# Florida High Velocity Hurricane Zone & Wind Requirements

**Based on**: 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2023)
**Applicable Areas**: Miami-Dade County, Broward County, HVHZ statewide provisions
**Reference Standards**: ASCE 7-22, ASTM, TAS, FBC-HVHZ

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## Quick Reference - Design Wind Speeds

| Location | Risk Category II | Risk Category III | Risk Category IV |
|----------|------------------|-------------------|------------------|
| **Miami-Dade (HVHZ)** | 175 mph | 185 mph | 190 mph |
| **Broward (HVHZ)** | 170-175 mph | 180-185 mph | 185-190 mph |
| **Keys (Monroe)** | 175-185 mph | 185-195 mph | 190-200 mph |
| **Palm Beach** | 160-165 mph | 170-175 mph | 175-180 mph |
| **Tampa/Hillsborough** | 130-140 mph | 140-150 mph | 145-155 mph |
| **Jacksonville** | 120-125 mph | 130-135 mph | 135-140 mph |
| **Orlando (Central)** | 115-125 mph | 125-135 mph | 130-140 mph |
| **Panhandle (Gulf Coast)** | 140-160 mph | 150-170 mph | 155-175 mph |

*Ultimate Design Wind Speed (Vult) - 3-second gust at 33' above ground, Exposure C*

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## High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)

### HVHZ Geographic Scope
- **Miami-Dade County**: All areas
- **Broward County**: All areas
- **Design basis**: Pre-engineered systems, enhanced testing

### HVHZ vs. Standard FBC

| Requirement | HVHZ | Standard FBC |
|-------------|------|--------------|
| Impact protection | Mandatory | By wind zone |
| Product approval | Florida Product Approval (HVHZ) | Florida Product Approval |
| Testing standard | TAS (FBC Testing Application Standard) | ASTM + manufacturer |
| Glazed openings | Large/small missile | Per wind zone |
| Roof attachment | Enhanced | Per ASCE 7 |
| Structural inspections | Enhanced | Standard |

### HVHZ Product Approval
- **NOA (Notice of Acceptance)**: Miami-Dade/Broward specific
- **Florida Product Approval**: State database
- **TAS Standards**: HVHZ-specific test protocols
  - TAS 201: Impact test (large missile)
  - TAS 202: Impact test (small missile)
  - TAS 203: Cyclic pressure loading

---

## Wind-Borne Debris Regions

### Where Required (Statewide)
Impact protection required when:
1. Within 1 mile of coastal mean high water line where Vult ≥ 130 mph, OR
2. Where Vult ≥ 140 mph

### Exposure Categories

| Category | Description | Examples |
|----------|-------------|----------|
| **B** | Urban/suburban, wooded | Most residential areas |
| **C** | Open terrain, few obstructions | Agricultural, open developments |
| **D** | Flat coastal areas | Beach frontage, open water exposure |

### Protection Methods

#### Glazing Protection Options
1. **Impact-resistant glazing**: Laminated glass meeting test standards
2. **Impact-resistant shutters**: Tested to TAS/ASTM
3. **Plywood (temporary only)**: Not for new construction

#### Testing Standards

| Standard | Test Type | Application |
|----------|-----------|-------------|
| ASTM E1886 | Impact test | Standard FBC |
| ASTM E1996 | Cyclic pressure | Standard FBC |
| TAS 201 | Large missile (9 lb 2x4 @ 50 fps) | HVHZ |
| TAS 202 | Small missile (2g gravel @ 100 fps) | HVHZ |
| TAS 203 | Cyclic pressure | HVHZ |

---

## Roof Systems

### Roof Deck Attachment (FBC Residential)

#### Roof Sheathing Nailing

| Wind Speed | Panel Edges | Intermediate |
|------------|-------------|--------------|
| < 110 mph | 8d @ 6" | 8d @ 12" |
| 110-130 mph | 8d @ 4" | 8d @ 8" |
| 130-140 mph | Ring shank @ 4" | Ring shank @ 6" |
| > 140 mph | Ring shank @ 3" | Ring shank @ 6" |
| **HVHZ** | Ring shank @ 3" | Ring shank @ 6" |

**Ring shank nails**: 8d (0.131" × 2-3/8") minimum

#### Roof-to-Wall Connections

| Wind Speed | Connection | Spacing |
|------------|------------|---------|
| < 110 mph | H2.5 or equivalent | 24" o.c. |
| 110-130 mph | H2.5A or equivalent | 24" o.c. |
| 130-150 mph | H10A or equivalent | 24" o.c. |
| > 150 mph | Engineered | Per design |
| **HVHZ** | Engineered/H10A+ | Per design |

### Roof Covering

#### Asphalt Shingles (HVHZ)
- **Wind rating**: Class H (150+ mph)
- **Application**: 6 nails per shingle
- **Starter course**: Nailed @ 3" o.c.
- **Underlayment**: Self-adhering modified bitumen full coverage

#### Tile Roofing (HVHZ)
- **Attachment**: Wire-tied or mechanical (no foam-set only)
- **Nose clips**: Required at perimeters
- **Underlayment**: Self-adhering or hot-mopped
- **Product approval**: NOA or Florida Product Approval

#### Metal Roofing (HVHZ)
- **Standing seam**: Tested to TAS 125
- **Through-fastened**: Tested to design pressures
- **Clips/fasteners**: Stainless steel or approved
- **Underlayment**: Per manufacturer/approval

#### Low-Slope (Commercial)
- **Attachment**: Fully adhered or mechanically attached
- **FM approval**: Recommended (I-90 or higher)
- **Perimeter enhancement**: Required
- **Edge securement**: Tested to ANSI/SPRI ES-1

### Roof Penetrations

| Penetration | Requirement |
|-------------|-------------|
| Plumbing vents | Strapped, sealed at deck |
| HVAC curbs | Strapped to structure |
| Skylights | Impact rated or shuttered |
| Solar panels | Engineered attachment |
| Satellite dishes | Engineered for wind speed |

---

## Wall Systems

### Wall Bracing (Wood Frame)

#### Minimum Bracing (FBC Residential)

| Wind Speed | Wall Bracing Method | Amount |
|------------|---------------------|--------|
| < 110 mph | WSP, LIB, DWB | Per Table R602.10.3 |
| 110-130 mph | Enhanced bracing | Per Table R602.10.3 |
| > 130 mph | Continuous sheathing | Required |
| **HVHZ** | Engineered or prescriptive HVHZ | Per FBC-HVHZ |

#### Sheathing Nailing (HVHZ)
- **Edges**: 8d ring shank @ 4" o.c.
- **Field**: 8d ring shank @ 6" o.c.
- **Edge distance**: 3/8" minimum

### CMU/Masonry Walls

#### Reinforcement (HVHZ)

| Wall Type | Vertical | Horizontal |
|-----------|----------|------------|
| 8" CMU exterior | #5 @ 32" o.c. | Bond beam @ 4' o.c. |
| 8" CMU interior (bearing) | #5 @ 48" o.c. | Bond beam @ 8' o.c. |
| Lintels | Per span/load | Continuous #4 |
| Parapet | #5 each cell | Bond beam at top |

#### Grouting Requirements
- **Full grout**: All reinforced cells
- **Knock-out cells**: Cells with reinforcement
- **Cleanout openings**: Bottom of grout pours > 4'

### Exterior Finishes

#### Stucco (HVHZ)
- **Thickness**: 7/8" minimum (3-coat)
- **Lath**: Galvanized or stainless
- **Attachment**: Per FBC-HVHZ requirements
- **Control joints**: 144 sf max, 18' max any direction

#### Siding/Cladding
- **Product approval**: Required for HVHZ
- **Attachment**: Per approval/manufacturer
- **Soffit**: Perforated or solid per design
- **Fascia**: Mechanically attached

---

## Opening Protection

### Windows & Doors

#### Impact Rating Requirements (HVHZ)

| Opening Size | Large Missile | Test Standard |
|--------------|---------------|---------------|
| > 9 sf | 9 lb @ 50 fps | TAS 201 |
| < 9 sf | 2g @ 100 fps | TAS 202 |
| Any | DP rating per design | TAS 203 |

#### Design Pressure Ratings

| Component | Typical DP Rating |
|-----------|-------------------|
| Windows (residential) | +/- 50 to +/- 100 |
| Windows (high-rise) | +/- 80 to +/- 150 |
| Entry doors | +/- 50 to +/- 80 |
| Sliding glass doors | +/- 50 to +/- 100 |
| Garage doors | +/- 30 to +/- 60 |

#### Water Infiltration
- **Test standard**: ASTM E331, E547
- **Rating**: 15% of positive DP (6.24 psf min)
- **HVHZ requirement**: Per product approval

### Garage Doors

#### Wind Load Requirements

| Door Width | Wind Speed | DP Rating |
|------------|------------|-----------|
| 8' single | 150 mph | +/- 40 |
| 9' single | 150 mph | +/- 42 |
| 16' double | 150 mph | +/- 50 |
| 18' double | 175 mph | +/- 60 |

**Reinforcement options**:
- Factory-braced door
- Field-installed bracing kit
- Impact rated if in wind-borne debris region

### Shutters

#### Types and Applications

| Type | Pros | Cons | DP Range |
|------|------|------|----------|
| Accordion | Permanent, easy deploy | Visible tracks | +/- 50-110 |
| Roll-down | Hidden when stowed | Cost, maintenance | +/- 50-140 |
| Bahama | Shade, architectural | Limited sizes | +/- 40-80 |
| Colonial | Traditional look | Manual operation | +/- 40-80 |
| Panel (removable) | Low cost | Storage needed | +/- 40-100 |

#### Installation Requirements
- **Anchor to structure**: Not just cladding
- **Overlap glazing**: Per manufacturer
- **Track alignment**: Critical for operation
- **Corrosion resistance**: Required in coastal

---

## Structural Connections

### Continuous Load Path

#### Required Connections
1. **Roof to wall**: Hurricane straps/clips
2. **Wall to wall**: Straps at floor lines
3. **Wall to foundation**: Anchor bolts + straps
4. **Foundation to earth**: Per design

#### Strap Schedule (Typical HVHZ)

| Connection | Typical Strap | Capacity |
|------------|---------------|----------|
| Rafter/truss to top plate | H2.5A, H10 | 800-1,500 lbs |
| Stud to stud | CS16 | 665 lbs |
| Top plate to floor | LTP4 | 1,000 lbs |
| Sill to foundation | A34, A35 | 500-1,000 lbs |

### Anchor Bolts

#### Foundation Anchor Requirements

| Wind Speed | Bolt Size | Spacing | Embedment |
|------------|-----------|---------|-----------|
| < 130 mph | 1/2" | 6' o.c. | 7" |
| 130-150 mph | 1/2" | 4' o.c. | 7" |
| > 150 mph | 5/8" | 4' o.c. | 7" |
| **HVHZ** | 5/8" | 32" o.c. max | 7" |

**Additional**:
- Within 12" of corners
- Within 12" of door openings
- Plate washers in HVHZ

---

## Flood Requirements (Coastal)

### Flood Zone Designations

| Zone | Description | Requirements |
|------|-------------|--------------|
| VE | Coastal high hazard, wave action | Elevated, breakaway |
| AE | 100-year flood, no waves | Elevated or flood-proofed |
| AO | Shallow flooding | Elevated |
| X | Moderate/minimal risk | Standard construction |

### Elevation Requirements

| Zone | Lowest Floor | Mechanical |
|------|--------------|------------|
| VE | BFE + 1' (res) / BFE + 2' (comm) | Above BFE |
| AE | BFE or above | Above BFE |
| Coastal A | BFE + 1' | Above BFE |

### Foundation Types (V-Zone)

| Type | Description | Notes |
|------|-------------|-------|
| Deep piles | Driven/cast to stable strata | Most common |
| Open foundation | No enclosure below BFE | Required |
| Breakaway walls | Non-structural enclosure | If used |

#### Breakaway Wall Requirements
- **Pressure resistance**: < 20 psf
- **Materials**: Not supporting structure
- **Utility openings**: Allowed
- **Flood venting**: If not breakaway

---

## Inspection Requirements

### Enhanced Inspections (HVHZ)

| Stage | What to Inspect | Documentation |
|-------|-----------------|---------------|
| Foundation | Anchor bolts, reinforcement | Photos, certification |
| Framing | Connections, bracing, strapping | Inspection card |
| Sheathing | Nailing pattern, edge distance | Nail count verification |
| Windows/doors | Product approval match, installation | NOA/approval number |
| Roof deck | Nailing, blocking, attachment | Photo documentation |
| Roof covering | Underlayment, attachment, details | Per approval |
| Final | All systems, load path | CO issuance |

### Required Documentation

- **Product approvals**: NOA or FL# for each product
- **Structural drawings**: Sealed by Florida PE
- **Connection schedules**: Per engineer
- **Inspection affidavits**: Signed by contractor/inspector
- **Progress photos**: Recommended for load path

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## Common HVHZ Product Types

### Windows (Impact)

| Manufacturer | Product Line | Typical DP |
|--------------|--------------|------------|
| PGT | WinGuard | +/- 50 to +/- 100 |
| CGI | Sentinel | +/- 50 to +/- 110 |
| ES Windows | Series 8000 | +/- 60 to +/- 100 |
| Lawson | Impact | +/- 50 to +/- 90 |

### Doors (Impact)

| Manufacturer | Type | Notes |
|--------------|------|-------|
| Therma-Tru | Fiberglass | Impact options |
| Masonite | Steel/fiberglass | HVHZ rated |
| PGT | Sliding glass | WinGuard line |
| Fleetwood | Large format | High-end |

### Roofing

| Type | HVHZ Requirement |
|------|------------------|
| Asphalt shingles | Class H or higher |
| Metal standing seam | TAS 125 tested |
| Tile (concrete/clay) | TAS 101-108 tested |
| Modified bitumen | FM I-90+ or equivalent |

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## Quick Checklists

### Residential HVHZ New Construction
- [ ] Wind speed determined for site
- [ ] Exposure category identified
- [ ] All products have FL approval/NOA
- [ ] Continuous load path designed
- [ ] Impact glazing or shutters specified
- [ ] Roof deck attachment per wind zone
- [ ] Garage door rated for wind/impact
- [ ] Foundation anchors per design
- [ ] Flood zone verified
- [ ] Engineer sealed drawings

### Commercial HVHZ New Construction
- [ ] ASCE 7 wind analysis complete
- [ ] MWFRS designed
- [ ] C&C pressures calculated
- [ ] Curtain wall/storefront rated
- [ ] Roof system FM approved or equivalent
- [ ] Rooftop equipment strapped
- [ ] Penthouse walls rated
- [ ] Exit doors impact or protected
- [ ] Emergency generator protected
- [ ] Special inspections scheduled

### Renovation/Re-Roof
- [ ] Existing structure evaluated
- [ ] Roof deck condition assessed
- [ ] Re-nailing required if deck replaced
- [ ] New covering meets current code
- [ ] Flashing/penetrations to current code
- [ ] Product approvals obtained
- [ ] Permit obtained

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## Resources

### Florida Product Approval
- **Website**: floridabuilding.org/pr/
- **Search by**: FL number, NOA number, manufacturer

### Miami-Dade NOA
- **Website**: miamidade.gov/permits/product-approval
- **Required for**: All HVHZ products

### ASCE 7 Wind Hazard Tool
- **Website**: asce7hazardtool.online
- **Use for**: Site-specific wind speeds

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*Reference: Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2023), ASCE 7-22, TAS Standards*
*Always verify with local AHJ for specific requirements*
