At a glance
- Who
- Homeowners buying impact windows or doors, and their contractors.
- What
- A statewide product evaluation and approval system, set up under Florida Statutes 553.842.
- When
- Ask for the listing before you sign for the product.
- Where
- Florida's product approval system, or the Miami-Dade County product database.
- Why
- A listing is the proof that an exact product passed the required tests.
The short answer
Florida Statutes 553.842 directs the state to develop and implement a product evaluation and approval system that applies statewide. Windows and doors for storm protection go through it, or through Miami-Dade County's separate approval process.
For you, the point is simple. Before you buy impact windows or doors, ask to see the approval listing for the exact product. We did not open the state's product search tool for this page, so we cannot describe how it looks. Ask your contractor to walk you through it.
Who evaluates products
The statute names approved evaluation entities. They include:
- NES
- IAPMO ES
- ICC-ES
- UL
- Intertek
- The Miami-Dade County Product Control Division
A product does not become approved because a seller says so. An evaluation entity reviews it, and the result goes into the system.
Want a quote that names the exact product?
Leave your name and number. We call back by the next business day to set up a free in-home visit and written estimate.
Prefer to talk now? Call or text (941) 284-2218.
Why it matters for insurance credits
The state's wind mitigation form, OIR-B1-1802, ties its top two opening protection levels to listings. Levels A and B require products listed as wind borne debris protection devices in the Florida product approval system or by Miami-Dade County. The roof covering question on the same form also asks about product approval.
So the listing helps in two places: with the building department, and with the insurer. Our wind mitigation inspection guide explains the form. Credits are set by your insurer, and we do not promise a percentage.
The tests behind an approval
The form names the test standards used for opening protection: Miami-Dade PA 201, 202 and 203, FBC TAS 201, 202 and 203, ASTM E1886 and E1996, and SSTD 12. For garage doors it names ANSI/DASMA 115. Level A means cyclic pressure plus a 9-pound large missile test.
We did not read the listing documents themselves. We also did not confirm whether Miami-Dade approvals expire, so ask how current a listing is. See window design pressure ratings explained for what we could and could not verify about rating numbers.
What to ask for before you sign
- The listing for the exact product, not just the brand.
- The test standards it passed.
- Proof that the listing covers your sizes and frame type.
- Product documents, kept with your permit papers.
- The manufacturer warranty in writing.
Your permit office decides what your address requires. See our wind-borne debris region guide and our window and door permit guide.
What we could not verify
Being clear about gaps helps you ask better questions. We did not open the state's product search or the Miami-Dade product database for this page, so we cannot say what a listing looks like or how often one is updated. We also could not read the adopted text of the current Florida Building Code on opening protection, so we cannot quote what it requires of your windows.
What we can say is that the statute sets up one statewide system, that it names the entities that evaluate products, and that the state's wind mitigation form points to it. Those facts are enough to ask one firm question of any seller: show me the listing for this exact product.
If the answer is vague, or the seller offers only a brochure, get a second quote. A listing is a record you can check yourself, and a brochure is not.
How Hildebrand handles this kind of work
Hildebrand Construction & Remodeling, LLC installs impact windows and doors in Manatee County, Sarasota County and south Hillsborough. We pull every required permit and meet Florida Building Code inspections. Manufacturer warranties are passed through, along with our written workmanship warranty.
Every job is quoted after an on-site visit, with a free in-home consultation and written estimate and no trip fee. See our impact windows and doors service and our guarantee.
Call or text (941) 284-2218, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Questions homeowners ask
What is Florida product approval?
It is a statewide product evaluation and approval system directed by Florida Statutes 553.842. Approved evaluation entities review products against the code.
Who can evaluate windows and doors in Florida?
The statute names entities including NES, IAPMO ES, ICC-ES, UL, Intertek and the Miami-Dade County Product Control Division.
Do I need a Miami-Dade approval for a Manatee County home?
The wind mitigation form accepts products listed in the Florida product approval system or by Miami-Dade County for its top protection levels. Your permit office can tell you what it requires.
How do I check that my impact windows are approved?
Ask for the listing of the exact product and size, and match it to your quote and product documents.
Ready for impact windows or doors?
Get a free in-home consultation and written estimate from a Florida licensed contractor serving Manatee County, Sarasota County and south Hillsborough.