Hurricane Preparedness in Alachua County, FL (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Alachua County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Hurricane Shutters
Alachua County's Building Code requires impact protection on qualifying new or renovated single-family homes in the wind borne debris region. Under County Code § 331.03, adopting Florida Building Code § 105.15, opening protection, shutters, impact glazing or equivalent coverings, is mandatory once permitted work costs $50,000 or more on a home insured or assessed at $750,000 or more. Roof-only work and homes already permitted under the state code are exempt.
Hurricane Opening Protection Rules in Alachua County
Some RestrictionsAlachua County Code § 331.03 (FBC § 105.15)
105.15 Opening protection. When any activity requiring a building permit, not including roof covering replacement or repair work associated with the prevention of degradation of the residence, that is applied for on or after July 1, 2008, and for which the estimated cost is $50,000 or more for a site built single-family detached residential structure that is located in the wind borne debris reg...
Flood Elevation
Alachua County prohibits development in a flood hazard area without a floodplain development permit and building permit. New residential structures near an established flood hazard area or stormwater facility must have their lowest floor elevated at least one foot above the 100-year flood elevation.
Flood Elevation Building Rules in Alachua County
Significant RestrictionsAlachua County Code §§ 406.56, 407.87(c)
Any development in a flood hazard area is hereby prohibited, unless a floodplain development permit and building permit is first obtained. All newly created lots shall include adequate buildable area above the 100-year floodplain and all new habitable structures on such lots must be outside the floodplain... The plat shall contain a prominent notation that the lowest floor of any residential st...
Storm Debris
During a declared disaster, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners can order collection of hazardous debris from public and private land, enter private property with owner consent, and suspend parts of the County Code to speed cleanup, under Alachua County Code § 27.09.
Storm Debris Removal Authority (Alachua County)
Some RestrictionsAlachua County Code § 27.09(2)
(2)The Board shall...have the power and authority to:(a)Determine that a threat to public health and safety may result from the generation of widespread debris throughout the County, using any of the following criteria:...5.That it is in the public interest to collect and remove disaster debris from property whether public or private lands, or public or private roads to eliminate any immediate ...
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