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Florida’s coastal skylines are growing fast, and with that growth comes a serious engineering challenge: how to design buildings that can withstand some of the strongest winds in the country.
The Florida Building Code (FBC) sets some of the toughest standards in the U.S. to protect lives, property, and investments from hurricane damage. And in South Florida, those standards are even more demanding. At WT Group, we regularly design structures that must meet these elevated requirements, combining code compliance, structural detailing, and smart material selection to ensure safety and long-term performance.
The strictest design rules are enforced in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, areas that have experienced decades of hurricane activity. These enhanced provisions trace their roots back to the South Florida Building Code, which was integrated into the FBC after Hurricane Andrew (1992) revealed major vulnerabilities in building performance.
Today, these standards serve as a benchmark for hurricane-resistant design, emphasizing stronger connections, tested materials, and impact-resistant systems that can stand up to debris and high-speed winds.
Engineers working in coastal Florida must reference several key sections of the Florida Building Code and its supporting standards:
Windows, doors, roofs, and wall systems must pass these tests to earn official Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or Florida Product Approval, verifying that every product used in a project has been proven under real-world hurricane conditions.
1. Wind Loads and Design Pressures
In South Florida, design wind speeds can exceed 175 mph. Engineers must carefully define exposure categories, enclosure classifications, and internal pressures to account for uplift and lateral forces across the building.
2. Building Envelope Protection
Every opening matters. Exterior glazing must either be impact-resistant or protected with tested shutters. These measures help keep the structure sealed during a storm, preventing catastrophic internal pressurization.
3. Load Path Continuity
A continuous load path — from the roof all the way down to the foundation — is essential. Each connection must transfer uplift, shear, and overturning forces through trusses, walls, and foundations. Enhanced connectors, straps, and anchors are standard in hurricane-prone regions.
4. Roofing and Cladding Systems
Roof systems must meet strict uplift resistance requirements. Engineers verify that edge zones, fastening patterns, and components match approved test data for maximum safety.
5. Product Approval and Quality Assurance
Every component in these structures must have verified NOA or Florida Product Approval numbers. During construction, inspectors confirm installation matches the tested assemblies — a critical step not only for compliance but also for insurance approval.
While the entire state follows ASCE 7 for wind provisions, South Florida’s coastal regions take things up a notch. Expect:
The result? Buildings that are stronger, safer, and more durable, ready to perform when it matters most.
Whether you’re designing for a new commercial build or a retrofit project, here are a few proven tips:
Attention to these details keeps your project on track and minimizes risk during permitting and construction.
The Florida Building Code continues to push the industry toward more resilient coastal construction—and at WT Group, we take pride in being part of that evolution. Our Structural Engineering team brings deep expertise in Florida-specific codes, wind design, and inspection coordination to every project.
Whether it’s a new canopy design near Miami International Airport or a large-scale commercial development, we help our clients build with confidence—and with an eye toward longevity, safety, and performance.
Let’s talk about your next Florida project: Contact Us
