Do Bahama and Colonial Shutters Meet Code Requirements?

Yes, Bahama and colonial shutters can meet code requirements, but they must be impact-rated and approved by the Florida Building Code (FBC) or Miami-Dade County. Not all Bahama and colonial shutters provide hurricane protection—only those that pass impact resistance and wind pressure tests qualify as hurricane-rated shutters.

Below, you will find answers to additional frequently asked questions related to Bahama and colonial shutter code compliance.

What Are the Code Requirements for Bahama and Colonial Shutters?

To be code-compliant, Bahama and colonial shutters must meet the following criteria:

• Florida Building Code (FBC) Approval – They must be tested for impact resistance and wind loads to comply with FBC regulations.
• Miami-Dade County Certification (if in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone) – For homes in Miami-Dade or Broward County, shutters must meet strict impact and wind testing standards.
• ASTM E1996 & ASTM E1886 Testing – Shutters should pass large and small missile impact tests to withstand hurricane-force winds.

If shutters are decorative only and do not meet these standards, they will not provide hurricane protection or qualify for insurance discounts.

How Do I Know If My Bahama or Colonial Shutters Are Hurricane-Rated?

To verify that your shutters meet code requirements:

• Check for a product approval number issued by the Florida Building Code or Miami-Dade County.
• Look up the model in the FBC or Miami-Dade County databases to confirm approval.
• Ask the manufacturer for testing certification reports showing compliance with impact and wind resistance standards.

Certified shutters should have documentation proving they are approved for hurricane protection.

Do Bahama and Colonial Shutters Qualify for Insurance Discounts?

Yes, but only if they are hurricane-rated and installed according to code. To qualify for wind mitigation discounts:

• Shutters must meet FBC or Miami-Dade County approval for impact resistance.
• All exterior openings (windows, doors, etc.) must be fully protected.
• A wind mitigation inspection is required to verify compliance for insurance savings.

Decorative or non-rated shutters will not qualify for insurance discounts.

Find the Right Hurricane Shutters for Your Home

For storm-ready Bahama and colonial shutters that meet Florida’s strict building codes, trust Storm Smart. Scroll down to find the nearest showroom and call to schedule an appointment. Our experts can help you choose impact-rated shutters that provide both storm protection and curb appeal.