When hurricane season hits, protecting your home is top priority. Between impact windows, roll-down hurricane shutters, and hurricane screens, choosing the right protection can feel confusing.

That’s why the team at Advanced Hurricane Technology (AHT), building hurricane protection systems in Fort Myers since 1994, compiled this guide to help homeowners make confident, informed choices.

1. Impact Windows vs Hurricane Shutters: What’s Right for You?

If your windows are still in great shape, hurricane shutters are often the smarter investment compared to impact windows. Both protect your home, but their cost and warranty coverage differ significantly.

What Florida homeowners should know:

• Impact windows cost more per square foot installed than shutters (see the cost table below).
• Read the warranty terms before you buy, since coverage conditions differ by manufacturer and product.
• Accordion shutters and roll-down hurricane shutters are durable, and we service and repair them (see section 5).

Pro Tip: Combine impact windows in key areas (like bedrooms) with accordion shutters elsewhere for a cost-effective balance of comfort and protection.

In short, hurricane shutters protect the same openings at a lower installed cost than replacing your windows.

2. Types of Hurricane Shutters

Florida homeowners can choose from a variety of tested and approved shutter systems. Here’s a quick guide to what works best for each situation.

Choosing the right hurricane protection system depends on your home style, location, and budget.

For a closer look at the two most common permanent systems, read our roll-down vs. accordion shutters comparison. If you are weighing fabric screens against shutters, our guide to hurricane screens vs. hurricane shutters covers that choice.

Our rolling shutter system with the CHD-6 slat carries Florida Product Approval under the 2023 Florida Building Code: FL42139-R1 for use inside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), the area where the code sets its strictest hurricane requirements, and FL42140-R1 for use outside it. Both numbers are listed on our specification sheets, and we can show you the approval documents for any other product you are considering.

3. Hurricane Shutter Cost

These are typical installed ranges per square foot from our retail pricing, before permits, access fees or removal. Motorized operation, wide openings and per-opening minimums change the number, and we confirm your price at the free in-home measure.

On average, hurricane shutter installations cost less per square foot than impact windows, so protecting openings that already have sound windows usually costs less with shutters.

Curious what fits your home best? Book a free in-home visit with AHT Shutter Services for a no-obligation quote.

Products in this article

4. Permits and Installation Requirements

Installing shutters or storm screening on a home requires a building permit in unincorporated Lee County and in Collier County, and the application lists each product’s Florida Product Approval number (its listing in the state’s product approval system) or its Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance number.

• Cities such as Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Naples run their own building departments, so their steps can differ.
• Always verify with your local building department to avoid delays.

For code compliance, work with a licensed installer such as AHT Shutter Services.

AHT Shutter Services installs every system to the Florida Building Code, so your home is protected and compliant.

5. Maintenance and Repair: Keeping Shutters Storm-Ready

How Often Should You Service Hurricane Shutters in Florida?

We recommend a professional inspection and lubrication every six months, plus a thorough cleaning after any major storm event.

Routine care keeps your shutters ready for hurricane season and preserves your warranty. AHT Shutter Services offers maintenance and repairs for all brands of shutters, even if not installed by AHT.

Maintenance Tips:

• Use non-water-based silicone spray (avoid WD-40).
• Clean after every storm event.
• Schedule maintenance every 6 months.
• Never paint accordion shutters, since paint can jam the tracks.

6. Are Your Old Shutters Still Code-Compliant?

Older shutters might not meet the current Florida Building Code.

Check your shutters for a Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA number, and look up a Florida number at FloridaBuilding.org.

If your approval stickers are missing or faded, contact Advanced Hurricane Technology for inspection and replacement options.

Avoid buying or reusing approval stickers from unverified sources. It is unsafe and can cause problems with your insurance carrier.

7. Why Choose Advanced Hurricane Technology

Founded in Fort Myers in 1994, Advanced Hurricane Technology (AHT) has been building hurricane protection systems for more than 30 years.

Why homeowners and contractors trust AHT:

• Over 30 years of experience
• More than 50,000 finished projects
• 600+ authorized dealers
• In-house manufacturing in our 50,000 sq ft Fort Myers factory
• 4.8 stars from 700+ Google reviews (read our customer testimonials)
• Serving seven counties, from Collier to Pinellas

From accordion shutters and roll-down hurricane shutters to hurricane screens, AHT builds protection for Florida’s toughest storms.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Florida Home the Smart Way

Choosing reliable hurricane shutters Florida homeowners trust is about safety, savings, and long-term confidence.

With products built in Fort Myers, expert installation, and service after the sale, AHT Shutter Services helps keep your home and family safe season after season.

Join thousands of Florida homeowners who rely on AHT for code-compliant hurricane protection. Book your free in-home consultation or request maintenance or repair, or call (239) 251-0856. We measure each opening and quote the options side by side.

Advanced Hurricane Technology · FL Lic. CBC1258522 | SCC131153977