How Do I Verify if a Shutter Has Legitimate Certification?

To verify if a hurricane shutter has legitimate certification, check for approval from recognized regulatory agencies such as the Florida Building Code (FBC), Miami-Dade County, or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Certified shutters should have a product approval number and be listed in official databases maintained by these agencies.

Below, you will find answers to additional frequently asked questions related to verifying shutter certifications.

Where Can I Check a Shutter’s Certification?

To confirm a hurricane shutter’s legitimacy, use these official resources:

• Florida Building Code (FBC) Product Approval System (Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation)
• Miami-Dade County Product Approval Database (Miami-Dade County Building Code Compliance Office)
• ASTM Standards Documentation (ASTM International)

You can search by the manufacturer’s name, model number, or product approval number to verify compliance.

What Certifications Should a Hurricane Shutter Have?

A legitimate hurricane shutter should meet one or more of these certifications:

Certification	Testing Requirements	Where It Applies
Miami-Dade County Approval	Impact, wind pressure, and water infiltration tests	Required in HVHZ areas like Miami-Dade & Broward
Florida Building Code (FBC) Approval	Wind resistance & impact testing	Statewide in Florida
ASTM E1996 & ASTM E1886	Impact & cyclic pressure tests	Recognized nationally

If a shutter lacks any of these certifications, it may not provide adequate storm protection.

How Can I Tell If a Shutter’s Certification Is Fake?

To avoid purchasing uncertified or falsely certified shutters, look for these red flags:

• No official approval number – Certified shutters come with an FBC or Miami-Dade approval number.
• Inconsistent branding or documentation – Verify details with the manufacturer’s website and official state databases.
• Seller cannot provide proof of testing – Ask for the official certification paperwork or a test report.
• Extremely low prices – Shutters that seem significantly cheaper than certified products may not meet safety standards.

Always purchase shutters from reputable dealers that can provide verification of certification.

Find the Right Hurricane Shutters for Your Home

Ensure your home is protected with legitimately certified hurricane shutters that meet FBC and Miami-Dade County standards. Scroll down to find the Storm Smart showroom nearest you and call to schedule an appointment. Our experts can help you choose shutters that offer verified storm protection.