Duval County is in the FBC Wind-Borne Debris Region. FL 553.73 requires impact glazing or shutters on new construction. Design wind speed 130 mph.
Duval County falls within the Florida Building Code Wind-Borne Debris Region (WBDR), which extends from the coast inland to varying distances in northeastern Florida. Per FL Statute 553.73 and FBC Section 1626 (High-Velocity Hurricane Zone provisions apply to Miami-Dade/Broward, while WBDR standards apply to counties like Duval), new construction and substantial renovations must include impact-resistant glazing or approved opening protection systems. Approved protection methods include impact-rated windows and doors (Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval), permanently installed accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, Bahama shutters, colonial shutters, or removable storm panels (steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate). The Florida Building Code requires all exterior openings (windows, doors, garage doors, skylights) to be protected in the WBDR. Garage doors must meet wind pressure ratings for the applicable wind speed zone -- Jacksonville design wind speed is 130 mph per ASCE 7 as adopted by FBC 7th Edition. The Jacksonville Building Inspection Division (904-255-8500) reviews hurricane protection during permitting. Retrofit of existing homes is not mandated but strongly encouraged, and insurance premium discounts of 10-45% are available through the FL My Safe Florida Home program and OIR wind mitigation inspection credits.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Duval County's hurricane shutters rules stack up against other locations.
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