How to Choose a Storm Shutter Company in Broward County
Choosing storm shutters is about more than price. Broward County has strict building codes. The wrong installer can cost you money, time, and unnecessary risk when the next storm hits.
This guide walks you through what to check before you sign anything.
Why Broward Has Stricter Rules
Broward is within Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone. That means shutters here must meet tougher standards than most of the state.
Every product needs approval for HVHZ use, not just any Florida product approval. More on that below. For now, know this: not every shutter sold elsewhere in Florida is legal to install in Broward.
You can review the state's hurricane retrofit guide for the technical background, or check local requirements on the Broward County website.
Know Your Shutter Options First
Salespeople will use terms fast. It helps to know the basics before you talk to anyone.
- Accordion shutters. Fold against the wall. Quick to close. Good for daily hurricane readiness.
- Roll-down shutters. Operated by a crank or motor. Convenient but pricier.
- Colonial shutters. Side-hinged panels that close across the window. A common look on older homes.
- Bahama shutters. Mounted above windows, prop open at an angle. Adds shade too.
- Storm panels. Removable metal or polycarbonate panels. Lowest cost, but stored separately and installed by hand.
- Impact windows. Not shutters, but an alternative. No separate deployment is needed before a storm, though the windows themselves still require proper permitted installation.
None of these is "the best" one. The right choice depends on your budget, your home's style, and how much manual work you want during a storm warning.
One more thing to know: not every colonial- or Bahama-style shutter you see is rated for hurricane protection. Some are decorative only. Confirm the exact model and locking configuration are approved for the opening before you count on it in a storm.
Check the License Before Anything Else
A hired installer should hold a valid Florida contractor license for this type of work. Ask for the license number, then verify it yourself using the Florida contractor license lookup.
Also ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation. A reputable company will hand this over without hesitation.
One thing to watch for: if a contractor asks you to pull the permit instead of them, treat that as a red flag rather than a favor.
Confirm the Shutters Are Approved for Broward
This is the step most homeowners skip, and it's the most important one.
Broward is in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, so shutters here must meet stricter standards than products sold in much of the rest of Florida. A brochure that says "hurricane rated" isn't enough on its own.
Ask for the Miami-Dade NOA, or another approval showing the exact shutter system is approved for HVHZ use. The approval should match the product in your quote, not just a similar-looking one. You can check a product's approval yourself using the Miami-Dade product approval search.
If a company can't produce this, move on.
Make Sure the Permit Gets Pulled
Storm shutter installation or replacement in Broward almost always requires a building permit. Depending on where you live, that permit comes from your city's building department or from Broward County.
For a hired contractor, they should be the one applying for the permit, not you. The permit and final inspection create a useful record for your home, though they don't guarantee an insurance claim will be paid.
Ask directly: "Will your company pull the permit before installation starts?" A reputable contractor should answer clearly. A vague answer, or one that pushes the permit back onto you, is worth questioning.
Get Everything in Writing
Before you agree to anything, get a written estimate. It should include:
- The exact product name and NOA number
- Total cost, broken down by material and labor
- Installation start and end dates
- Payment schedule and deposit amount
- Warranty terms, listed separately for the product and the labor
Product warranties and labor warranties are not the same thing. A shutter might carry a 10-year manufacturer warranty, while the installer only guarantees their labor for one year. Ask which applies to what.
Watch for These Red Flags
A few warning signs should make you pause:
- Door-to-door sales pressure right before or after a storm warning
- Requests for full payment in cash, upfront
- No mention of a permit at any point
- A business you can't verify at all, anywhere in Florida
- A quote far below every other estimate you received
- Reluctance to provide a license number or product approval documents
Storm season brings out legitimate companies and opportunistic ones. A little friction when you ask questions is normal. Refusal to answer is not.
Questions to Ask Every Company
Keep this list handy when you call around for quotes.
- What is your Florida contractor license number?
- Can you provide the NOA number for this exact product?
- Will you pull the permit, or do I need to?
- What's included in the labor warranty versus the product warranty?
- What's your estimated installation timeline?
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers' comp?
- Can I see a copy of a recent, similar job in Broward?
A reputable company should be able to answer or document each one. Evasive answers, inconsistent paperwork, or pressure to sign on the spot are all reasons to keep looking.
What Storm Shutters Typically Cost in Broward
Prices vary by shutter type, window count, and home size. As a rough guide:
- Storm panels: often the lowest upfront cost, but require manual installation each time
- Accordion shutters: mid-range, and among the most popular for full-home coverage
- Roll-down shutters: highest cost, but the most convenient to operate
- Impact windows: a larger upfront investment, with no separate deployment step before a storm
Get at least three quotes before deciding. Pricing for the same product can vary more than homeowners expect.
Timelines vary too. Once the permit is issued and materials are in hand, a typical single-family home might take a day to a few days to install. But the full project, including fabrication and permit review, often takes longer than the install itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for storm shutters in Broward County? Yes, in almost all cases. Confirm whether your city or Broward County handles it, and make sure the contractor pulls it before work begins.
Are all hurricane shutters legal to install in Broward? No. The product needs approval valid for the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, and it has to match what's actually being installed.
Can I install shutters myself to save money? Removable storm panels are sometimes DIY-friendly. Permanent systems, like accordion or roll-down shutters, usually call for a licensed contractor.
How long does installation usually take? Once the permit is issued and materials are ready, a typical home might take a day to a few days. The full project, including fabrication and permit review, is usually longer.
The Bottom Line
Picking a storm shutter company comes down to three things: a properly licensed installer, product approval documents that actually match the job, and a permit pulled before work starts. Everything else, from shutter style to price, is a matter of preference.
Ask the questions above. Verify what you're told. And get three quotes before you commit to anyone.