Direct Answer
Florida does not require every asphalt shingle roof to have one universal wind rating. Under the 2023 Florida Building Code, Building, Section 1507.2.7.1, asphalt shingles must be tested and classified under ASTM D3161, ASTM D7158, or TAS 107 and meet the classification required for the building’s applicable wind speed.
The required classification depends on the applicable design wind speed, the building’s risk category, and the conditions covered by the shingle’s testing and approval. For commercial buildings, the design professional must verify the applicable wind loads under Chapter 16 and confirm that the selected shingle and its installation comply with the approved assembly requirements.
Who This Applies To
- Owners of commercial buildings with asphalt shingle roofs.
- Roofing contractors specifying shingles for new construction or reroofing.
- Property managers evaluating hurricane resistance and roofing product approvals.
- Architects and engineers responsible for commercial roof specifications.
1. Which Shingle Wind Classifications Does Florida Recognize?
Section 1507.2.7.1 references three testing and classification standards:
- ASTM D3161: A fan-induced wind-resistance test used to classify asphalt shingles.
- ASTM D7158: A wind-resistance classification standard that includes classifications D, G, and H.
- TAS 107: A test standard used for applicable roofing products and assemblies under Florida’s roofing requirements.
The required classification must match the applicable code table and project conditions. A manufacturer’s advertised wind-speed warranty is not, by itself, proof that a shingle satisfies the Florida Building Code.
2. Florida Building Code Shingle Wind Classification Table
The following table summarizes Table 1507.2.7.1 in the 2023 Florida Building Code, Building. The wind-speed values are the code’s maximum basic wind speed and corresponding nominal design wind speed (Vasd), not a substitute for calculating the project’s required design pressures.
| Maximum basic wind speed (mph) | Nominal design wind speed, Vasd (mph) | ASTM D7158 classification | ASTM D3161 classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 | 85 | D, G, or H | D or F |
| 116 | 90 | D, G, or H | D or F |
| 129 | 100 | G or H | D or F |
| 142 | 110 | G or H | F |
| 155 | 120 | G or H | F |
| 168 | 130 | H | F |
| 181 | 140 | H | F |
| 194 | 150 | H | F |
Important: These are classification thresholds from the code table, not a list of wind speeds that apply uniformly across Florida. The building’s location, risk category, and applicable wind-speed map determine the relevant requirement. The standard calculations under ASTM D7158 also assume Exposure B or C and a building height of 60 feet or less; additional calculations are required outside those assumptions.
3. Is a Class H Shingle Required Throughout Florida?
No. Class H is required for the higher nominal design wind-speed rows in Table 1507.2.7.1, but the code table permits other classifications at lower applicable wind speeds. Class H may be a useful specification target for some projects, but it should not be presented as a universal requirement for every Florida commercial building.
For a specific project, confirm the applicable row in the code table, the shingle’s tested classification, and any additional requirements imposed by the approved product documentation or local jurisdiction.
4. What Additional Requirements Apply in Hurricane-Prone Areas?
Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), covering Miami-Dade and Broward counties, has additional roofing requirements. Products used in these areas must have the applicable approval for the intended use, and the complete assembly must comply with the relevant installation and performance provisions.
For an HVHZ project, verify the applicable Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or other accepted approval, including the approved substrate, fastening pattern, installation method, and allowable design pressures. A shingle’s ASTM wind classification alone does not establish compliance with all HVHZ requirements.
5. How Should a Commercial Property Owner Verify Compliance?
- Identify the project location. Determine the applicable wind-speed map and whether the building is in the HVHZ.
- Confirm the risk category. Use the correct design criteria for the building’s occupancy and classification.
- Check the shingle classification. Review the manufacturer’s test documentation and product labeling.
- Verify design pressures and attachment. Confirm that the specified assembly and fasteners meet the applicable roof-zone pressures and installation requirements.
- Check product approval. Verify that the approval covers the proposed shingle, substrate, and installation conditions.
- Confirm the adopted code edition. Check the permit date, local amendments, and any applicable jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Bottom Line
Florida’s commercial asphalt-shingle wind requirements are based on the applicable wind-speed classification table, rather than one statewide minimum rating. Under the 2023 Florida Building Code, Building, Section 1507.2.7.1, shingles must meet the required ASTM D3161, ASTM D7158, or TAS 107 classification for the project’s conditions. Class H is required in the table’s higher nominal design wind-speed categories, but it is not a universal statewide requirement.
For commercial reroofing, verify the applicable wind loads, approved shingle assembly, attachment requirements, and local product-approval rules before installation.
Related Questions
- What’s the difference between static and cyclic wind uplift testing?
- What happens if I install a commercial roof without proper product approval?
- When is it better to replace a commercial roof rather than repair it?
Sources
- 2023 Florida Building Code, Building, Chapter 15 — Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
- Florida Roofing, Inc. — 2023 Florida Building Code roofing provisions and shingle classifications
- Miami-Dade County — Roofing product approval notices
- Florida Building Commission — Florida Building Code resources
Last reviewed: October 2026
Related Resources
Learn how testing relates to roof-system performance in the difference between static and cyclic wind uplift testing.
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If you’re planning a commercial shingle roof replacement in Florida, confirm the required wind classification and approved installation assembly before choosing a product. ShieldLine Roofing can help commercial property owners evaluate roof replacement needs and discuss suitable roofing options.
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This article provides general educational information about Florida roofing requirements. Actual compliance depends on the project’s location, adopted code edition, design criteria, approved assembly, and local requirements. Confirm project-specific specifications with the local building department and a qualified design professional.
