Orlando Hurricane Preparedness: Hurricane Shutters Rules (2026)

Orlando is located in a wind-borne debris region as defined by the Florida Building Code (FBC), which adopts ASCE 7 wind design standards via FL Stat 553.73. Orange County and Orlando are in Risk Category II with ultimate design wind speeds (Vult) of 130+ mph (some areas closer to 140 mph). The FBC requires that all glazed openings (windows, glass doors, skylights) in new construction and substantial renovations within wind-borne debris regions be protected against impact from wind-borne missiles. Compliance is achieved one of two ways: (1) impact-rated glazing - windows and doors tested under ASTM E1886 and E1996 for large missile impact and cyclic pressure; or (2) approved opening protection - storm shutters that cover the glazing and meet the same impact standards. Approved shutter types include accordion shutters, roll-down shutters (manual or motorized), Bahama shutters, colonial shutters, fabric/screen storm panels (Astroguard, StormBlock), and corrugated steel or aluminum panels. Plywood is no longer considered a code-compliant permanent solution and is allowed only as emergency temporary protection on existing one- and two-family dwellings; it cannot satisfy the building code for new work. Every impact window, door, or shutter installed in Florida must carry either a Florida Product Approval (FPA) number listed in the Florida Building Commission's product approval system or a Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance (NOA), which is honored statewide. The FPA/NOA documents the testing, installation requirements, design pressures, and missile-impact rating. Installation of shutters requires a building permit from Orlando Permitting Services, including a site plan, the FPA/NOA documentation, and structural attachment details (anchor type, size, spacing, embedment). The installer must follow the manufacturer's installation instructions exactly - improperly anchored shutters are common failure points in hurricanes. Garage doors are also opening protection: doors in wind-borne debris regions must be impact-rated or have separate door-bracing approved for the design wind speed. Florida law (FL Stat 553.842) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting hurricane shutters, but they may regulate aesthetic standards, color, and the time period for which deployable shutters can remain closed (typically only during a watch/warning). Existing one- and two-family dwellings built before March 1, 2002 are not retroactively required to add opening protection but must comply when undertaking substantial improvements (work valued at more than 50 percent of the structure's value) or when replacing windows.