At a glance
- Who
- Florida homeowners choosing how to protect windows and doors from storms.
- What
- Level A or B on the OIR form needs impact resistant coverings or products listed as wind borne debris protection devices.
- When
- Decide before you buy. Documentation is the deciding factor.
- Where
- Florida Building Code and the OIR-B1-1802 wind mitigation form.
- Why
- Your insurer reads the form. Undocumented shutters are rated Level N, the weakest.
The short answer
Florida's wind mitigation form does not pick a winner. Levels A and B say all glazed openings must be protected by impact resistant coverings or products listed as wind borne debris protection devices, and they must meet the cyclic pressure and large missile tests. A listed impact window can meet that. So can a listed shutter system.
The big difference is paperwork. The form gives shutters with no documentation the weakest rating, Level N. A shutter system you can prove with documentation can earn a higher level.
What the state form says
Question 9 on form OIR-B1-1802 asks for the weakest wind-borne debris protection on the home. Level A is the strongest: cyclic pressure plus a 9-pound large missile test for windows and doors. The levels then run through B, C, D, N, X and Z. Level N includes unverified shutter systems with no documentation.
Because the form uses the weakest opening, one unprotected window can lower the whole home's rating. Our wind mitigation inspection guide explains the form.
Comparing impact windows and shutters?
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.
What the building code says
Florida Statutes 553.844 directs the Florida Building Commission to analyze and adopt opening protections. It does not name shutters or impact-rated glass. We could not read the adopted text of the current Florida Building Code on this point, so we cannot quote what it lists for your home.
An older state fact sheet, from May 2006 and based on the 2004 code, is out of date but worth knowing: it said tempered glass windows and impact-resistant windows are not the same. Treat that as history. Today, ask your permit office what it accepts for your address. See our guide to the wind-borne debris region.
How to compare the two
We cannot give you reliable cost or effort comparisons from official sources, so use these questions for each quote.
- Is the product listed? Ask for the listing in the Florida product approval system or the Miami-Dade product database. Our product approval guide explains how that works.
- Does it cover every opening? The form asks about the weakest opening, so check windows, doors and the garage door.
- Can you prove it? Keep the product documents and inspection paperwork. Without them, shutters fall to Level N.
- What will your insurer credit? Credits are set by the insurer, so ask which levels it credits before you decide.
- What does your HOA allow? See our guide on HOA rules on impact windows.
For prices, our impact windows cost guide has what we can support.
Where tempered glass fits
Ordinary tempered glass is not the same as impact glass. Do not accept it as a substitute unless the product is listed for wind borne debris protection.
The test standards named on the state form include Miami-Dade PA 201, 202 and 203, FBC TAS 201, 202 and 203, ASTM E1886 and E1996, and SSTD 12. Garage doors use ANSI/DASMA 115. A product that passed a listed test comes with documents that say so.
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.
Every job is quoted after an on-site visit, with a free in-home consultation and written estimate and no trip fee. Insurance credits for impact windows are set by your insurer from a wind mitigation inspection, and we never promise a percentage or dollar saving. 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
Are hurricane shutters accepted in Florida?
The state wind mitigation form accepts impact resistant coverings that meet its test standards, and you need documentation to reach a higher level. Shutters with no documentation get Level N, the weakest rating.
Do impact windows count as wind-borne debris protection?
Yes, if they are products listed as wind borne debris protection devices and meet the cyclic pressure and large missile tests.
Is tempered glass the same as impact glass?
No. An older state fact sheet says tempered glass windows and impact-resistant windows are not the same. Ask for a product listing.
Will impact windows lower my insurance more than shutters?
Your insurer sets the credit, based on your wind mitigation inspection. Ask which protection levels it credits.
Ready to protect your windows and doors?
Get a free in-home consultation and written estimate from a Florida licensed contractor serving Manatee County, Sarasota County and south Hillsborough.