Kissimmee's Hurricane Preparedness: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles hurricane preparedness a little differently. In Kissimmee, Florida, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Storm Debris

After a declared emergency, the city solid waste division coordinates debris pickup separate from regular trash service. Sec. 32-66(a)(4) bars hazardous waste from city containers at all times. Yard waste from storm-downed trees must be cut to specified lengths and placed curbside per active disaster orders.

Key details: Solid Waste: 407-518-2596. Yard Waste Length: 4 ft max (normal). Bundle Weight: 50 lbs max. Emergency Authority: Sec. 14-22. Burning Debris: Prohibited.

Improper debris placement during normal operations: Sec. 1-22(b)(26) — $100 minimum-maintenance fine. Burning unauthorized debris: Sec. 1-22(b)(17) — $100.

Hurricane Shutters

Sec. 9-253 adopts the Florida Building Code's basic wind speed standards. New construction in Kissimmee must meet FBC §1609 wind loads — typically 130 mph ultimate design wind speed for Risk Category II structures. Impact-rated windows or hurricane shutters are required to protect glazing.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 9-253, FBC §1609. Design Wind Speed: 130 mph (Cat II). Opening Protection: Impact-rated or shutters. Permanent Shutter Permit: Required. Removable Shutter Permit: Not required.

Sec. 1-22(b)(2) — $100 for construction without permit. Sec. 1-22(b)(21) — $200 for NFPA 101 violation. Stop-work orders under Sec. 9-2 with $200/day per Sec. 1-22(b)(25).

Flood Elevation

LDC §14-9-1 requires new construction and substantial improvements in special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) to be elevated to or above base flood elevation (BFE) plus freeboard per the Florida Building Code §1612 and ASCE 24.

Key details: Code Section: LDC §14-9-1, FBC §1612. Cat II Freeboard: BFE + 1 ft. Cat III/IV Freeboard: BFE + 2 ft. Substantial Damage: >50% pre-damage value. Standard: ASCE 24.

Construction noncompliance: Sec. 1-22(b)(2) — $100 plus stop-work orders. Sec. 1-22(b)(12) — $250 zoning violation. Code Enforcement Board: $250/day first, $500/day repeat. Federal NFIP can suspend community participation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Kissimmee's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Kissimmee's hurricane preparedness rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Kissimmee is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Kissimmee's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.