Hurricane Door
Requirements Guide
Last updated:
Hurricane-rated commercial doors in Florida must resist the design wind pressures set by the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), using ASCE 7-22, and carry Florida Product Approval (FL#) or local product approval. In the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (Miami-Dade and Broward counties), exterior doors need a Miami-Dade NOA or a Florida Product Approval approved for HVHZ use, based on TAS 201, 202 and 203 testing. Outside the HVHZ, impact-resistant openings are commonly tested to ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996.
High-Velocity Hurricane Zone Requirements
Miami-Dade and Broward counties require exterior doors with a valid Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) or a Florida Product Approval approved for HVHZ use. Products without the right approval can fail inspection.
High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)
The Florida Building Code applies its HVHZ provisions to these two counties, where exterior products need a Miami-Dade NOA or a Florida Product Approval approved for HVHZ use.
Miami-Dade County
Major cities requiring HVHZ compliance:
Broward County
Major cities requiring HVHZ compliance:
Florida Wind Requirements by Location
Requirements depend on the project's location. The design professional determines the wind speed, Risk Category and design pressures from the FBC 8th Edition and ASCE 7-22.
| Zone | Where It Applies | Approval | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
HVHZ | Miami-Dade and Broward counties | Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval approved for HVHZ use | TAS 201 impact, TAS 202 static air pressure, TAS 203 cyclic wind pressure |
Wind-Borne Debris Region | Hurricane-prone areas within 1 mile of the coast where the design wind speed is 130 mph or more (Exposure D), or anywhere it is 140 mph or more | Florida Product Approval (FL#) or local product approval | Glazed openings impact resistant or protected; commonly tested to ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 |
Other Areas | The rest of Florida | Florida Product Approval (FL#) or local product approval | Rated for the project's design wind pressure |
Hurricane-Rated Product Types
Mills & Nebraska provides these windstorm-resistant opening types for Florida projects. Confirm that each product's approval covers your project's design pressures.
Windstorm-Resistant Hollow Metal Doors & Frames
Exterior entries, service doors, stair and equipment room exits
Key Features:
Manufacturers:
Fire-Rated & Windstorm-Resistant Doors
Exterior openings that also require a fire rating
Key Features:
Manufacturers:
Hurricane Door Approval Process
Follow these steps to ensure your hurricane-rated doors pass inspection.
Product Selection
Choose products with a valid Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval that meets the project's design pressures
Verify Approval Status
Check the Florida Product Approval database at floridabuilding.org or the Miami-Dade NOA search
Submit for Review
Include the NOA or FL# in submittals along with product data sheets
Installation Compliance
Install per the manufacturer's instructions and the anchoring details in the NOA or FL# approval
Inspection & Labeling
Keep product labels in place and visible for the building inspector
Hurricane Door FAQs
Which Florida counties are in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone?
The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Exterior doors there need a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or a Florida Product Approval approved for HVHZ use.
What is the difference between a Miami-Dade NOA and Florida Product Approval?
A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is issued by Miami-Dade County after reviewing testing to the HVHZ protocols. Florida Product Approval is the statewide approval, identified by an FL# and administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Products used in the HVHZ must be approved for HVHZ use, and both documents list the approved design pressures, impact rating and installation requirements.
What do TAS 201, TAS 202 and TAS 203 test?
TAS 201 is the hurricane debris impact test (the code calls this debris a missile: a 9 lb 2x4 for the large test and small steel balls for the small test), TAS 202 is the uniform static air pressure test for structural performance, and TAS 203 is the cyclic wind pressure loading test. They are Florida Building Code testing application standards used for HVHZ approvals.
Do doors outside Miami-Dade and Broward need impact testing?
Not always. Outside the HVHZ, glazed openings in wind-borne debris regions must be impact resistant or protected, and products are commonly tested to ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996. Every exterior door still needs a product approval that meets the project's design wind pressure.
What does hurricane-rated mean for a commercial door?
A hurricane-rated or windstorm-resistant door assembly has passed testing at specific design pressures and, where required, impact standards. Its NOA or FL# approval lists the exact performance limits and the installation method needed to achieve them, so the door must be installed as approved.
Related: Florida Building Code door requirements and fire door ratings.
Products for Hurricane-Rated Openings
- Hurricane-Rated & Windstorm-Resistant Doors and FramesDoors and frames available in wind-rated assemblies.
- Hollow Metal DoorsSteel doors for heavy-use, fire-rated and hurricane-rated openings.
- Fiberglass DoorsFRP doors that will not rust or rot, fire-rated to 90 minutes.
- Standard Welded FramesFactory-welded frames fabricated in Orlando for new construction.
- Glass Light Kits & Vision LitesVision lites and light kits factory glazed into hollow metal and wood doors.
- Exit Devices & Panic HardwareRim, vertical rod and mortise devices, including UL listed fire exit hardware.
- Commercial Door ClosersSurface, concealed and floor closers plus low-energy operators.
- Commercial Door HingesBall bearing, continuous, swing clear and power transfer hinges.
Specification, Fabrication and Installation Services
Related Articles
- Commercial DoorsUnderstanding Storm-Rated Doors: Protection for Florida's Commercial BuildingsStorm-rated doors are exterior door assemblies tested for wind pressure and, where required, debris impact, so they can be approved for Florida commercial buildings.
- Commercial DoorsImpact Rated Commercial Doors Fabricated and Supplied for Florida ProjectsImpact rated commercial doors are complete door assemblies tested to resist wind-borne debris and cyclic wind pressure, as Florida Building Code requires for many exterior openings.
- Commercial DoorsCeco Wind and Fire Rated Doors Stand Up to the Worst ConditionsDoors are often the most vulnerable part of a storm shelter. Learn why certified tornado and windstorm resistant Ceco doors, frames, and hardware matter.
Need Hurricane-Rated Doors for Your Florida Project?
Mills & Nebraska provides windstorm-resistant doors, frames and hardware with the Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval documentation your submittals require, plus in-house Intertek certified labeling for fire and wind.