Understanding Florida Product Approval and Miami-Dade NOA for Glazing Systems

In hurricane-prone states like Florida, ensuring that glazing systems can withstand extreme weather is essential. Architects, contractors, and homeowners should understand local certification requirements, especially Florida Product Approval and Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA), to ensure their glazing solutions offer maximum protection and comply with strict building codes.

Why Florida Has Special Certification Requirements

Most glazing products across the United States are certified according to the AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 standard. However, Florida faces unique challenges due to frequent hurricanes and intense storms, requiring stricter performance criteria. The Florida Building Code identifies special zones demanding more rigorous testing.

The Wind-Borne Debris Region (WBDR) includes areas where wind speeds exceed 140 mph or 130 mph within one mile of the coastline. Within this region lies an even more demanding area, the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), comprising Miami-Dade County and Broward County in Florida. Products installed in these counties must meet higher standards for resisting wind-driven debris.

Understanding Impact Testing: Large and Small Missiles

Unlike most other U.S. states, Florida specifically requires glazing products to pass rigorous impact testing using both Large Missile and Small Missile tests. These evaluations involve striking multiple samples of glazing products in different positions to comprehensively simulate hurricane-driven debris impacts. This thorough testing approach ensures glazing reliably withstands hurricane conditions, providing proven durability and occupant safety.

Florida Product Approval (Non-HVHZ) Explained

Standard Florida Product Approval is required statewide, except in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. To obtain this approval, glazing products must meet several performance criteria specified by the AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 standard. These include operating force, air leakage, water penetration, wind load resistance, and forced-entry resistance.

Additionally, products must comply with ASTM E1886 (test method) and ASTM E1996 (performance specification), which specifically address resistance to impacts from wind-borne debris on exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and protective systems. Obtaining standard Florida Product Approval is typically simpler, quicker, and more cost-effective, making it suitable for most statewide projects outside HVHZ areas.

Miami-Dade NOA and Florida Product Approval (HVHZ) Explained

Fenestration products intended for use within Miami-Dade and Broward counties must comply with even stricter standards. Certification can be obtained through either the Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or Florida Product Approval for HVHZ.

Both certifications require extensive testing under the TAS (Testing Application Standard) protocols. TAS 201 evaluates resistance to Large and Small Missile impacts. TAS 202 covers comprehensive performance evaluations, including air infiltration, water infiltration, structural load capacity, and forced-entry resistance. TAS 203 involves cycling load testing, simulating repetitive hurricane-force winds to verify prolonged durability.

These certifications (particularly the Miami-Dade NOA) are nationally recognized for their rigorous evaluation. Importantly, Florida Product Approval for HVHZ involves the exact same rigorous tests as Miami-Dade NOA, meaning products certified under either standard can be marketed and installed statewide, including HVHZ and non-HVHZ areas.

Certification Process and Participants

Obtaining these certifications involves coordinated efforts among specialized participants. First, an accredited engineer conducts detailed technical analyses of the glazing product. Next, an accredited laboratory rigorously tests multiple product samples under simulated hurricane conditions. Finally, an authorized regulatory body carefully reviews all test results before officially granting certification.

Regular audits of manufacturing facilities ensure continued compliance with these high-performance standards, maintaining quality and customer confidence.

Which Certification is Right for Your Project?

Selecting the right certification depends primarily on your project's location and specific performance requirements. For statewide use outside HVHZ, standard Florida Product Approval offers reliable protection with quicker certification times and lower costs.

However, for projects demanding maximum resilience, particularly those located in Miami-Dade or Broward counties, choosing Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval for HVHZ certification ensures the highest level of hurricane protection, recognized and trusted both statewide and nationally.

Trust Your Project to Experts in Hurricane-Resistant Glazing

Choosing glazing systems certified by Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA demonstrates a clear commitment to safety and quality. At IQ Glass International, our extensive expertise navigating these stringent certification processes ensures your project receives glazing solutions that fully comply with local regulations, and exceed expectations for severe weather performance.

Would you like advice tailored to your project? Contact us now.