Enhanced building standards and HVHZ requirements for Broward County
Broward County, Florida's second-largest HVHZ jurisdiction, operates a comprehensive building product approval system through its Building Code Services Division. Located immediately north of Miami-Dade County, Broward encompasses Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and 28 other municipalities, all subject to stringent hurricane-resistant construction requirements following lessons learned from Hurricane Andrew (1992) and subsequent major storms.
Broward County's product approval program, while independent from Miami-Dade, maintains similarly rigorous standards through the Broward County Product Approval system. The county accepts both Broward-issued approvals and Miami-Dade NOAs, providing manufacturers flexibility while ensuring life-safety performance under Category 4-5 hurricane conditions with design wind speeds ranging from 165-180 mph.
County-specific approval system accepting products tested to TAS protocols or ASTM E1996/1886 standards. Broward approvals designated with "BC" prefix (e.g., BC-xxxx).
Broward County accepts both Broward County Product Approvals AND Miami-Dade NOAs. Manufacturers may use either approval system for HVHZ compliance.
Ultimate wind speeds of 165-180 mph (ASCE 7-22, Risk Category II) along coast, decreasing to 155-165 mph inland. All of Broward County is within HVHZ.
Mandatory third-party inspections for all envelope products. Broward maintains approved inspector registry and inspection requirements similar to Miami-Dade.
Under the Florida Building Code with Broward County amendments, the entire county is designated as High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). This includes all 31 municipalities and unincorporated areas, from the Atlantic coastline westward to the Everglades.
| Location Within Broward | Ultimate Wind Speed V (Risk Cat II) | Exposure Category (Typical) | Wind-Borne Debris Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Coastline (≤ 1 mile) | 175-180 mph | Exposure D | Yes - Mandatory impact protection |
| Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach | 175-180 mph | Exposure D (coastal) / C (urban) | Yes - Mandatory impact protection |
| Coastal Urban (1-5 miles inland) | 170-175 mph | Exposure C | Yes - Mandatory impact protection |
| Central Broward (Plantation, Sunrise) | 165-170 mph | Exposure C (suburban) | Yes - V ≥ 140 mph triggers requirement |
| Western Broward (Weston, Parkland) | 160-165 mph | Exposure C / B (suburban areas) | Yes - V ≥ 140 mph triggers requirement |
Major Municipalities: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Miramar, Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, Weston, Tamarac, Margate, Coconut Creek, Parkland, Lighthouse Point, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and 14 additional cities—all subject to HVHZ requirements.
While both counties operate within Florida's HVHZ and share similar design wind speeds, their product approval systems have important differences:
| Aspect | Broward County Approval | Miami-Dade NOA |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Designation | "BC-xxxx" numbering system | "NOA xx-xxxx.xx" numbering system |
| Accepted Testing | TAS 201/202/203 OR ASTM E1996/1886 (manufacturer's choice) | TAS 201/202/203 ONLY (more stringent) |
| Geographic Acceptance | Broward County only (not accepted in Miami-Dade HVHZ) | Statewide (accepted everywhere in Florida including Broward) |
| Application Process | Broward County Building Code Services Division | Miami-Dade Product Control Division |
| Approval Duration | Annual renewal required (similar to Miami-Dade) | Annual renewal required |
| Testing Rigor | ASTM option less stringent than TAS (no 9,000-cycle requirement) | TAS mandatory (9,000 cyclic pressure cycles required) |
| Industry Preference | Regional use (Broward-specific projects) | Industry standard (broader acceptance, "gold standard") |
Broward County accepts BOTH Broward County Product Approvals (BC-xxxx) AND Miami-Dade NOAs. For contractors and designers, this means:
Manufacturers seeking Broward County Product Approval must submit applications to the Broward County Building Code Services Division. The process is similar to Miami-Dade but offers testing protocol flexibility.
Step 1: Pre-Application Review
Step 2: Product Testing
Step 3: Application Submission
Step 4: Approval Issuance
Step 5: Quality Assurance & Inspections
Broward County has adopted the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), which references ASCE 7-22 with county-specific amendments. Design wind loads in Broward are among the highest in the continental United States.
For building envelope products (windows, doors, wall panels):
p = qh × G × Cp
Where:
• qh = Velocity pressure at mean roof height
• G = Gust effect factor (0.85 for rigid low-rise buildings)
• Cp = External pressure coefficient (ASCE 7-22 Figure 30.4-1)
Velocity Pressure:
qh = 0.00256 × Kh × Kzt × Kd × V²
• Kh = Height/exposure coefficient (Table 26.10-1)
• Kzt = Topographic factor (1.0 for flat terrain)
• Kd = Directionality factor (1.0 for C&C per ASCE 7-22)
• V = Ultimate wind speed (ASCE 7-22 Figure 26.5-2B for Risk Cat II)
Project: Residential window installation in Fort Lauderdale, FL (Broward County HVHZ)
Design Parameters:
Step 1: Velocity Pressure Exposure Coefficient
From ASCE 7-22 Table 26.10-1:
Exposure D, h = 35 ft → Kh = 1.19
Step 2: Calculate Velocity Pressure
qh = 0.00256 × Kh × Kzt × Kd × V²
qh = 0.00256 × 1.19 × 1.0 × 1.0 × 180²
qh = 0.00256 × 1.19 × 32,400
qh = 98.8 psf
Step 3: Determine Pressure Coefficients
From ASCE 7-22 Figure 30.4-1 (Walls, Zone 4, Effective Area 35 sq ft):
• Positive pressure: GCp = +0.90
• Negative pressure: GCp = -1.05
Step 4: Calculate Design Pressures
Positive Pressure:
p+ = qh × GCp = 98.8 × 0.90 = +88.9 psf
Negative Pressure (Suction):
p- = qh × GCp = 98.8 × (-1.05) = -103.7 psf
Design Pressure (controlling): ±104 psf
Step 5: Product Selection
Required DP Rating: Minimum DP-60 (DP-55 insufficient, DP-60 = 120 psf > 104 psf ✓)
Acceptable Product Approvals for Broward:
Option 1: Broward County Approval (BC-xxxx) with DP-60 or higher
Option 2: Miami-Dade NOA with DP-60 or higher (RECOMMENDED)
Impact Requirements:
• Large missile impact: 9 lb 2×4 @ 50 fps (ASTM E1996 or TAS 201-94)
• Post-impact pressure: ASTM E1886 or TAS 203-94
• Wind-driven rain resistance (per selected test protocol)
Example Product:
NOA 22-0810.03 (Miami-Dade) OR BC-2156 (Broward) - Impact Window
DP Rating: DP-60 (±120 psf)
Maximum Size: 72" × 96" (6 ft × 8 ft) ✓
Impact Test: TAS 201/203 or ASTM E1996/1886
Broward County mandates third-party special inspections for all HVHZ building envelope installations, similar to Miami-Dade requirements but administered through Broward County Building Code Services.
Approved Inspection Agencies (Broward County):
Inspection Scope:
| Installation Phase | Inspector Verification | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Installation | Product approval number (BC or NOA), label verification, material delivery inspection | Product labels, packing lists, approval certificates |
| During Installation | Anchor spacing/type, flashing details, sealant application, shim placement, rough opening | Installation photos, anchor schedule verification |
| Post-Installation | Final installation compliance, water testing (if required), operational testing (doors) | Final inspection report, photo documentation |
| Roofing Systems | Deck attachment, underlayment, fastener spacing, edge/corner details, flashing | Roof deck inspection, fastening schedule verification |
Inspector Qualifications: Must be certified by an IAS-accredited agency and independent from the installing contractor. Inspectors submit reports directly to Broward County Building Officials.
Typical Costs:
Broward County has adopted the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023 FBC), with specific local amendments that impact HVHZ construction:
Broward uses ASCE 7-22 Risk Category II maps with county-verified wind speeds: 165-180 mph throughout county. Coastal areas use 175-180 mph baseline.
Enhanced fastening schedules for roof sheathing: 8d ring-shank nails @ 6" o.c. edges, 12" o.c. field (minimum). More stringent than standard FBC.
Mandatory gable end bracing per FBC Section 1609.7 with Broward amendments: 2×4 minimum @ 24" o.c. or engineered truss system with certification.
All garage doors require product approval (BC or NOA) with minimum DP-30 rating. Impact rating required if within wind-borne debris region (entire county).
Engineered continuous load path from roof to foundation required for all new construction and substantial improvements. Truss-to-wall connection details specified.
Self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen sheet (ASTM D1970) required under all roof coverings in HVHZ areas (entire Broward County).
Broward County approvals (BC-xxxx) are NOT valid in Miami-Dade HVHZ. Miami-Dade only accepts Miami-Dade NOAs. Know your jurisdiction!
Both BC and NOA approvals expire annually. Verify current status at time of installation, not just specification. Expired approvals void compliance.
Design pressure must meet or exceed calculated wind pressure. Installing DP-50 window where DP-60 required is code violation and life-safety hazard.
ALL of Broward County is wind-borne debris region. Impact-rated products or approved shutters mandatory—no exceptions, even in western inland areas.
Products must be installed per approved installation instructions. Field modifications (different fasteners, altered spacing) void the product approval.
Each approved product must bear permanent label showing approval number (BC or NOA) and DP rating. Unlabeled products cannot be verified—inspector rejection.
| Requirement | Broward County | Miami-Dade County |
|---|---|---|
| Product Approval Authority | Broward County Building Code Services | Miami-Dade Product Control Division |
| Approval Acceptance | Broward BC OR Miami-Dade NOA | Miami-Dade NOA ONLY |
| Testing Protocols | TAS or ASTM (manufacturer choice) | TAS only (more stringent) |
| Design Wind Speeds (coastal) | 175-180 mph (Risk Cat II) | 180-195 mph (Risk Cat II) |
| Cyclic Pressure Testing | 9,000 cycles if TAS; not required if ASTM | 9,000 cycles mandatory (TAS 203-94) |
| Geographic Acceptance | Broward County only | Statewide (all Florida counties) |
| Industry Preference | Regional (Broward-specific projects) | Industry standard ("gold standard") |
www.broward.org/Building - Official Broward County Product Approval database, application forms, and approved inspector listings.
Broward County Building Code Services: (954) 765-4500. Staff available for product approval questions and technical assistance.
Search current Broward County Product Approvals (BC-xxxx) and Miami-Dade NOAs online. Verify approval status before specifying or purchasing products.
Professional wind load calculator with Broward County-specific wind speeds, automated DP rating determination, and FBC-compliant calculation reports for HVHZ projects.
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