Florida homeowners pay the nation’s highest property-insurance rates, and premiums keep climbing as storms grow stronger and insurers exit the market. If you feel squeezed by annual bills that top $3,000—or far more along the coast—hurricane windows may be the rare upgrade that secures your home and takes pressure off your wallet at the same time.
Why Insurers Reward Impact-Rated Windows
When a window fails, wind and rain rush inside, pressurize the structure, and often lift the roof. Impact-rated glass, laminated interlayers, and reinforced frames keep that breach from happening, so insurers see fewer catastrophic claims. Florida law encourages this investment; it requires carriers to offer premium credits for opening-protection systems that meet or exceed the current Florida Building Code. The credits are tiered, and hurricane windows qualify for some of the largest available offsets.
How Much Do Hurricane Windows Save on Insurance?
Discounts vary by county, carrier, house age, and the share of the premium tied to wind coverage, but published data and carrier filings show consistent ranges:
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10 – 30 percent off the windstorm portion in most of the state, translating to roughly $240 – $900 a year on a $3,000 policy.
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Up to 45 percent in high-risk coastal zones such as Miami-Dade and Broward when windows are combined with other wind-mitigation features.
A Quick Example
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Current annual premium: $3,200
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Windstorm share of premium: 65 % → $2,080
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Qualify for a 25 % credit after installing impact windows: $520 saved per year
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Over a 30-year window lifespan: $15,600 in avoided premiums—often enough to cover most or all of the installation cost.
(Actual percentages come from the insurer’s rate filing; ask your agent for your policy’s wind split before you run the numbers!)
The Path to Getting Your Discount
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Choose certified windows
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Look for products approved under Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or labeled ASTM E1886/E1996.
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Hire a licensed installer
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Improper anchoring can nullify both the product warranty and the insurance credit. FHIA Remodeling’s factory-trained crews install thousands of hurricane windows and doors every year, ensuring each unit meets code and manufacturer specifications.
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Schedule a wind-mitigation inspection
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A licensed inspector fills out Florida’s Uniform Mitigation Verification Form. The report is valid for five years and documents the new opening protection.
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Send the report to your carrier
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Most insurers apply credits at the next billing cycle; a few issue a prorated refund.
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Keep your paperwork
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Maintain receipts, NOA sheets, and permits so future buyers, adjusters, or inspectors can verify the upgrade.
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Beyond Premium Cuts: Extra Financial Upside
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Energy Savings — Impact windows add multiple panes and low-E coatings that slash cooling costs, an everyday win in Florida’s long summers.
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Resale Value — Florida real-estate agents report up to 5 percent higher selling prices for homes that advertise hurricane protection.
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Lower Deductibles — Because the likelihood of a glazing breach drops, some carriers let policyholders choose a smaller windstorm deductible after the upgrade.
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Storm Peace of Mind — No more scrambling to nail up plywood or haul heavy shutters out of storage when a hurricane watch is issued.
Common Questions Floridians Ask
Do hurricane windows lower insurance?
Yes—carriers must file wind-mitigation credit schedules with the state, and opening protection is a core credit category.
How much do hurricane windows save on insurance?
Plan on 10 – 30 percent statewide, and up to the mid-40s along the coast if other mitigation steps (roof-to-wall straps, secondary water barrier) are already in place.
What about doors?
An unprotected patio door is considered the “weakest opening,” which can disqualify you from top-tier credits. FHIA Remodeling installs hurricane-impact doors that match the performance of your new windows so you capture the largest possible discount.
Will any impact window qualify?
Only products tested and labeled for the required design-pressure zone count. Check for Large-Missile impact approval if you live in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (Miami-Dade or Broward).
Why FHIA Remodeling Is Florida’s Window Partner
With more than 100,000 Florida customers served, FHIA Remodeling is the state’s #1 residential remodeler and among the top three nationwide. Every hurricane window and door is custom-sized, built in the U.S., and backed by a limited lifetime warranty that includes glass breakage. Financing plans make monthly payments manageable, and FHIA’s project consultants provide the documentation your carrier needs to apply wind-mitigation credits quickly.
Take Control of Your Premiums Today
Property insurance costs will keep shifting with every storm season, but you can lock in significant savings by fortifying your openings now. Impact-rated hurricane windows installed by FHIA Remodeling reduce the odds of catastrophic damage, earn some of Florida’s highest wind-mitigation credits, and add comfort and value every day the sun is shining. Schedule a free in-home consultation, and find out exactly how much you could save this year—and every year after.
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