Skylights Code Requirements in Florida

Coastal areas subject to long-term erosion and storm-induced shoreline retreat. Construction setbacks and erosion-resistant foundation design may be required.

The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) consists STRICTLY of Miami-Dade and Broward counties only. Products installed here must pass TAS 201/202/203 testing protocols for impact and cycling, which are MORE RIGOROUS than standard ASTM tests used elsewhere in Florida. Even if wind speeds in Monroe County (Florida Keys) are technically higher, Monroe is NOT officially HVHZ and uses Florida Product Approval instead of Miami-Dade NOA.

Per FBC Section 1609.2 and ASCE 7-22: Areas within hurricane-prone regions located (1) within 1 mile of coastal mean high water line where Exposure D exists and Vult >= 130 mph, or (2) where Vult >= 140 mph anywhere. Requires impact-resistant glazing or protection.

The entire state of Florida is designated hurricane-prone per ASCE 7-22, IRC R301.2.1, and the Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023). Ultimate design wind speeds range from 120 mph in north-central Florida to 180+ mph in the Florida Keys and HVHZ (Miami-Dade/Broward). Florida has the highest hurricane landfall frequency of any US state. The FBC was created in direct response to Hurricane Andrew (1992, $27B damage). Recent major hurricanes: Irma (2017), Michael (2018, Cat 5), Ian (2022, Cat 4, $113B), Idalia (2023), Milton (2024).

Entire state designated as hurricane-prone per ASCE 7-22. Basic wind speed exceeds 115 mph (3-second gust) statewide.

DOD TIP Zone 1 (Very Heavy) — highest probability of subterranean termite infestation. IRC Section R318.1 requires termite protection measures for all wood structures.