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With Florida being prone to hurricanes, having adequate Florida hurricane insurance is vital for the financial protection of homeowners in the region. However fortifying homes against hurricane damage may mean the difference between little or no damage, and total collapse. With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) has developed its “FORTIFIED for existing homes – hurricane resistance designation” program.

The FORTIFIED programs aim to structurally strengthen existing homes against regional natural disasters.  The hurricane resistance designation is available for single-family detached homes and is achievable in three tier levels:

1. Bronze tier: comes in two options, the first being to improve the existing roof to provide a barrier against water entry to the home, and the second involving replacement of the roof covering altogether with a high wind-rated cover.

2. Silver tier: this level involves first achieving Bronze designation for roof covering, and then retrofits to improve the protection of doors, windows, garage doors, gable ends and attached structures.

3. Gold tier: aims to achieve a continuous load path from the roof down to the foundation. This involves strengthening the building’s outer envelope by ensuring that all parts of the home are securely anchored together. All retrofits must meet rigorous standards and be high wind-rated.

Retrofits that result in improved hurricane-resistance not only help to protect homes from damage, but may also mean lower Florida hurricane insurance premiums due to the reduction of risk. So it’s important for homeowners to advise their insurers of structural improvements made to their properties. 

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