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Hillsborough County, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Hurricane Shutters (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Cost trigger
$50,000+ permitted work
Value threshold
$750,000 insured or taxable value
Applies to
site-built single-family, windborne debris region
Governing section
§ 8-1, FBC § 105.15

Summary

Hillsborough County requires wind-borne debris opening protection on site-built single-family homes getting $50,000+ of permitted work when the home is worth $750,000 or more and sits in the wind-borne debris region.

City-specific rules exist: Tampa has its own hurricane shutters rules that differ from Hillsborough County's county-level regulations. If you live in Tampa, check the city-specific page instead.

105.15 Opening protection. When any activity requiring a building permit that is applied for on or after July 1, 2008, and for which the estimated cost is $50,000 or more for a site-built single-family detached residential structure that is located in the wind-borne debris region... and that has an insured value of $750,000 or more... opening protections as required within this code or Florida Building Code, Residential for new construction shall be provided.

Full Breakdown

Section 105.15 applies when a building permit filed on or after July 1, 2008 covers $50,000 or more of work on a site-built single-family detached home in the wind-borne debris region, and the structure's insured value, or its taxable just valuation if uninsured, is $750,000 or more. In that case, the project must add opening protection (impact-resistant windows, doors, or shutters) meeting this code or the Florida Building Code, Residential. Homes permitted strictly under the Florida Building Code are exempt from this county-specific trigger.

Violations & Fines

Permitting $50,000 or more of work on a qualifying high-value home in the wind-borne debris region without providing the required opening protection violates § 8-1 and can hold up permit approval or final inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Hillsborough County homes must add hurricane shutters or impact windows?
Site-built single-family homes in the wind-borne debris region getting $50,000 or more of permitted work, valued at $750,000 or more by insurance or tax assessment.
Are all Hillsborough County homes required to have opening protection?
No. Homes permitted strictly under the Florida Building Code are exempt from this county-specific section, which only applies once the cost and value thresholds are met.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hillsborough County

All Hillsborough County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida hurricane preparedness overview

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