When Is Impact Glass Required in St. Augustine, Florida?

TLDR; East of the Intercoastal in St. Johns County and East of I-95 in Duval County or Jacksonville.

Understanding the Basics of Impact Glass

Impact-resistant glass—also known as hurricane or storm glass—is engineered to withstand high winds and flying debris. It’s a critical feature for homes and businesses in coastal Florida, where hurricanes and tropical storms are a seasonal reality.

What the Florida Building Code Says

St. Augustine follows the Florida Building Code (FBC), which has strict requirements for wind-borne debris protection in certain areas.

Impact glass is typically required if:

• Your building is located within the Wind-Borne Debris Region (WBDR), defined by the FBC.
• You are within one mile of the coast where the design wind speed is 110 mph or greater.
• You’re replacing or installing glazed openings (windows, doors, etc.) in new construction or major renovations.

What This Means for St. Augustine

St. Augustine and St. Johns County fall within the WBDR. This means:

• New homes and substantial remodels must use impact-resistant windows or shutters.
• Replacement windows in older homes may also require impact glass, depending on the scope of work and the structure’s proximity to the coast.
• Commercial storefronts must comply with wind load and impact protection standards.

Exceptions and Alternatives

If impact glass isn’t used, the code allows for approved hurricane shutters that meet the same standards. However, shutters must be installed and ready prior to inspection, not just stored.

Why Choose Impact Glass Anyway?

Even if not explicitly required:

• It may lower insurance premiums.
• Provides 24/7 protection without the need to deploy shutters.
• Increases home value and energy efficiency.

Local Enforcement & Permitting

St. Johns County Building Department reviews each permit for compliance. It’s best to work with a contractor familiar with local interpretations of the FBC.