Florida building codes & insurance rules
HVHZ Zone
Miami-Dade & Broward — highest standards in the US
Citizens Insurance
State-run insurer — requires wind mitigation report for discount
FL Building Code
2023 FBC mandates impact protection for all new construction
Wind mitigation inspection
$75–$150 — unlocks 15–30% premium discount
Price gouging law
§501.160 — fines up to $1,000 per violation
Top shutter type
Accordion shutters dominate South Florida market
Everything Florida homeowners need to know
Florida is divided into four wind zones (I through IV) plus the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) covering Miami-Dade and Broward counties. HVHZ has the most stringent shutter requirements in the country — only products with Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) are permitted.
The Florida Building Code requires all new construction and major renovations to include opening protection. For existing homes, installing shutters and filing a wind mitigation report with your insurer is the single fastest way to reduce your homeowner's insurance premium — typically 15–30% annually.
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida's state-backed insurer, is required by law to apply wind mitigation credits to policyholders who submit a certified inspection report. If you're with Citizens or any private FL carrier and don't have a wind mitigation report on file, you're almost certainly overpaying.
2026 installed prices in Florida
Prices below reflect 2026 quotes from licensed contractors operating in Florida. Coastal county prices are typically 10–20% higher than inland areas due to salt-air material requirements and higher labor demand.
| Shutter type | Price range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Storm Panels | $15–$30 / sq ft | Budget-conscious, any opening size |
| Accordion Shutters | $26–$35 / sq ft | Permanent, fast deployment |
| Roll-Down Shutters | $45–$100 / sq ft | Maximum protection, clean look |
| Bahama Shutters | $18–$32 / sq ft | Decorative, windows only |
| Colonial Shutters | $20–$35 / sq ft | Historic homes, classic look |
| Hurricane Screens | $20–$40 / sq ft | Lanais, large openings |
| Impact Windows | $40–$100 / sq ft | No-deployment, permanent |