Is your home actually required to have impact windows? Here's how to find out.
Most competitors lean on blanket hurricane-season urgency. We check your specific address against the actual code map, then give you the insurance math whether protection is required, recommended, or purely optional for you.
High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, Wind-Borne Debris Region, or neither
High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)
The strictest tier — Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) testing, 9,000-cycle fatigue standards. Orlando and Orange County are not in the HVHZ.
Wind-Borne Debris Region (WBDR)
Generally requires proximity to the coast at 130+ mph design wind speed, or anywhere at 140+ mph. Most of inland Orange County falls outside this today — but the incoming 2026 Florida Building Code update is expected to expand it to some inland areas near large lakes with long fetch (think Lake Apopka, Lake Conway, the Butler Chain). We check the current map for your address, not a countywide assumption.
Neither — impact protection by choice
If your address isn't code-mandated either way, impact windows and doors are still often worth it for insurance credits, noise reduction, and storm peace of mind. We'll show you the real numbers instead of a scare tactic.
What Everseal does at the assessment
Check the map
We check your specific address against the current Florida Building Code wind-zone maps — not a blanket countywide claim.
Explain the result
Plain-language answer: code-required, recommended, or optional at your address, in writing.
Recommend a product
Impact glass, or a lower-cost secondary-protection alternative like shutters, honestly compared for your situation.
Document everything
Installation against real Florida Product Approval / NOA numbers and manufacturer specs, not a verbal claim.
Point you to credits
Wind-mitigation insurance credit math and a referral to a qualified inspector for the official form.
Compliance & incentive fact box — verified, not assumed
This area of Florida law is actively shifting. Everything below is checked against current sources — nothing here is copied from outdated "hurricane season" marketing copy.
Federal Section 25C tax credit for windows/doors
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit does not apply to windows, doors, or garage doors placed in service after December 31, 2025, per the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act. We will not advertise a federal tax credit for a 2026 installation — it doesn't exist.
Florida sales tax exemption on impact windows, doors & garage doors
A new state exemption runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, covering impact-resistant windows, doors, and garage doors. [confirm exact point-of-sale vs. refund mechanism against final DOR guidance before quoting specifics]
Florida Building Code — 8th Edition (2023), 9th Edition coming Dec 31, 2026
Most of inland Orlando/Orange County is outside both the HVHZ and, currently, the Wind-Borne Debris Region. We do not claim a blanket code requirement — we check your address.
Wind-mitigation insurance credits (OIR-B1-1802)
Fla. Stat. §627.0629 requires windstorm-premium credits for verified mitigation features. The inspection must be completed by a qualified inspector under state law. [confirm whether Everseal's license qualifies before claiming we can self-certify] — we'll tell you plainly whether we can perform it or need to refer you to one.
My Safe Florida Home Program
Offers free wind-mitigation inspections and 2:1 matching grants up to $10,000 for hardening including impact windows and doors. We can help you apply — the state decides approval, not us. [confirm current application backlog/status at mysafeflhome.com before publishing specifics]
Everseal installs the products. A qualified inspector certifies the discount. The state and your insurer decide approval.
We are a licensed contractor/installer, not automatically a certified wind-mitigation inspector — Florida requires a specific credential for that role. We'll tell you plainly whether we hold it or need to refer you to someone who does. We do not guarantee a specific insurance premium reduction or a My Safe Florida Home grant approval; those decisions belong to your insurance carrier and the state program.
Hurricane protection & insurance resources
Get an honest answer for your specific address.
Free assessment — code review, product recommendation, and real insurance math.