What are bahama hurricane shutters?
Bahama shutters are louvered panels hinged at the top of the window frame. During normal weather they're propped open at an angle — typically 45 degrees — providing shade, allowing airflow, and giving the home a classic tropical coastal appearance. Before a storm you release the prop arm, lower the shutter flat against the window, and latch it from inside.
They're especially popular on Florida's Gulf Coast because they address two problems at once: everyday sun control and storm protection, all in one permanently mounted solution.
PhotosSee them on a real home
Pros and cons
✓ Advantages
- Provides shade and airflow when propped open
- Classic coastal aesthetic adds significant curb appeal
- No storage required — always mounted
- Available in 20+ colors
- One-person operation to deploy
- Qualifies for wind mitigation insurance discount
✗ Limitations
- Only suitable for windows — not doors or large openings
- Not rated for the highest wind zones (HVHZ)
- Prop arm must be secured before storms
- Some HOAs restrict color and style choices
- Limited to openings under ~5 feet wide
2026 installed cost
Prices below reflect 2026 contractor quotes across all 13 states we cover — Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.
| Opening size | Low estimate | High estimate | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small window (24×36") | — | ||
| Standard window (36×48") | Most common | ||
| Large window (60×48") | — | ||
| Entry door (36×80") | — | ||
| Full home (avg. 8 openings) | Use calculator → |