The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) is a Florida Building Code designation with stricter wind and product-approval requirements. Under the code, the HVHZ is Miami-Dade and Broward counties only. Monroe and the rest of the state are not in it.
If your project is in Miami-Dade or Broward, HVHZ rules apply. This guide explains what that means in practice.
Which counties are in the HVHZ
Only Miami-Dade and Broward. This is a common point of confusion. Monroe County (the Florida Keys), despite very high wind speeds, is not in the HVHZ. Wind-borne-debris protection still applies there by wind region.
What the HVHZ changes
In the HVHZ, opening protection (impact-rated windows and doors, or approved shutters) is required, and products must carry an approval valid for the HVHZ, a Miami-Dade NOA or a Florida Product Approval with explicit HVHZ acceptance. Testing to the applicable TAS standards is expected.
Questions
Is Broward County in the HVHZ?
Yes. The HVHZ under the Florida Building Code is Miami-Dade and Broward. Both require HVHZ product approvals and opening protection.
Is the Florida Keys (Monroe) in the HVHZ?
No. Monroe County is not in the HVHZ, though its wind speeds are among the highest in the state and wind-borne-debris protection still applies by region.