The Answer Depends on Where You Are

Impact windows are not universally required for every existing home in Florida. But for most South Florida homeowners, some form of hurricane protection is legally mandated — and the specifics depend on your county, your proximity to the coast, and the scope of your project.

Here is the complete 2026 picture.

The High Velocity Hurricane Zone: Miami-Dade and Broward

Miami-Dade and Broward counties fall entirely within Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone — the strictest hurricane construction code in the United States. Every window and door installed in these counties, whether in new construction or as a replacement, must carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance. Design wind speeds reach 175 miles per hour.

In the HVHZ, there is no percentage threshold or minimum scope that triggers the requirement. Every single window replacement must meet HVHZ standards. There are no exceptions.

The Wind-Borne Debris Region: Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin & Indian River

Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River counties fall largely within Florida's Wind-Borne Debris Region — areas within one mile of the coast where design wind speeds reach 130 miles per hour or higher.

All new construction in the WBDR must have impact-rated openings or code-approved shutter protection on every window and door.

For existing homes, the 25 percent rule applies: if you replace more than 25 percent of your total glazed opening area within a 12-month period, the entire project must meet current impact standards. Replacing a few windows may not trigger the requirement. Replacing most of your windows does.

A Major Update Coming in 2026 and 2027

This is something every South Florida homeowner should know: the Florida Building Code 9th Edition is scheduled for adoption in late 2026 and is expected to take effect in early to mid 2027.

The updated code includes proposals to expand the Wind-Borne Debris Region based on University of Florida research on debris patterns near large inland water bodies. Homeowners near large lakes in counties including Lake, Polk, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola could face new requirements under the updated code.

The current 8th Edition is in effect through December 2026.

The Practical Answer for Your Home

If you are in Miami-Dade or Broward, impact protection is required on every opening — full stop.

If you are in coastal Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, or Indian River counties, impact protection is required for new construction and for existing homes replacing more than 25 percent of their glazed area.

Even where impact windows are not legally required, the insurance savings alone make them the financially sound choice for most South Florida homeowners. Under Florida Statute 627.0629, insurers are required by law to offer wind mitigation discounts for verified impact protection — and those discounts can be substantial.

Find out what is required for your specific home — get a free consultation →