FLORIDA BUILDING CODE · ASCE 7-22 · HVHZ
HVHZ vs Standard Wind Zones what actually changes
Two counties play by a stricter rulebook. Here is the honest, side-by-side difference in wind basis, protection, approvals, testing, and inspection.
THE CORE DIFFERENCE
HVHZ vs Standard side by side
Same hurricane physics, two different compliance paths. Wind speeds vary by site — never a single fabricated number.
| Requirement | HVHZ (Miami-Dade + Broward) | Standard High-Wind Zones |
|---|---|---|
| Wind speed basis | ASCE 7-22 maps, typically ~170-180 mph (Risk II); varies by site | ASCE 7-22 maps, lower and varying by location |
| Impact protection | Mandatory impact-resistant envelope; shutters generally not accepted in lieu of impact glazing | Impact protection in wind-borne debris regions; shutters allowed as an alternative |
| Product approval | Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval required | Florida Product Approval or standard manufacturer certifications |
| Testing protocol | TAS 201 / 202 / 203 (large & small missile + cyclic pressure) | ASTM E1996 / E1886 static impact and pressure |
| Inspection | Enhanced third-party inspection of the building envelope | Standard inspection per local building department |
WHERE THE LINE IS DRAWN
The HVHZ region is small and specific
HVHZ is Miami-Dade and Broward only. The rest of coastal Florida and the U.S. uses standard high-wind rules.
Schematic only — exact county lines and site wind speeds are set by the Florida Building Code and ASCE 7-22 maps.
TRIGGERS
When HVHZ rules kick in
If any of these is true, you build to the HVHZ rulebook — it is mandatory, not a preference.
Project in Miami-Dade or Broward
The two HVHZ counties. Location alone makes HVHZ mandatory.
LOCATIONImpact-resistant envelope
Impact glazing required; shutters generally not accepted as a substitute.
PROTECTIONNOA / Florida Product Approval
Every envelope product needs a Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval.
APPROVALTAS testing + enhanced inspection
TAS 201/202/203 testing plus added third-party envelope inspection.
TESTINGSITE-CORRECT NUMBERS
Get the county-correct wind pressures
HVHZ amendments, coastal Exposure D, and product-approval logic baked in — by location.
NEXT STEP
Need HVHZ vs standard compliance figured out?
Automated HVHZ-vs-standard analysis, DP ratings, and sealed wind-load reports for your exact project location.
RELATED HVHZ RESOURCES
Keep going deeper
HVHZ Overview
Complete guide to HVHZ designation and requirements.
GUIDEMiami-Dade NOA
Miami-Dade County product approval process.
COUNTYBroward County
Broward County HVHZ requirements.
COUNTYProduct Approvals
NOA and TAS testing protocols.
APPROVALSFlorida FBC HVHZ
Statewide Florida Building Code requirements.
CODEState Requirements
Wind load requirements by state.
MAP