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Do your windows need to be HVHZ rated?

By Red Sky Exteriors · 4 min read

Not everywhere. But it's still worth understanding, because it's the toughest standard in Florida and a good benchmark for any impact window.

What is the HVHZ?

HVHZ stands for High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. Under the Florida Building Code, it officially covers two counties: Miami-Dade and Broward (GAF, citing FBC Chapter 2). Products used there go through the strictest testing and approval process in the state.

How products get approved in Florida

There are two main approval paths (Florida Building Commission):

• Florida Product Approval, issued by the Florida Building Commission, for use statewide outside the HVHZ
• Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA), required inside the HVHZ and widely seen as the strictest evaluation in the state

So what does that mean in Tampa Bay?

If your home is outside Miami-Dade and Broward, your windows need to meet the Florida Building Code for your area, not HVHZ. When a home is in an HVHZ area, we install to HVHZ to meet code there.

Even where it isn't required, most of the windows and doors we recommend still meet HVHZ standards, because we'd want that protection on our own families' homes.

Questions to ask any window company

• What's the product approval number for this window or door?
• What design pressure is it rated for, and is that right for my home?
• Who's actually doing the install? (Ours are in-house master carpenters, not subs found for the week.)
• What's the lead time? Ours usually run 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the manufacturer.

This article is general information, not engineering or legal advice. Code requirements can vary by jurisdiction.