Current Zone
HVHZ
Hurricane Zone
185
MPH Design Speed
NOA
Required
Interactive Wind Zone Map

Know Your Zone

Click on any area of Miami-Dade to see the wind speed requirements. Different zones need different protection levels.

COASTAL 185 mph INLAND 178 mph INTERIOR 170 mph MIAMI-DADE COUNTY High-Velocity Hurricane Zone
Coastal (185 mph)
Inland (178 mph)
Interior (170 mph)

Coastal Zone

Highest wind speed requirements

1 8 5
MPH Design Wind Speed
NOA (Notice of Acceptance) required for all products
Impact-rated windows and doors mandatory
PE-sealed wind load calculations required
Exposure Category D (open terrain)
Calculate For This Zone

Understanding Exposure Categories

Exposure describes what's around your building. More open terrain = stronger wind = stricter requirements.

B
Urban/Suburban
Buildings, trees, and other stuff block the wind. Think downtown areas with tall buildings all around.
C
Open Terrain
Flat, open areas with few obstructions. Grasslands, farms, or areas near airports. Wind hits harder here.
D
Coastal
Right on the water. Nothing to slow down the wind before it hits your building. Highest wind loads.

See the Wind

Move the slider to see how wind behaves at different speeds

100 mph 185 mph 200 mph

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Miami-Dade wind zones

What wind zone is Miami-Dade County in?
All of Miami-Dade County is in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) with design wind speeds of 170-185 mph depending on location. Coastal areas have the highest requirements at 185 mph. This is the strictest building code area in the entire United States.
What is the difference between wind zones in Miami-Dade?
Miami-Dade has different exposure categories (B, C, D) based on terrain and distance from coast. Exposure D (coastal) requires the strongest construction. The HVHZ also has special product approval requirements called NOA (Notice of Acceptance). Every window, door, and roofing product must pass hurricane tests.
How do I find my exact wind speed requirement?
Enter your exact address in a wind load calculator. Wind speed varies by location, risk category, and building type. ASCE 7-22 maps determine the precise wind speed for your site. We can calculate this for you in minutes and provide a permit-ready report.
Why does Miami-Dade have stricter requirements than other Florida counties?
After Hurricane Andrew destroyed over 25,000 homes in 1992, Miami-Dade created the toughest building codes in the country. The HVHZ requires products to pass large missile impact tests (2x4 fired at 50 fps) and small missile tests (ball bearings at 80 fps). These codes have saved countless buildings in every hurricane since.

Know Your Zone. Build Right.

Get accurate wind load calculations for your exact location in Miami-Dade County.

Calculate Now Permit Checklist