Impact Windows & Doors in West Palm Beach
The county seat of Palm Beach County, from historic Flamingo Park to waterfront high-rises along Flagler Drive. Florida Product Approval compliant installations for every neighborhood and home style.
West Palm Beach is the county seat of Palm Beach County and one of the most dynamic cities on Florida's southeastern coast. Its neighborhoods range from the tree-lined streets of historic Flamingo Park and the arts-driven energy of Northwood Village to the waterfront high-rises along Flagler Drive and the newer suburban developments spreading westward. As the cultural and governmental center of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach attracts a diverse mix of homeowners, from young professionals in downtown condos to families in established single-family neighborhoods to retirees in waterfront communities.
One of the most important distinctions for West Palm Beach homeowners to understand is that Palm Beach County is not within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). The HVHZ covers only Miami-Dade and Broward counties. However, this absolutely does not mean that West Palm Beach homes are exempt from impact product requirements. West Palm Beach falls within the wind-borne debris region as defined by the Florida Building Code, which requires all glazed openings to be protected with impact-rated products or approved hurricane shutters. The requirements are still strict and the consequences of non-compliance are the same. The difference lies in the specific testing and approval standards that products must meet.
Understanding the Code: Not HVHZ, But Still Strict
Because West Palm Beach is outside the HVHZ, impact products installed here do not need a Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance (NOA). Instead, products must hold a valid Florida Product Approval, which is issued by the Florida Building Commission and listed in the Florida Product Approval database. Florida Product Approval testing is rigorous and covers impact resistance, wind pressure, water infiltration, and air leakage, but the specific test protocols differ from the Miami-Dade NOA process. For homeowners, the practical difference is that a wider range of products qualifies for installation in West Palm Beach compared to what can be installed in Miami-Dade or Broward, and pricing can sometimes be more competitive as a result.
Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Considerations
Hurricane Exposure in Palm Beach County
West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County have been directly affected by major hurricanes throughout recorded history. The hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, when Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne, and Wilma all impacted Palm Beach County within a 14-month span, were a wake-up call for the region. Homes without impact-rated openings suffered catastrophic water intrusion when windows and doors failed, leading to extensive interior damage that far exceeded the cost of impact product installation.
The 2004-2005 hurricane seasons were directly responsible for the surge in impact product installations throughout Palm Beach County. Homeowners who had experienced the reality of boarding up, evacuating, and returning to damaged properties recognized the value of permanent protection. Today, that investment continues to pay dividends through lower insurance premiums, increased property values, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected without any pre-storm preparation.
Project Investment and Insurance Benefits
West Palm Beach homeowners often benefit from a slightly broader product selection and competitive pricing compared to the HVHZ market because the Florida Product Approval pathway allows more manufacturers and product lines to qualify. This does not mean sacrificing quality. It means you may find products with the performance characteristics you need at price points that reflect the broader competitive landscape. Our cost guide provides detailed pricing information for impact window and door projects across South Florida.
Insurance savings for West Palm Beach homeowners follow the same wind mitigation inspection framework used throughout Florida. When all glazed openings are protected with impact-rated products, the home qualifies for the highest level of opening protection credit on the wind mitigation form. This translates to meaningful annual premium reductions that offset the project cost over time. The exact savings depend on your specific policy, insurer, and property characteristics, but the wind mitigation discount is available to all Florida homeowners regardless of whether they are inside or outside the HVHZ.
City of West Palm Beach Permit Process
The City of West Palm Beach Development Services Department handles building permits for impact window and door installations. Your contractor submits the application along with the Florida Product Approval documentation, a scope of work identifying the openings being replaced, and the required contractor licensing and insurance information. Residential window and door replacements are generally processed as component-level permits with plan review times ranging from five to fifteen business days.
Get a Free Estimate in West Palm Beach
National Glass serves West Palm Beach and all of Palm Beach County. Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate on impact doors and windows for your home.