The most common question property owners and builders ask us: "How much does commercial glass cost?" The honest answer is — it depends on the system type. But we can give you real numbers to work with right now.
Quick Price Ranges (2026)
Here is a simple table of installed costs for the most common commercial glass systems in Florida:
| System Type | Cost Per SF (Installed) | Where You See It |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Storefront | $40 – $70/SF | Retail shops, small offices, restaurants |
| Impact-Rated Storefront | $65 – $100/SF | South Florida buildings, HVHZ areas |
| Window Wall | $80 – $160/SF | Multifamily buildings, mid-rise offices |
| Curtainwall | $150 – $350+/SF | High-rises, office towers, hotels |
These are installed prices. That means they include the aluminum frame, glass panels, doors, hardware, sealants, and labor. They do not include the permit or engineering fees, which are separate line items.
What Is "Storefront Glass" Anyway?
Storefront glass is the glass-and-aluminum system you see on the front of most commercial buildings. Think of the big glass walls on a bank, a restaurant, or an office lobby. That combination of aluminum frames and glass panels is a storefront system.
It is different from a curtainwall, which spans the full height of a building and actually holds itself up structurally. And it is different from regular windows, which are individual units that fit inside a wall opening.
Learn more about what a storefront glazing system is and how it works.
What Makes the Price Go Up
Several factors push your storefront cost toward the higher end of the range:
- Impact requirements. Buildings in South Florida, coastal areas, or wind zones above 130 mph need impact-rated glass. Impact glass uses a laminated layer that keeps it from shattering during a storm. It costs significantly more to fabricate.
- Glass type. Standard clear glass costs less than Low-E glass (which blocks heat), tinted glass, or specialty glass. Learn more about commercial glass types and their costs.
- Frame finish. Standard painted aluminum is the cheapest option. Anodized finishes — especially custom colors — cost more. Stainless steel or specialty cladding adds even more.
- Door count and hardware. More doors mean more cost. Automatic sliding or swing doors can add $3,000–$8,000 per opening on top of the glass system.
- Height of the system. Taller storefront frames need bigger aluminum extrusions. Glass panels get heavier. Labor to install goes up.
- Project location. Urban cores with tight access, union labor requirements, or difficult logistics push costs up.
What Makes the Price Go Down
- Simple geometry. Flat runs of straight storefront — no curves, no angles — are cheaper to fabricate and install.
- Standard system heights. Most storefront systems are designed for standard floor-to-ceiling heights. Non-standard heights require special orders.
- Clear glass. Standard clear insulated glass units (IGUs) cost less than specialty coatings or tints.
- Non-HVHZ location. If your project is not in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, you may be able to use non-impact glazing, which is less expensive.
Florida-Specific Factors
Building in Florida adds layers that other states don't have.
Wind zones matter a lot. Florida is divided into wind zones based on design wind speed. In South Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward counties), you're in the HVHZ — the strictest zone. Products there must carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA). In other parts of Florida, a Florida Product Approval (FL PA) is sufficient.
Impact glass costs more upfront but can save you money overall. Buildings with impact-rated glazing often qualify for lower insurance rates. Property owners sometimes recoup the extra cost through insurance savings over 5–10 years.
Our commercial glazing services cover all Florida wind zones, including full HVHZ and Miami-Dade NOA compliance.
How Much Will Your Project Cost?
To get a real number, you need a real bid. A few things to know about getting one:
- You need drawings. Even rough floor plans help. Full architectural drawings give you the most accurate number.
- Scope matters. Are you replacing an existing storefront? Building new? Doing a tenant build-out? Each scenario prices differently.
- 48-hour turnaround. ACG returns a complete scope — system recommendation, quantities, and pricing — within 48 hours of receiving your plans.
Ready to get a number? Send us your plans and we'll have a detailed scope back to you fast.
ACG's Track Record
We have completed 350+ commercial glazing projects across Florida — from simple retail storefronts to complex multi-story curtainwall systems. Our three offices in West Palm Beach, Naples, and Tampa mean we know Florida pricing and code requirements cold.
See our work: the Panther National Clubhouse project is one example of what we deliver on high-profile builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does commercial storefront glass cost per square foot?
Standard commercial storefront glass systems cost $40–$100 per square foot installed in Florida. That price includes the aluminum frame, glass panels, doors, hardware, and labor. Higher-end systems with thicker glass, better thermal performance, or impact-rated glazing run toward the top of that range or above it.
What is the difference in cost between storefront and curtainwall?
Storefront systems run $40–$100/SF installed. Curtainwall systems run $150–$350+/SF installed. Curtainwall costs more because it spans multiple floors, carries structural loads, requires engineered connections, and uses heavier aluminum extrusions and more complex glass units.
Why does commercial glass cost more in Florida?
Florida requires impact-rated glazing in many areas — especially in South Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). Impact glass uses laminated glass and stronger frames, which cost more to fabricate and install. Products must also carry a Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA, which adds engineering and testing costs that manufacturers pass to buyers.