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Window replacement in Florida requires a building permit. This applies not only to impact window replacement but also non-impact and hurricane shutter installations.

Replacing a window on your own, without getting a permit, you run the risk of voiding any insurance benefits, causing title issues during sale or refinancing and getting fined by your local building department.

The bottom line: Mister Window has never replaced windows without a permit, and any reputable company would never entertain the idea of doing so. It’s about doing things the right way with a licensed, insured company and making sure you follow all local and state guidelines.

The majority of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties are within the wind-borne debris region, where impact windows and doors or hurricane shutters are required to protect your window and door openings.

The wind-borne debris region (WBDR) is set by the Florida Building Code (FBC). Its an area that has historically experienced high-winds and flying debris from hurricanes. Since your windows and doors are often the most vulnerable part of your homes exterior, FBC requires homes in the WBDR to protect their windows and doors from flying debris. Doing so helps to prevent more serious structural building failures and loss of life, which is the intent of the FBC.

See our FAQ discussing “What is better: impact windows or hurricane shutters?” to learn more about your options for opening protection.

It’s no secret that the price point for impact windows tends to be a bit higher than traditional home windows. Mister Window has had the privilege up helping thousands of households upgrade to impact windows. One thing we consistently hear from our customers is: “I can’t believe we waited so long to do this project. I love my new windows.”

For many homeowners, protecting their home is the primary reason they are replacing windows. Some currently have hurricane shutters but are tired of the struggle to put them up at each storm, take them down and store them. Many homeowners are also thinking about the future, and how many years they will physically be able to install their shutters. Those without any opening protection are no longer comfortable taking the risk thanks to the increased frequency of major hurricanes making landfall on the gulf coast of Florida.

With most everyone thinking about protection, it’s the many other benefits that impact windows provide that really surprise homeowners after the installation. Many of our customers are replacing windows that are 15 or more years old. They are hard to open, or don’t stay open. The screens are filled with holes and turning colors. It’s been a while since they have had a window that does its basic job, and as it turns out, that’s an important feature.

Another surprising benefit to many is how much more quiet and energy efficient your home is with impact windows. Rooms that needed heavy window coverings because of direct sunlight are now filled with light and cool inside thanks to the advances in glass technology. Your energy bill is lower than it was this time last year, even after the rate increase. Even more, the sounds of your loud neighbors and lawn care service are now unnoticeable.

Increased energy efficiency helps to keep you’re A/C unit running less, prolonging its life, and reducing your maintenance and replacement costs. Your insurance premiums have also decreased since the successful completion of your five-point wind mitigation survey.

The combination of knowing that your home is protected, plus all of these added benefits, brings return on cost much more quickly than some may think. This is why homeowners that have decided to upgrade to impact windows are so pleased with their decision, and why homes with this upgrade receive a premium value on the market.