Winter Haven follows the Florida Building Code (FBC) which requires all new residential construction in Polk County (140 mph wind speed zone) to have impact-rated glazing or approved shutters protecting every opening. Hurricane shutter installation does not require a separate building permit if the system is FBC-approved.
The Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) - applicable inside Winter Haven - sets Polk County at a 140 mph Ultimate Design Wind Speed (Vult) under ASCE 7-22. All new construction and major remodels must protect openings with: (1) impact-resistant windows/doors meeting FBC TAS 201/202/203 (Miami-Dade/FBC); (2) hurricane shutters meeting FBC TAS 203; or (3) approved storm panels (corrugated steel/aluminum or polycarbonate) attached per manufacturer. Garage doors must meet wind-pressure ratings - this is a frequent retrofit issue on older homes. Permanent shutters installed on existing homes typically require a Winter Haven Building Division permit; emergency-deployment plywood does not. Florida Statute §163.04 prohibits HOAs and local government from preventing impact-resistant windows or approved shutters.
Unpermitted permanent shutter installation is a Ch. 5 building code violation - Code Compliance can require permitting and removal. New construction lacking approved opening protection fails final inspection and is denied a Certificate of Occupancy.
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