Impact windows are required in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, where Florida enforces the most rigorous hurricane protection standards.
These two counties fall under what’s called a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), which is a designation in the Florida Building Code that mandates stronger structural requirements due to extreme storm risk. In these zones, any new construction or window replacement must use impact-rated glass or have hurricane shutters that meet specific testing standards. The goal is to protect homes from flying debris and wind pressure during hurricanes, which are common in South Florida.
Outside of HVHZ, impact windows aren’t required by state law but are often encouraged. Some coastal areas in Palm Beach, Monroe, and Collier counties may enforce similar protections based on a home’s exact location, especially if it’s within one mile of the coast, where wind speeds can exceed 140 mph. Local building departments decide whether impact windows or shutters are needed, depending on the property’s risk exposure.
So while the legal requirement is limited to Miami-Dade and Broward, impact protection is a smart choice anywhere along Florida’s coastline.
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