Fort Lauderdale is a large, diverse city that sits entirely within Broward County’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone. It spans from the barrier island on the east through the Las Olas Isles, Tarpon River, and other Intracoastal neighborhoods, to inland areas like Coral Ridge, Lauderdale Lakes, and out toward the western edge near the Sawgrass Expressway. Storm exposure varies by neighborhood, but HVHZ code requirements apply everywhere in the city. Awning Stars installs hurricane screens throughout Fort Lauderdale. We carry Atlas Armor and Progressive Screens, both of which carry NOA certification for HVHZ use.
What Makes Fort Lauderdale Installations Specific
Venice of America waterfront properties. Fort Lauderdale has more miles of navigable waterways than Venice, Italy. A large share of its residential properties are on canals, and those properties face storm exposure on the water-facing side that differs from purely inland homes. Our systems for waterfront Fort Lauderdale properties are specified with coastal-rated hardware and finishes.
High-rise residential along the beach. The Fort Lauderdale beach corridor has significant high-rise and mid-rise residential density. Condo unit hurricane screen installations involve building association approval, building management coordination, and city permitting. We handle this documentation and coordination as part of the project.
Mix of construction eras. Fort Lauderdale has everything from 1950s ranch homes to recent construction. Pre-Andrew homes in particular often have single-pane windows and aluminum-frame sliders that provide essentially no storm resistance. Hurricane screens are frequently the most practical upgrade path for these properties. Call 954.626.8056 for a Fort Lauderdale consultation.
Motorized Patio Screens for Everyday Use in Fort Lauderdale
Storm protection is only one reason Fort Lauderdale homeowners use motorized patio screens. With the appropriate screen fabric, the system can reduce glare, add privacy, keep insects out, and make a patio or lanai more comfortable while maintaining airflow and the outward view. The screen retracts when an open-air space is preferred.
Every opening is measured for the home rather than treated as a standard size. Because Fort Lauderdale has coastal storm exposure, the housing, tracks, hardware, and mounting method should be selected for the opening and local wind-load requirements. Awning Stars handles the permitting and installation requirements for the selected system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hurricane screens meet code in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. The fabric we install is Miami-Dade approved under NOA #21-0512.04 and is the only roll-down fabric approved for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. Fort Lauderdale is in Broward County, which is an HVHZ jurisdiction, so that approval is exactly what your permit requires.
Can I use them on non-storm days?
Yes. They filter about 88% of UV, cut energy costs, and keep insects, rodents, and most animals off the patio, so Fort Lauderdale homeowners run them year round and close them down only when a storm approaches.
What warranty comes with the screens?
A 10-year transferable warranty on the fabric and a 5-year warranty on the motor. The transferable coverage carries over if you sell the Fort Lauderdale home.
Do they work for HOA communities?
Yes. Many Fort Lauderdale communities have architectural guidelines, and the screens come in colors and finishes that fit HOA review. We handle permitting through the Fort Lauderdale building department.
Do I need a permit for hurricane screens in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Fort Lauderdale screens are permitted through the Fort Lauderdale building department to Broward County HVHZ wind-load requirements, and we pull and manage that permit as part of the install.
Why do Fort Lauderdale homes need hurricane screens?
Fort Lauderdale sits near the Broward County coast with direct storm exposure, and screens protect large patio and lanai openings that are hard to cover any other way.
