Hurricane Code South Florida: 2025 Update
In recent years, the hurricanes that hit South Florida have been becoming stronger and more intense. Let’s take a look at some recent storms:
- Hurricane Ian (2022): Caused $112 billion in damage and killed 150 people[1]
- Hurricane Idalia (2023): Caused $3.6 billion in damage and killed 12 people[2]
- Hurricane Helene (2024): Caused $75 billion in damage and killed 236 people [3],[4]
- Hurricane Milton (2024): Caused $50 billion in damage and killed 16 people[5]
Historically, the storm surge following a hurricane has been the most destructive element of a storm, causing half of all hurricane deaths. Recently, though, as the climate has changed and the oceans have warmed, the hurricanes forming over them have evolved as well. With the exception of Hurricane Ian, hurricanes have been more rapidly intensifying than in the past and flooding due to high rainfall, rather than storm surge, has been the largest cause of death in recent years.[6]
Florida’s building code continues to evolve to respond to this threat. In fact, the building code in South Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) in Broward and Miami-Dade counties is the most stringent in the nation. This keeps South Florida residents and visitors safe by reducing the destructive impact of these ferocious storms. Florida’s code has minimum wind resistance standards to ensure that buildings can withstand hurricane-force winds. Roofs must have hurricane straps to prevent being blown off, which prevents complete building collapse. Building foundations must be elevated or built on pilings in flood zones. Many buildings now must install hurricane impact windows and doors to protect against debris breaking the windows and the ensuing water and wind damage to the structure.
CitiQuiet Windows and Doors is South Florida’s preeminent supplier of hurricane impact windows and doors. We offer a wide variety of brands, styles, and options for both residential and commercial properties. We pride ourselves on our white glove service – we take care of every step along the way: design, ordering, permitting, installation, finish work, inspection, and clean-up. CitiQuiet Windows and Doors’ knowledgeable and friendly sales associates make the window selection and purchasing process stress-free and enjoyable. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make your home safer and more comfortable for your family during a hurricane and every day.
Since 2012, CitiQuiet Windows and Doors has been engineering and installing high-quality impact windows, doors, and shutters for residential and commercial buildings throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties.
Based in Boca Raton, CitiQuiet Windows and Doors offers a turnkey service to clients including initial design, engineering, permitting, installation and finish work. From elegant French doors to hurricane impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors, CitiQuiet Windows and Doors has your solution.
At CitiQuiet Windows and Doors, we carry only the highest-quality products from the nation’s top manufacturers – and we stand behind everything we sell. For a free estimate, contact CitiQuiet Windows and Doors at 561-241-9463, visit us atcitiquiethurricanewindows.com, or stop by the showroom today at 6530 West Rogers Circle, Suite 29, Boca Raton, FL 33487.
With an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau (BBB), CitiQuiet Windows and Doors consistently strives to exceed customer expectations.
[1] The Wall Street Journal. The Key to Understanding Hurricane Helene’s Monstrous Growth – WSJ. Accessed March 11, 2025.
[2] Associated Press. Recent major hurricanes have left hundreds dead and caused billions in damages | AP News. Accessed March 11, 2025.
[3] Associated Press. US economic losses from natural disasters soared in 2024, even as they eased globally | AP News. Accessed March 11, 2025.
[4] Associated Press. How will Milton stack up against other major recent storms? | AP News. Accessed March 11, 2025.
[5] Reuters. Florida begins long recovery from Milton and Helene | Reuters. Accessed March 11, 2025.
[6] Yale Climate Connections. What new data reveal about how hurricanes kill » Yale Climate Connections. Accessed March 11, 2025.