Hurricane Shutters and Impact Windows in Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce has older homes with odd sized windows, historic properties with design review, and beachside condos with association rules. Each one changes how storm protection is chosen.

County: St. Lucie County
Permits: Usually the City of Fort Pierce for addresses inside city limits, and St. Lucie County for unincorporated areas. Confirm for your address.

Many Fort Pierce houses were built decades before modern wind codes. Window openings in older frame and block homes often aren't standard sizes, and wood framing around them may need work before shutters or impact windows can be anchored properly. On Hutchinson Island, buildings face the ocean directly and salt air is hard on metal parts.

Older and historic homes

In older homes, the window frame and the wall around it matter as much as the product. Rotted wood framing, old plaster and non standard openings can add cost and time. Ask the installer to inspect the openings before quoting.

If your property is in a designated historic district or is a designated historic site, exterior changes like windows, shutters and doors may need review by the city's historic preservation staff or board before a building permit is issued. That review usually looks at whether the change fits the building's character. Ask the City of Fort Pierce whether your property is designated before you choose a product.

Beachside and island condos

On Hutchinson Island, condo associations usually control what goes on the outside of the building, including balcony shutters and window replacements. Many buildings have approved products and installers. Salt air corrodes shutter tracks, fasteners and roll down motors, so ask about corrosion resistant hardware and regular maintenance.

Permits and insurance

Inside city limits, permanent shutters and impact windows usually need a permit through the City of Fort Pierce Building Department. Much of Hutchinson Island and the areas west of town are unincorporated, so permits go through St. Lucie County. All products need Florida Product Approval or an equivalent approval for our wind zone. A wind mitigation inspection can document opening protection and may lower windstorm premiums.

Older garage doors are often a weak point too, see garage doors in Fort Pierce. Backup power is the other half of storm prep, see standby generators in Fort Pierce. General product information is on the hurricane shutters page, and the city overview is on the Fort Pierce area page.

Check before you hireWindow, door and shutter installs often need a state contractor license and a permit, depending on the county. Look up the license at myfloridalicense.com and ask for proof of insurance.

Hurricane shutters and impact windows questions in Fort Pierce

Do I need historic review to add shutters to my Fort Pierce home?

If the property is in a designated historic district or is a designated historic site, exterior changes like shutters and windows may need review by the city's historic preservation staff or board before a permit is issued. Minor changes may be handled by staff. Ask the City of Fort Pierce whether your property is designated and what the process is.

Can I put shutters on my Hutchinson Island condo?

Usually only with association approval. Condo associations generally control exterior changes and often have approved shutter types, colors and installers. Some handle storm protection for the whole building. Check with management first. Permits then go through St. Lucie County or the City of Fort Pierce depending on the building's location.

Why are my shutter tracks rusting near the beach?

Salt spray. Near the ocean and Fort Pierce Inlet, salt settles on tracks, fasteners and motors and speeds up corrosion. Rinse them with fresh water regularly, keep tracks clean and lubricated as the maker recommends, and ask about stainless or coated hardware when replacing anything.

Who permits impact windows in Fort Pierce?

Inside city limits, the City of Fort Pierce Building Department. In unincorporated areas, including much of Hutchinson Island and land west of the city, St. Lucie County Building and Code Regulation. The installer usually pulls the permit. Historic properties in the city may need design review first.

For the general guide, see Hurricane shutters and impact windows on the Treasure Coast. For more about the town, see Fort Pierce.

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