Do I Need Both Miami-Dade and FBC Approval for My Hurricane Shutters?

No, you do not always need both Miami-Dade County approval and Florida Building Code (FBC) approval for your hurricane shutters. However, if you live in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), such as Miami-Dade or Broward County, Miami-Dade approval is required. In most other areas of Florida, FBC-approved shutters are sufficient to meet building codes and insurance requirements.

Below, you will find answers to additional frequently asked questions related to hurricane shutter approvals.

What’s the Difference Between Miami-Dade and FBC Approval?

Approval Type	Where It Applies	Testing Standards	Wind Resistance
Miami-Dade County Approval	Required in Miami-Dade and Broward (HVHZ)	Stricter impact and wind pressure testing	150+ mph
Florida Building Code (FBC) Approval	Required in Florida outside HVHZ	Meets state-wide wind resistance standards	130–180 mph (varies by location)

Miami-Dade approval is considered the gold standard in hurricane protection because it includes tougher impact testing than the general Florida Building Code.

When Should I Choose Miami-Dade Approved Shutters?

You should consider Miami-Dade-approved hurricane shutters if:

• You live in Miami-Dade or Broward County, where it is required.
• You want shutters that exceed standard FBC impact testing.
• You want to maximize your home’s storm protection and insurance savings.

Shutters that are Miami-Dade approved automatically meet FBC standards, but not all FBC-approved shutters qualify for Miami-Dade certification.

Will Miami-Dade or FBC Approval Help With Insurance Discounts?

Yes, both Miami-Dade-approved and FBC-approved shutters can help you qualify for wind mitigation credits on your homeowner’s insurance. To qualify:

• Your shutters must meet impact resistance and wind pressure standards.
• A wind mitigation inspection is required for verification.
• All exterior openings (windows, doors, and skylights) must be fully protected.

Miami-Dade-approved shutters may provide greater insurance savings because they meet the strictest hurricane protection requirements.

Find the Right Hurricane Shutters for Your Home

If you live in Florida, choosing FBC- or Miami-Dade-approved hurricane shutters ensures compliance with state regulations and better storm protection. Scroll down to find the Storm Smart showroom nearest you and call to schedule an appointment. Our experts can help you choose impact-rated shutters that meet your area’s safety requirements.