Homestead is in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requiring all openings (windows, doors, garage doors) to have hurricane protection. Options include impact-resistant windows/doors, permanent shutters, or removable panel systems. The HVHZ building code is among the strictest in the nation, developed largely in response to Hurricane Andrew's devastation of Homestead in 1992.
Homestead's location in the HVHZ requires all building openings to be protected against wind-borne debris during hurricanes. The Florida Building Code HVHZ edition requires either impact-resistant windows and doors (large missile impact test β 9-pound 2x4 at 50 fps), permanent hurricane shutters (accordion, roll-down, Bahama, colonial), or removable panel systems (aluminum, steel, polycarbonate) for all openings. Garage doors must also meet HVHZ wind load requirements and are often the weakest point in home protection. New construction must include hurricane protection as a condition of the certificate of occupancy. Existing homes being substantially improved (50%+ of market value) must also be brought into compliance. The HVHZ code was developed largely in response to Hurricane Andrew, which devastated Homestead on August 24, 1992, destroying or damaging over 25,000 homes in the area. Miami-Dade County's product approval process for hurricane protection products is the strictest in the nation. All products must carry Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance (NOA) for use in the HVHZ.
New construction without compliant hurricane protection fails inspection and cannot receive certificate of occupancy. Removing permanent shutters without replacement may trigger code enforcement. Contact Building Department at (305) 224-4400.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle hurricane shutters.
See how Homestead's hurricane shutters rules stack up against other locations.
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