.
These are estimates to help you budget, not a quote. The only accurate number comes from an in-home consultation where we measure your openings and confirm what code requires for your property.
Will impact windows lower my homeowners insurance?
Often, yes — many Florida insurers offer wind mitigation discounts for properly installed, code-compliant impact windows.
To qualify for potential credits:
- The windows generally must meet Florida building code requirements
- The installation should be properly permitted and inspected
- Your insurer may require documentation of the products installed
After installation, your carrier may request a wind mitigation inspection to determine eligibility. We provide the permit and product documentation you’ll need for it. Discount amounts are set by your insurer — we can’t promise a specific number.
PRODUCT APPROVALS
What is a Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval?
A Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) or Florida Product Approval is documentation that certifies a specific window product has been tested and approved to meet hurricane building code requirements.
- The NOA covers Miami-Dade County (the strictest HVHZ standards)
- Florida Product Approvals cover the rest of the state
Both are required to legally install exterior openings that comply with the applicable hurricane code.
Why is a Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval important?
Without one:
- The window can’t legally be permitted or inspected for hurricane protection
- Your insurance company may not honor a wind mitigation discount
- The home may not pass final inspection when it’s time to sell
Always ask your contractor to show you the NOA or Product Approval for the specific windows they plan to install.
How do I know if my current windows are hurricane-rated?
Look for a permanent etching on the corner of the glass — usually a small label with the manufacturer, model, and “HVHZ” or an NOA number.
If there’s no etching, or the label just says “tempered” or “safety glass,” the window is probably not rated for hurricane impact. A licensed contractor can confirm what you have during an in-home inspection.
CHOOSING & LIVING WITH THEM
What’s the difference between hurricane shutters and impact windows?
Shutters
Must be deployed before every storm. Less expensive up front, but only protective when you’re there to close them.
Impact windows
Permanent, always-on protection. More expensive up front but no action needed before a storm, don’t block your view, reduce noise, improve efficiency, and typically qualify for insurance discounts.
How long do hurricane impact windows last?
Properly installed and maintained impact windows typically last 20–30 years or more. The frame and glass are engineered to withstand South Florida’s climate for decades.
Manufacturer warranties generally cover the glass, frame, and hardware for a specified period — always ask what warranty applies to the products your contractor is installing.
Do impact windows protect against break-ins?
Yes — impact windows use laminated glass, which is significantly harder to break than standard glass. Even if the glass cracks on impact, the laminate layer holds the glass together, preventing easy entry.
This is a real security benefit that shutters don’t provide, since shutters only work when they’re deployed.
Are impact windows energy efficient?
Yes — the laminated glass and insulated frames reduce heat transfer, lowering cooling costs in South Florida’s climate. Many impact windows also carry ENERGY STAR ratings.
Combined with reduced UV transmission (which protects flooring and furniture from fading), the energy savings can be meaningful over the life of the window.
Storm damage to your roof as well?
Impact windows and roof damage often happen in the same storm. Our roof insurance FAQ covers coverage, deductibles, and what to do first.
See our roof insurance FAQs →
A note on this page
Every answer here is written for homeowners, based on Florida building code and typical Florida insurance practice. It isn’t legal or insurance advice — your specific situation depends on your policy, your local code, and your property. When you’re ready for numbers on your home, book a free in-home estimate.
