Impact window questions, answered for Broward and Miami-Dade.

Are impact windows required where I live in South Florida?

It depends on your location and the hurricane protection your home already has.

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.

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

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:

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, not by us.

What is a Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval?

It's the paperwork that proves a window has been tested and approved for use under Florida's building codes.

A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or a Florida Product Approval confirms the product meets required standards for:

• Impact resistance
• Wind pressure performance
• Installation requirements
• Code compliance

Choosing products with the appropriate approvals helps ensure your installation meets local building requirements and may support insurance eligibility.

Why is a Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval important?

Because without it, your project can fail — after you've paid for it.

Approvals ensure your impact windows are designed and tested to perform under Florida's hurricane conditions. Without properly approved products, your project may:

• Fail building inspections
• Require replacement or correction at your cost
• Be delayed to completion
• Affect your insurance documentation

How do I know if my current windows are hurricane-rated?

There are a few signs you can check yourself.

Many hurricane-rated windows:

• Use laminated impact glass with a visible inner layer
• Produce a duller sound when tapped, compared to standard glass
• Carry a manufacturer label or permanent etched marking showing impact ratings

A professional inspection is the only reliable way to confirm whether your existing windows meet current hurricane standards.

What's the difference between hurricane shutters and impact windows?

Both protect your home during a storm. They live very differently the rest of the year.

Many South Florida homeowners choose impact windows for the convenience and the long-term value — particularly anyone who has spent a weekend putting shutters up for a storm that then turned north.

How long do hurricane impact windows last?

High-quality impact windows typically last 20 to 30 years or more when properly installed and maintained.

Lifespan depends on:

• Product quality
• Installation quality
• Coastal exposure — salt air is harder on frames and hardware
• Routine maintenance and weather conditions

Most manufacturers also provide product warranties. We'll tell you exactly what yours covers before you buy.

Do impact windows protect against break-ins?

Yes — significantly, though no window is completely burglar-proof.

Laminated impact glass is far more difficult to penetrate than standard glass. Even if the outer pane cracks under a strong impact, the laminated interlayer holds the window together, so there's no easy opening to climb through. That turns a quick smash-and-enter into a loud, slow job most intruders abandon.

Are impact windows energy efficient?

Yes. Most modern impact windows reduce heat transfer, block UV rays and help hold indoor temperatures.

Benefits typically include:

• Lower cooling costs — meaningful in a South Florida summer
• Reduced fading of furniture and flooring
• Improved indoor comfort
• Better noise reduction

Exact performance depends on the glass package, coatings and window design you select — we'll walk you through the options that matter for your home's orientation and exposure.