Broward County, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Hurricane Shutters (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal deadline
- 15 consecutive days after watch/warning ends
- Clock reset trigger
- New storm threat within 48 hours
- Geographic scope
- Unincorporated Broward County only
- Governing standard
- Florida Building Code, Broward County Edition
Summary
Broward County bars keeping hurricane shutters mounted or closed on occupied buildings for more than 15 consecutive days after a declared hurricane watch or warning ends, and the clock restarts if another storm threat arrives within 48 hours.
(b) Storm shutter placement. Consistent with the provisions of the Florida Building Code, Broward County Edition, as may be amended, it is prohibited to maintain hurricane or storm protective devices or shutters on occupied buildings in a mounted or closed position, thereby impeding egress, light, and/or ventilation, for periods in excess of fifteen (15) consecutive days after a declared hurricane watch or warning has ended.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Under the Broward County Zoning Code, occupied buildings cannot have hurricane or storm protective devices left mounted or closed longer than 15 consecutive days after a hurricane watch or warning has ended, since closed shutters block egress, light and ventilation. If a new watch, warning, or predicted hurricane arrives within 48 hours after that 15-day window expires, the 15-day clock begins again the next day. The rule sits in Chapter 39 (Zoning), which under Sec. 39-2 applies only in unincorporated Broward County; Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs enforce their own municipal codes on this point.
Violations & Fines
Shutters left mounted or closed past the 15-day post-storm window (with no new watch/warning within 48 hours) are a zoning violation, subject to Broward County code enforcement action under Chapter 8½ of the county code.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave my hurricane shutters closed after a storm?
Does the 15-day shutter limit apply in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
What if another hurricane is coming right after the 15 days are up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida hurricane preparedness overview
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