South Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. That’s six months where any homeowner without a real storm protection plan is rolling the dice on their windows, doors, and outdoor living spaces. Roll-down hurricane screens are rated for the HVHZ, deploy in seconds, look good when they’re not in use, and hold up season after season. Awning Stars is a Premier Authorized Dealer for Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens, installing across Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.

What hurricane screens actually do

A hurricane screen is a roll-down fabric system installed over windows, doors, lanais, and open patio areas. When a storm is approaching, the screen deploys, either manually or with a motorized system, and creates a tensioned barrier between your home and the storm. It stops wind-driven debris, which is responsible for the majority of structural damage during a hurricane, and deflects wind pressure away from your glazing. Unlike solid shutters, the open mesh weave allows some airflow and lets in enough light that your home doesn’t feel sealed up during a watch or warning. When the storm passes, the screen rolls back up and disappears into its housing.

Atlas Armor vs. Progressive Screens

We carry both because they serve different needs. Atlas Armor is Miami-Dade’s only approved hurricane fabric roll-down screen designed for daily use (NOA #21-0512.04, FBC FL #38706.1), engineered aluminum frame and high-tensile mesh, built for maximum structural performance. Progressive Screens gives you more flexibility: more configurations, well-suited to larger openings like full lanais and pool enclosures, and fabric options that work well for everyday use, not just storm season. Both carry HVHZ approval and are installed by Awning Stars’ own crews.

Why HVHZ certification matters

Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties and sets the strictest building product standards in the country. If you’re in Broward or Miami-Dade, HVHZ approval isn’t optional: products without NOA certification from Miami-Dade cannot be permitted for hurricane protection in those counties. In the rest of our service area, HVHZ-rated products still exceed the Florida Building Code minimums by a meaningful margin, which is why we recommend them across our entire footprint.

Motorized vs. manual systems

Motorized hurricane screens use a tubular motor mounted inside the roll housing, operated by wall switch, remote, or smart home system; some integrate with weather sensors for automatic deployment. For large openings, second-story windows, or homeowners who want to close everything up fast, motorized is the right choice. Manual screens use a hand-crank or pull-strap system: more straightforward mechanically, easier to service, and cost less upfront. Both options use the same HVHZ-rated fabric and frame systems, the motor is a convenience upgrade, not a performance one.

Features and benefits

• Decreases interior fading from damaging UV rays
• Filters out 88% of the sun’s damaging effects
• Saves money by reducing energy bills
• Controls lighting and privacy
• Keeps out insects, rodents, lizards, and most animals
• Retracts into optional cassette housing, hood, or recessed opening
• Premium grade screen fabrics in White, White/Tan, Beige, Black/Tan, and Black
• 4 standard powder coat finishes: White, Brown, Beige, and Ivory

Certification and warranty

Our Hurricane Screen Systems have been tested and approved by Miami-Dade County (NOA #21-0512.04, FBC FL #38706.1) and are currently the only roll-down fabric approved for hurricane protection in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. Every installation carries a 10-year limited warranty on fabric and a 5-year motor warranty, the only hurricane screen system with a transferable factory warranty.

When to install before hurricane season

The short answer: before June 1. Lead times for custom hurricane screen fabrication and installation typically run three to five weeks during the off-season; once May hits, every screen company in South Florida is backed up. The other reason to install early is inspection scheduling: your system needs to pass a building inspection before it’s permitted, and that inspection gets booked out weeks during peak season. The best window to get your installation done is January through April, though we do full installations year-round.

Service areas

Awning Stars installs hurricane screens across seven counties: Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe.

Palm Beach County: Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Highland Beach, Manalapan, Palm Beach, Lighthouse Point, and surrounding communities.

Broward County: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Davie, Dania Beach, Plantation, Parkland, Southwest Ranches, and surrounding communities.

Not sure if we cover your area? Call the number for your county or use the quote form and we’ll confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counties does Awning Stars install hurricane screens in?

Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.

What’s the difference between Atlas Armor and Progressive Screens?

Atlas Armor is built for maximum structural performance and is Miami-Dade’s only approved hurricane fabric roll-down screen designed for daily use. Progressive Screens offers more configurations and is well suited to larger openings like full lanais and pool enclosures. Both carry HVHZ approval.

Are these hurricane screens HVHZ approved?

Yes. Our systems carry Miami-Dade NOA #21-0512.04 and FBC FL #38706.1, and are tested to withstand wind speeds in excess of 155 mph.

What warranty comes with a hurricane screen system?

A 10-year limited warranty on fabric and a 5-year motor warranty, the only hurricane screen system with a transferable factory warranty.

When should I install hurricane screens before storm season?

January through April gives the smoothest scheduling. Lead times run three to five weeks during the off-season and get longer once hurricane season starts June 1.