Hurricane Season 2026: Are Your Windows Ready? South Florida Guide
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 — six months of elevated risk for South Florida. The single most impactful structural protection you can add to your home is impact-resistant windows and doors. Here's everything you need to know to get protected before this season and stay ready through it.
2026 Season Forecast
NOAA forecast for 2026: above-normal season expected. Warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures increase storm development probability. Peak period: August 15 – October 15. Peak risk day historically: September 10.
What Impact Windows Protect Against — And What Regular Windows Don't
Without impact windows
Window breaks, glass projectiles enter home, structural opening exposed
With impact windows
Laminated glass cracks but stays in frame — PVB interlayer holds glass together. No breach.
Without impact windows
Window flexes and fails. Pressure equalizes inside home — roof lifts from uplift force. Most common catastrophic failure mode.
With impact windows
Window maintains structural integrity through certified cyclic pressure testing (TAS 202). No pressure equalization.
Without impact windows
Once window fails, rain enters — mold, structural damage, total interior loss
With impact windows
Impact windows tested to TAS 203 water infiltration standards — no water penetration under hurricane conditions
Without impact windows
Standard glass breaks easily for looting during and after storm evacuation
With impact windows
Laminated impact glass is highly resistant to forced entry — deters opportunistic looting
Without impact windows
Broken windows expose interior to sun, rain, and further damage
With impact windows
Intact windows maintain weather seal — interior protected even if exterior damage occurs
How Fast Can You Get Impact Windows Installed?
With custom-order windows: 10–20 weeks from order to installation. This option cannot protect you for the 2026 season if you start after April.
With in-stock inventory at Windows Stock Market:
| Step | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Decision + browse in-stock inventory | Same day | windowsstockmarket.com or call (754) 303-7130 |
| Measurement visit | 2–5 business days | Vieser Construction schedules in-home measurement |
| Permit application submitted | 1–2 days after measurement | Vieser submits to county building department |
| Permit approved (Broward) | 5–10 business days | E-permit system; most residential approvals 5–7 days |
| Permit approved (Miami-Dade) | 7–14 business days | Longer due to HVHZ review requirements |
| Installation day(s) | 1–2 days | 10–15 window home typically completed in 1 day |
| Final inspection | 3–7 business days after install | County inspector visits; permit closes |
| Wind mitigation inspection | 1 week after permit closes | Licensed inspector produces OIR-B1-1802 for insurer |
Total from decision to protected: 3–5 weeks (in-stock)
Starting in May = realistic June 1 deadline. Starting in April = protected well before season with time for wind mitigation inspection.
Month-by-Month: When to Act
January–March
Off-season
Best time to install — no weather delays, contractor availability, best lead times on inventory
April
Pre-season prep
Last ideal month for standard installation before season. Start now if not started.
May
Pre-season rush begins
Book immediately — contractors fill schedules. In-stock inventory still available. Permit timelines still normal.
June 1
Season opens
Hurricane season officially starts. Contractor availability tighter. Still can install — just less buffer for delays.
August–October
Peak season
Peak risk period. If not protected, board or shutter everything. Installation still possible between storms.
November 30
Season ends
Atlantic hurricane season officially closes. Schedule post-season installation now for January.
How to Check If Your Windows Are Already Impact-Rated
Not sure if your current windows are impact-rated? Here are four ways to check:
Look for the NOA bug sticker
A small circular sticker on the glass listing the Miami-Dade NOA number. Usually in the corner. If present, the glass is certified.
Check the glass marking
Impact laminated glass has a marking etched or printed in the corner of the glass stating 'laminated' or showing the laminate interlayer specification.
Pull your permit history
If impact windows were installed with a permit, it's in your county's building records. Broward: Energov or CSS permits portal. Miami-Dade: iBuild permit search.
Do the knock test
Impact laminated glass makes a lower-pitched 'thud' when knocked. Single-pane glass makes a higher 'ring.' Not definitive but gives a quick indication.
Inspect the frame
Impact window frames are typically thicker and heavier than standard windows. The track depth is greater. Standard aluminum window frames are visually lighter.
If uncertain: call Vieser Construction for a free assessment — (754) 303-7130. We'll tell you definitively whether your windows qualify for wind mitigation credit.
What If You Can't Afford Full Replacement Before Season?
Partial protection is better than none. If budget limits a full-home replacement, prioritize in this order:
Priority 1: Sliding glass doors and large picture windows
Large openings create the greatest pressure failure risk. A failed 8-foot sliding glass door causes more structural damage than three failed standard windows.
Priority 2: East and south-facing openings
South Florida storms typically approach from the east or southeast. The windward side takes the greatest impact and pressure load.
Priority 3: Ground floor windows
Ground floor openings face the greatest debris impact risk from storm surge, ground-level debris, and direct wind.
Interim option: Accordion or roll-down shutters
For openings not yet replaced with impact windows, approved shutters provide code-compliant protection. Must be deployed before storm approach.
Financing options: Impact Window Financing Florida — PACE, HELOC, MSFH Grant →
2026 Hurricane Readiness Checklist
Impact window status
- ☐All windows and doors impact-rated (verified by permit history or visual inspection)
- ☐No cracked or damaged panes (check before season)
- ☐No broken seals (foggy glass = seal failure)
- ☐Wind mitigation inspection completed and submitted to insurer
Insurance
- ☐Wind mitigation discount applied to current policy
- ☐Hurricane deductible amount confirmed (typically 2–5% of dwelling value in FL)
- ☐Citizens Insurance or private carrier — know your policy limits
- ☐Ordinance & Law coverage reviewed (covers code upgrades on rebuild)
Home prep (even with impact windows)
- ☐Outdoor furniture, pots, ornaments secured or stored indoors
- ☐Garage door braced or hurricane-rated (impact windows don't cover garages unless replaced)
- ☐Generator fueled, tested, and properly ventilated location confirmed
- ☐Important documents digitally backed up
Emergency supplies
- ☐7-day water supply (1 gallon/person/day)
- ☐Non-perishable food for 7 days
- ☐Flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio
- ☐First aid kit and prescription medications (30-day supply)
- ☐Cash (ATMs fail in power outages)
Evacuation plan
- ☐Know your evacuation zone (Broward: broward.org/evacuation, Miami-Dade: miamidade.gov/hurricane)
- ☐Fuel both vehicles before storm approach
- ☐Pet-friendly shelter or hotel identified in advance
- ☐Out-of-state contact person identified and number memorized
The Insurance Angle: Act Before Your Renewal Date
Many Florida insurers impose restrictions on policy changes during active storm watches and for new customers during hurricane season. The best time to install and submit your wind mitigation report is before your annual renewal date.
- Install impact windows + close permit → schedule wind mitigation inspection → submit OIR-B1-1802 to insurer → discount applied at next renewal
- Average windstorm premium reduction in Broward/Miami-Dade: $1,500–$4,500/year
- At $12,000 installed cost + $2,000/year savings: payback in 6 years, then savings every year after
Full guide: Impact Windows Insurance Discount Florida →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get impact windows installed before the 2026 hurricane season starts June 1?
Yes — if you start by early May. With in-stock inventory at Windows Stock Market, the typical timeline is: reserve inventory same day, permit approval 1–2 weeks (Broward) or 1–3 weeks (Miami-Dade), installation 1–2 days, final inspection 3–7 days. Total: 3–5 weeks from decision to protected. Starting in April gives the most buffer.
Is it too late to get impact windows if hurricane season has already started?
No — you can install impact windows during hurricane season. The only time Vieser Construction cannot install is during an active storm or when county building departments close for an approaching storm. If a storm is 5+ days out, normal installation and permitting continues. The day a storm is in the Gulf or approaching South Florida, we pause installation and advise boarding any openings mid-project.
What is the 2026 hurricane season forecast for South Florida?
NOAA's 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast (issued May 2026) predicted an above-normal season due to warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures and reduced wind shear. South Florida's peak risk period is August through October, with September 10 historically being the statistical peak day of the season. Preparations should be complete before July 1 at the latest.
What should I do if a hurricane is 3 days away and my windows aren't impact-rated?
Board all windows and doors with 5/8" CDX plywood. Use hurricane clips, not just tape. Bring all outdoor furniture inside. Know your evacuation zone (check Broward or Miami-Dade county's evacuation zone map). Do NOT try to install hurricane shutters for the first time the day before a storm. After the storm, contact Vieser Construction for impact window installation before the next storm: (754) 303-7130.
Does having impact windows mean I don't need to prepare for a hurricane?
Impact windows eliminate window prep (no boarding, no shutter deployment) and dramatically reduce your wind and debris risk. But you still need: water and food supplies, a generator, evacuation plans, your documents secured, and knowledge of your local evacuation zone. Impact windows protect your structure — you still need a personal preparedness plan.