Jacksonville, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Roof Standards (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Ordinance Code § 320.103
- Risk Category II (typical homes)
- 125 mph west / 130 mph east
- Risk Category III/IV (critical facilities)
- 135 mph west / 140 mph east
- Demarcation line
- St. Johns River to I-95
- Alternative
- Engineer/architect interpolation allowed
Summary
Jacksonville sets local wind-speed design zones under the Florida Building Code, requiring roofs east of a mapped demarcation line to withstand higher wind speeds than the west side.
The Florida Building Code specifies three different Risk Categories of structures for Ultimate Design Wind Speed and provides a different wind speed map for each category. The Florida Building Code also requires each municipality to set the location of the wind speed demarcation lines by ordinance... For Risk Category II structures as set forth in the Florida Building Code, the wind speed west of the demarcation line shall be 125 miles per hour and east of the demarcation line 130 miles per hour.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Ordinance Code § 320.103 draws a demarcation line up the St. Johns River and along I-95 to split Duval County into two wind-design zones. Roofs and other structural elements must be engineered to the Ultimate Design Wind Speed set for their Risk Category and side of the line: 115 mph west / 120 mph east for Risk Category I (most low-hazard accessory structures), 125 mph west / 130 mph east for Risk Category II (typical homes and businesses), and 135 mph west / 140 mph east for Risk Category III and IV (schools, hospitals, high-occupancy buildings). An applicant may instead interpolate the exact wind speed from the Florida Building Code's wind speed maps if a licensed engineer or architect provides the calculations. These design wind speeds drive the roof covering, deck attachment, and uplift-resistance requirements checked at permit and inspection under the Florida Building Code as locally applied.
Violations & Fines
Roofing or construction permits are reviewed against the applicable demarcation-line wind speed; work that doesn't meet the required Ultimate Design Wind Speed fails plan review or inspection by the Building Official and cannot be approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my roof's wind rating depend on where I live in Jacksonville?
Can I use a different wind speed than the mapped zone requires?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida hurricane preparedness overview
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