Jacksonville, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Hurricane Shutters (2026)

The Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023), as adopted by Jacksonville, requires buildings in the wind-borne debris region to protect exterior glazed openings from wind-borne debris. Jacksonville falls within the wind-borne debris region as defined by the Florida Building Code Section 1620.2. New construction and substantial renovations must include either: impact-resistant glazing (laminated glass meeting ASTM E1886/E1996 or FBC TAS 201/202/203); or approved hurricane shutters that meet the same impact and cyclic pressure standards. Shutters must pass large missile impact testing (simulating a 2x4 timber beam propelled at 34 mph for the basic wind speed zone). Acceptable shutter types include accordion shutters, roll-down (rolling) shutters, Bahama shutters, colonial shutters, and approved panel systems (aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate). All shutters must bear a Florida Product Approval (FPA) number. Existing buildings are not required to retrofit, but property insurance premiums are significantly lower with approved hurricane protection. Jacksonville's wind speed design requirement is 130 mph (3-second gust) for most of Duval County.