What exposure category applies in the Florida Keys?

Most Florida Keys construction uses Exposure D due to proximity to open water on both sides. Exposure D is the most severe category, used for flat unobstructed areas with water exposure.

Are the Florida Keys in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone?

No, Monroe County (Florida Keys) is not in the HVHZ. Only Miami-Dade and Broward counties are designated HVHZ. However, the Keys still have very strict wind requirements due to their extreme exposure.

Monroe County, Florida

Island Wind Reality

Each Florida Key faces the same powerful winds, but smart contractors know exactly what the code requires. Watch as we reveal wind requirements island by island.

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Wind Speed

mph

Starting...

Active Key

180 mph Zone

Explore the Keys

Click on any key to see its specific wind load requirements. Every island in the chain shares the same high wind speeds but has unique building considerations.

Key Largo

Mile Marker 106-91 | Upper Keys

180

Wind Speed (mph)

Exposure Category

Islamorada

Mile Marker 90-73 | Upper Keys

180

Wind Speed (mph)

Exposure Category

Marathon

Mile Marker 65-47 | Middle Keys

180

Wind Speed (mph)

Exposure Category

Big Pine Key

Mile Marker 33-30 | Lower Keys

180

Wind Speed (mph)

Exposure Category

Key West

Mile Marker 4-0 | Lower Keys

180

Wind Speed (mph)

Exposure Category

Stock Island

Mile Marker 5 | Lower Keys

180

Wind Speed (mph)

Exposure Category

Wind Pressure Calculator

See how building height and risk category affect wind pressures in the Florida Keys.

Building Height: 30 feet

Risk Category

Select Key Location

Estimated Design Wind Speed

180

mph

This is a simplified estimate. Actual wind load calculations require professional engineering analysis considering all ASCE 7-22 factors.

Common Questions

What contractors need to know about Florida Keys wind requirements.

The Florida Keys have a basic wind speed of 180 mph for Risk Category II buildings per ASCE 7-22. This is one of the highest wind speed requirements in the United States. The entire chain from Key Largo to Key West falls under this same requirement because of the extreme hurricane exposure.

While the entire Keys chain falls under 180 mph for Risk Category II, specific requirements vary based on exposure category, building height, and proximity to water. Upper Keys like Key Largo may have slightly different terrain considerations than Lower Keys like Key West. Most Keys construction uses Exposure D due to the water on both sides.

Most Florida Keys construction uses Exposure D. This is the most severe category, used for flat unobstructed areas with water exposure. Since the Keys are narrow islands surrounded by water, wind can approach from any direction without obstruction. This means higher pressures on your buildings compared to inland locations.

No, Monroe County (Florida Keys) is not in the HVHZ. Only Miami-Dade and Broward counties are designated High Velocity Hurricane Zone. However, the Keys still have very strict wind requirements due to their extreme exposure. You do not need Miami-Dade NOA products, but you still need impact-rated windows and doors for wind-borne debris protection.

Island Wind Reality

Explore the Keys

Wind Pressure Calculator

Common Questions

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