Yes. In Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), skylights generally must be designed to resist wind-borne debris impacts or be protected by an approved external protection system. This requirement is especially important for commercial buildings in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, where the HVHZ provisions of the Florida Building Code apply.
Under Section 1626.1 of the 2023 Florida Building Code, building-envelope components including roofs, skylights, glazing, exterior doors, and other openings must meet the applicable impact-test criteria or be protected with an external protection device that meets those criteria.
What Does “Impact-Rated” Mean for a Skylight?
An impact-rated skylight is not simply a skylight made from thick glass or heavy-duty plastic. It is a tested and approved assembly designed to withstand specified wind-borne debris impacts and subsequent wind-pressure cycling.
For HVHZ applications, skylights can be tested under the applicable Florida Building Code requirements and associated Testing Application Standards (TAS), including TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203. The testing evaluates the skylight’s ability to withstand missile impacts and the pressures generated during a hurricane.
Miami-Dade County’s product-control system, for example, lists approved skylight products with specific impact ratings and allowable design pressures. Current approvals include both glass and polycarbonate skylight systems approved for HVHZ use.
Do All HVHZ Skylights Have to Be Impact-Resistant?
The important distinction is that the code requires the skylight opening to have impact protection—not necessarily that the skylight itself must always be an impact-resistant product.
Section 1626.1 allows building-envelope components such as skylights to either meet the impact-test criteria or be protected with an external protection device that meets the required criteria.
Therefore, a project may use an impact-rated skylight or an approved impact-resistant protection system, depending on the specific design and code-approved configuration.
For a commercial roof replacement or new construction project, however, using a skylight that already carries the appropriate HVHZ impact approval can simplify compliance and eliminate the need to coordinate separate protective devices.
What About Wind Pressure?
Impact resistance is only one part of the requirement. The skylight must also be capable of resisting the design wind pressures applicable to its location, elevation, building geometry, and installation configuration.
Florida’s skylight provisions require skylights and their framing to be designed for applicable structural loads. Unit skylights and tubular daylighting devices must also meet specified performance-rating requirements.
This means contractors should not select a skylight solely because it says “impact rated.” The product’s approved design-pressure rating must also be adequate for the project.
How Can a Contractor Verify Compliance?
Before installing or replacing a skylight in an HVHZ commercial building, verify:
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The product has Florida Product Approval or applicable Miami-Dade approval.
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The approval specifically covers HVHZ applications.
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The skylight has the required impact rating.
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The positive and negative design-pressure ratings are adequate.
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The approved anchorage and installation details are followed.
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Flashing and integration with the roof assembly comply with the applicable HVHZ requirements.
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The installed product matches the configuration covered by the approval.
Florida’s Product Approval database allows contractors and design professionals to search products by manufacturer, category, HVHZ approval, impact resistance, and design-pressure ratings.
Bottom Line
Yes, impact protection is required for skylights in Florida’s HVHZ, but the code allows compliance through either an impact-resistant skylight assembly or an approved external protection device. The selected system must also satisfy the project’s wind-pressure and installation requirements.
For commercial property owners planning a reroof, skylight replacement, or roof restoration in Miami-Dade or Broward County, verifying the skylight’s HVHZ product approval before installation can help prevent permitting problems, failed inspections, and costly replacement work later. Shieldline Roofing can evaluate existing commercial roof skylights and help determine whether replacement components need HVHZ impact approval and appropriate wind-pressure ratings.
Related Questions
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