Between rising insurance rates and the growing cost of storm repairs, many Florida homeowners want to make sure every upgrade counts. This is a common question we hear often: If you’ve installed impact windows, do you still need to spend money on hurricane shutters?

The short answer is no, if your home has certified impact-rated windows installed, you typically do not need shutters. Both systems are designed to protect your home from flying debris and wind pressure, but impact windows provide permanent, code-approved protection that meets Florida’s strict hurricane safety standards.

Let’s break down what this really means for your home, your insurance, and your peace of mind.

What Florida Building Code Says About Hurricane Protection

Florida’s building code requires that every exterior opening, including windows and doors, in wind-borne debris regions be protected. However, the code gives homeowners two options:

Install hurricane-rated impact windows and doors, or
Use approved storm shutters that meet Florida Product Approval (FPA) or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) standards.

In other words, if your home already has impact-rated windows, you’ve met the building requirement.
You don’t need to install shutters in addition to those windows for compliance.

At Caner Impact Windows & Doors, all of our installations use ES Windows and PGT products that meet or exceed Florida’s hurricane code, ensuring your home is fully compliant and storm-ready from the moment installation is complete.

When Homeowners Add Shutters for Extra Protection

Even though shutters aren’t required when you have impact windows, there are a few reasons some homeowners in Florida choose to use both systems.

Coastal Exposure: Homes located directly along the coast or on open water may experience higher debris impact risk.
Seasonal Protection: Some homeowners who travel during summer prefer to close shutters while away for added peace of mind.
Extra Protection for Large Openings: Oversized sliding glass doors or expansive window walls may benefit from additional coverage in extreme Category 5 storms.

While these cases are rare, they’re more about personal preference and peace of mind than code compliance.

Insurance Considerations – Can Impact Windows Replace Shutters?

From an insurance perspective, both impact windows and shutters can qualify for wind mitigation discounts as long as all openings are covered.

Here’s how it works:

Homes with impact windows on all openings receive the same (or better) insurance discounts as homes with shutters.
Some insurers may offer additional credits if you have both systems installed, but that’s optional.
To qualify, you’ll need documentation proving your windows are impact-certified, something Caner provides after every installation.

Impact windows not only satisfy insurance requirements, but they also provide 24/7 protection, something shutters can’t match.

The Benefits of Relying on Impact Windows Alone

Once installed, hurricane-rated windows are a permanent form of protection, giving homeowners year-round advantages that shutters simply can’t provide.

No Installation Hassle: No need to manually install shutters before every storm.
Code-Compliant Protection: Meets all Florida building requirements for wind-borne debris regions.
Better Energy Efficiency: Low-E impact glass helps keep homes cooler, reducing energy bills.
Noise Reduction: Laminated glass dampens outside noise for a quieter home.
Enhanced Security: Impact glass and reinforced frames make break-ins far less likely.
Improved Curb Appeal: No bulky shutter hardware or visual clutter on your exterior.

In short, impact windows do the job once, and they do it permanently.

Understanding Wind Mitigation and Code Compliance

If you’re unsure whether your home meets Florida’s hurricane protection requirements, here’s a quick checklist:

Check your window labels. Certified impact products will include Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval stickers.
Confirm your wind mitigation report. If your insurer lists “full opening protection,” you’re compliant.
Know your zone. Homes in HVHZ (Miami-Dade and Broward) or wind-borne debris regions must have approved protection.
Review your installation date. Any windows installed after 2002 should meet updated building codes.

If you’re missing documentation or unsure about your compliance, Caner Impact Windows & Doors offers free inspections and paperwork verification for insurance credits.

Why Shutters Are Becoming Less Common in Florida

While shutters were once the standard for hurricane protection, impact windows have become the preferred long-term solution for Florida homes.

Modern impact windows combine storm defense, energy efficiency, and aesthetics, all in one product.
Shutters still play a role for older homes or specific architectural designs, but most new construction now relies exclusively on impact-rated windows and doors.

Why Choose Caner Impact Windows & Doors

When it comes to protecting your home, Caner Impact Windows & Doors has become the trusted choice for homeowners throughout Florida.

We offer:

Certified installations using ES Windows and PGT products.
Full documentation for permitting and insurance credits.
Financing options through the Wells Fargo Home Projects Credit Card.
Local expertise in hurricane code compliance across Broward, Palm Beach, Dade, Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.