Surprising Florida HVHZ Facts about Hurricanes in Florida

Living along the Florida coastline is appealing to many people and there are several benefits, including calming and relaxing atmosphere, and sunshine nearly all year round. 

There is, however, a season of the year when homeowners along the coastline prepare their homes for mother nature’s hurricane force winds--especially if the home resides in a high velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ.)

The ICC (International Code Council) defines the following:

• Hurricane-Prone Regions: Areas vulnerable to hurricanes defined as:
  The U.S. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coasts where the basic wind speed in greater than 90 mph (40 m/s) and Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
• Wind-Borne Debris Region: Portions of hurricane-prone regions that are within 1 mile (1.61 km) of the coastal mean high water line where the basic wind speed is 110 mph (48 m/s) or greater, or portions of hurricane-prone regions where the basic wind speed is 120 mph (53 m/s or greater; or Hawaii.)

In Florida, the only HVHZ areas are Miami Dade & Broward Counties. When it comes to building, there is a special section of Florida Building Code dedicated to HVHZ. 

The “FL #” is the most common way you’ll see the Florida Product Approval Number referenced. It was created by the state for all construction trades as a measurement to determine if the product meets state requirements, including high velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ).

HVHZ approved products undergo a couple of wind speed, missile tests which you can learn more about how that helps give homeowners peace of mind by clicking here. 

To learn more about and see a complete list of EAS HVHZ approved window and door installations, you can click the button below to download our product brochure.