How much do hurricane shutters cost in Broward County?
Hurricane shutter costs in Broward County range from $15-25/sq ft for storm panels, $25-45/sq ft for accordion shutters, and $45-75/sq ft for motorized rollup shutters (all prices include installation). A typical 2,000 sq ft home with 15 openings averages $8,000-15,000 for accordion shutters or $15,000-25,000 for rollup shutters. HVHZ zones (eastern Broward) require higher-rated products that typically cost 15-25% more than non-HVHZ areas in western Broward.
Does Broward County have HVHZ areas like Miami-Dade?
Yes. Eastern Broward County, approximately east of I-95 including cities like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and Hallandale Beach, falls within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). These areas require shutters with Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval with HVHZ designation. Western Broward cities like Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, and Miramar are non-HVHZ and can use standard Florida Building Code approved products with lower DP ratings.
What is the difference between HVHZ and non-HVHZ shutter requirements?
HVHZ areas require: 1) Large missile impact testing (9 lb 2x4 lumber at 50 fps), 2) Higher design pressure ratings typically +60/-80 psf minimum, 3) Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval with HVHZ classification. Non-HVHZ Broward areas require: 1) Small missile impact testing (2g steel balls), 2) Lower DP ratings typically +40/-50 psf, 3) Standard Florida Building Code product approval. The cost difference is typically 15-25% higher for HVHZ-rated products due to more stringent testing and materials.
Why are accordion shutters the most popular choice in Broward County?
Accordion shutters dominate Broward County installations for three key reasons: 1) Best value for high wind ratings - they can achieve DP +130/-195 at $25-45/sq ft versus rollup shutters at $45-75/sq ft for similar ratings, 2) Quick deployment - one person can secure an entire home in 15-30 minutes versus 2+ hours for storm panels, 3) Permanent installation means no storage space required. For a typical Broward home, accordion shutters cost 40-50% less than rollup shutters while meeting the same wind load requirements.
How do I know if my Broward property is in the HVHZ?
Check your property's wind zone using the Broward County Building Division website at broward.org/building or call 954-357-4400. As a general guideline, properties east of I-95 are typically in the HVHZ, while properties west of I-95 are typically non-HVHZ. The exact boundary follows specific geographic survey lines. Your wind load calculation will automatically determine your zone based on your address and apply the correct requirements for product selection.
Can I save money by buying shutters online and hiring local installation?
This approach rarely saves money in Broward County. Most reputable installers won't install customer-supplied shutters because: 1) They can't warranty installations with products they didn't supply, 2) If the shutter doesn't fit or has defects, finger-pointing delays the project, 3) Permit inspectors want to verify NOA documents match installed products. Additionally, contractor pricing includes volume discounts from manufacturers that offset the perceived savings. The risk of buying wrong-sized or incorrect-rated shutters typically costs more to fix than any savings.