Resource · Plain-English Guide

Florida Building Code Glass Requirements (2026)

Quick answer: The Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) governs commercial glass installation through 2026. It requires: wind-load-resistant glazing per ASCE 7-22, impact-rated assemblies in HVHZ and Wind-Borne Debris Region (WBDR), energy-efficient glazing meeting FBC Energy Conservation chapter, and ADA-compliant entrances per FBC Accessibility chapter.

Wind load requirements (ASCE 7-22 by reference)

Florida adopts ASCE 7-22 wind speeds. South Florida design wind speeds range from 160-200 mph (HVHZ) to 130-160 mph (rest of state). Glass must be rated for the design pressure calculated per ASCE 7-22 — typically 30-90 PSF on commercial walls, higher on corner zones.

Impact requirements: HVHZ vs WBDR

Inside HVHZ (Miami-Dade, Broward, parts of Palm Beach), glass must be tested per TAS 201/202/203. Inside the Wind-Borne Debris Region (basically all coastal Florida within 1 mile of the coast, plus inland zones with high wind speeds), glass must be tested per ASTM E1996 / E1886 — or the building must be protected by rated shutters or panels.

Energy requirements

FBC Energy Conservation chapter requires commercial glass to meet specific U-factor and SHGC limits. Climate Zone 1 (South Florida) requires U-factor ≤ 0.50 and SHGC ≤ 0.25 for most commercial fenestration. Climate Zone 2 (rest of Florida) is slightly less strict. Most commercial glaziers default to low-E coated glass to meet this.

ADA accessibility requirements

FBC Accessibility chapter (based on 2010 ADA Standards) requires accessible entry doors: 32" minimum clear width, 5 lb max opening force on interior doors, level landings, and proper hardware (lever, panic, or auto-operator). Storefront doors are subject to these requirements at primary entrances.

Frequently asked

What Florida Building Code applies to commercial glass in 2026?

Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) applies to all permits pulled through 2026. It governs wind load, impact, energy, and accessibility requirements for commercial glazing.

Is impact glass required everywhere in Florida?

Impact glass or rated shutters are required throughout the Wind-Borne Debris Region — generally all coastal counties and any inland location with 130 mph+ design wind speed. Outside the WBDR, impact-rated glass is optional.

What's the difference between FBC and HVHZ requirements?

FBC applies statewide. HVHZ is a stricter subset within FBC that applies only to Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and parts of Palm Beach. HVHZ requires more testing (TAS 201/202/203) than the rest of Florida (ASTM E1996/E1886).

Do energy code requirements apply to all commercial buildings?

Yes, with limited exceptions for unconditioned space (warehouses, parking garages). Conditioned commercial space requires U-factor and SHGC compliance per FBC Energy chapter.

Where do I find a product's FBC approval?

Search the Florida Building Code Online portal at floridabuilding.org for FL Product Approvals. For HVHZ, search the Miami-Dade County Product Control NOA database directly.