What this guide covers: Because Bahama and Bermuda shutters look decorative, homeowners often assume they are decorative. Some are. This guide explains how to tell a genuinely rated shutter from a lookalike, what a product approval number is and how to check one, and the specific questions to ask a contractor before you sign.
This is the most important question on this entire topic, and the one that costs Brevard County homeowners the most money when they get it wrong. A shutter that looks the part but carries no approval offers no protection, earns no insurance credit, and may not pass inspection.
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The Answer: Some Are, Some Are Not
“Bahama shutter” describes a shape, not a performance standard. The same top-hinged louvered silhouette is sold in two very different forms:
- Rated storm shutters: extruded aluminum, engineered fasteners, tested assemblies, and a Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance. These are hurricane protection.
- Decorative lookalikes: lightweight aluminum or vinyl sold for curb appeal. No testing, no approval, no protection, no insurance credit.
From the street on a sunny day they can look nearly identical. The difference shows up in the documentation and in a storm.
What a Product Approval Actually Is
Florida does not take a manufacturer’s word that a shutter works. Products are tested and then listed, and the listing number is what your building department and your insurer care about.
Florida Product Approval (FL Number)
A statewide approval listing, written as “FL” followed by a number. It ties a specific product and configuration to tested performance, and it is searchable on the state’s public product approval system. Your contractor should be able to give you the FL number for the exact shutter being installed, not just the brand.
Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA)
Miami-Dade County maintains its own approval program, widely regarded as the strictest in the country. An NOA is not required everywhere in Florida, but products carrying one have cleared a demanding bar. Many homeowners use it as a shorthand for quality even outside high-velocity zones.
The Two Tests That Matter
Approved shutter assemblies are evaluated for large missile impact (a projectile fired at the assembly, simulating wind-borne debris) and cyclic pressure (thousands of pressure reversals simulating sustained storm loading). Passing both is what separates protection from ornamentation. Decorative shutters undergo neither.
Rated vs Decorative: How to Tell Them Apart
| Check This | Rated Storm Shutter | Decorative Lookalike |
|---|---|---|
| Approval number | ✔ FL # or NOA | ✘ None |
| Does it close and lock? | ✔ Yes, with locking bar | ✘ Often fixed open |
| Permit required | ✔ Yes, inspected | Usually not |
| Insurance credit | ✔ Eligible | ✘ Not eligible |
| Anchoring | Engineered to wall type | Surface screws |
Five Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- “What is the FL approval number for this exact product?” A rated installer answers immediately.
- “What design pressure is it rated for, and does that meet my home’s requirement?” Ratings must match your exposure, not just exist.
- “Are you pulling a permit?” If the answer is no, the work will not be inspected or documented.
- “How are these anchored to my wall type?” Block, frame, and stucco-over-frame each need a different detail.
- “What documentation do I get for my wind mitigation inspection?” Without paperwork, the credit is hard to claim.
Local insight: We are occasionally called out to Melbourne and Palm Bay homes where a previous owner installed decorative Bahama shutters and everyone assumed the house was protected. The homeowner finds out during a wind mitigation inspection, or worse, during a storm watch. If you inherited shutters with the house and have no paperwork on them, have them assessed before you rely on them.
Not Sure What You Already Have?
We will assess your existing shutters, tell you honestly whether they are rated, and document what you have. No pressure to replace anything that is already doing its job.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bahama Shutter Ratings
Are Bahama shutters hurricane rated?
They can be, but not all are. Rated Bahama shutters are tested assemblies carrying a Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA. Decorative versions in the same shape carry no approval and provide no protection. Always ask for the approval number.
Are Bermuda shutters rated differently than Bahama shutters?
No. They are the same product under two names, so the rating depends entirely on the specific manufacturer and assembly, not the terminology used in the quote.
How can I check a product approval number myself?
Florida maintains a public product approval database where you can look up an FL number and see the tested configurations and limitations. Ask your contractor for the number in writing so you can verify it independently before work begins.
Do I need a permit for Bahama shutters in Brevard County?
Yes. Hurricane shutter installation is permitted work, and the permit and inspection are what create the record your insurer and a future buyer will want. Requirements vary by municipality, so confirm with your local building department or let us handle it.
Will rated Bahama shutters lower my insurance?
Code-approved shutters can qualify for a wind mitigation credit when every opening is protected and the work is documented in an inspection. Actual savings vary by carrier and policy. Our Brevard County insurance discount guide walks through the process.
Serving the Entire Space Coast
Brevard Hurricane Protection installs only code-approved, documented hurricane protection across Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Titusville, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Viera, Merritt Island, and surrounding Brevard County communities. Every job is permitted, inspected, and documented for your wind mitigation report, and we will tell you honestly if the shutters you already have are doing their job.
Get Code-Approved Protection You Can Verify
Every quote includes the product approval number in writing. No sales pressure. No hidden fees.