A contractor's guide to glazing requirements in Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone. Understanding NOA approvals, impact testing standards, and code compliance for commercial projects in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The High Velocity Hurricane Zone encompasses all of Miami-Dade County and Broward County — the two most populous counties in South Florida. Established after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the HVHZ imposes the strictest wind and impact requirements for building construction in the United States.
For commercial glazing contractors, the HVHZ means every exterior glazing product must either be impact-rated with a valid Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance or protected by an approved shutter system. There are no exceptions and no shortcuts. The code is enforced through rigorous product approval, shop drawing review, and field inspection processes.
ACG operates within the HVHZ daily and understands these requirements at a detailed level. Our estimating, engineering, and field teams are trained on HVHZ-specific code provisions, product approval databases, and inspection protocols.
A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance is a product-specific approval issued by the Miami-Dade County Product Control Division. It certifies that a product has been tested to meet the enhanced wind and impact requirements of the HVHZ.
NOAs are more stringent than standard Florida Product Approvals. They require testing to the large and small missile impact criteria specified in the South Florida Building Code, which exceeds the requirements of the Florida Building Code for areas outside the HVHZ.
ACG exclusively installs NOA-approved products in the HVHZ. Our team verifies product approvals against the Miami-Dade Product Control search system before procurement and maintains NOA documentation through project closeout.
What every GC and developer needs to know about glazing in the HVHZ.
All exterior glazing must pass large missile impact testing (ASTM E1886/E1996) at the design wind speed for the specific project location. ACG verifies test reports against project conditions.
Products must carry a current Miami-Dade NOA with conditions of approval that match the project installation. ACG reviews NOA conditions during submittals to ensure compliance.
HVHZ installations are subject to enhanced inspection requirements. ACG prepares for and coordinates all required inspections as part of our standard project management process.
The HVHZ requires impact-rated glazing tested to the large missile criteria of ASTM E1886/E1996 and approved through the Miami-Dade NOA process. Areas outside the HVHZ follow the Florida Building Code, which may require impact-rated or wind-borne-debris-rated glazing depending on the wind speed zone, but uses the Florida Product Approval process rather than the NOA process.
Products installed in the HVHZ must carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance. A Florida Product Approval alone is not sufficient for HVHZ projects. Some products carry both approvals, but the NOA is what matters in Miami-Dade and Broward.
Yes. ACG's estimating and engineering teams are experienced in specifying HVHZ-compliant glazing products. We verify NOA approvals, review conditions of approval, and ensure products match project conditions before procurement.
Installation of non-approved products in the HVHZ can result in failed inspections, required removal and replacement, project delays, and potential liability for the contractor and building owner. ACG's compliance process prevents this from happening.
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