Mississippi building codes & insurance rules
MWUA
Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association — coastal coverage
Top counties
Hancock, Harrison, Jackson — all direct Gulf exposure
Building code
Mississippi State Building Code requires opening protection in coastal areas
Top shutter type
Storm panels and accordion shutters most common
Price gouging law
Code §75-24-25 — civil penalties and injunctions
Hurricane history
Katrina (2005) — strongest landfall on record near Bay St. Louis
Everything Mississippi homeowners need to know
Mississippi's three Gulf Coast counties were among the hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The rebuilding effort led to significant improvements in local building codes, and most new construction along the coast now requires opening protection.
Homeowners in Harrison County (Biloxi, Gulfport) and Hancock County (Bay St. Louis, Waveland) should prioritize opening protection given their direct Gulf of Mexico exposure and historically narrow evacuation windows.
2026 installed prices in Mississippi
Prices below reflect 2026 quotes from licensed contractors operating in Mississippi. 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 |