Hurricane Shutters and Impact Windows in Stuart

Stuart took direct hits from Frances and Jeanne in 2004. Many homes upgraded after that, but plenty of older houses near downtown and on the island still have gaps.

County: Martin County
Permits: Usually the City of Stuart for addresses inside city limits, and Martin County for unincorporated areas. Confirm for your address.

When Frances and Jeanne came ashore near Stuart and Hutchinson Island in 2004, they damaged homes across Martin County. Many owners added shutters or impact glass afterward. Today the main reasons Stuart owners call are older homes still using plywood, worn out panels with missing hardware, and insurance companies asking about opening protection.

Island and river exposure

Homes on Hutchinson Island, Sewall's Point and open stretches of the St. Lucie River face more wind and salt than homes inland. Design wind loads can be higher close to open water, which can affect what products and fastening the building department will accept. Salt air also corrodes tracks, rollers and fasteners on shutters faster. Ask the contractor what products they use near the water and how the hardware holds up.

Permits in Stuart and Martin County

Impact windows, impact doors and permanently mounted shutters usually need a building permit, and the products need Florida Product Approval or a Miami Dade NOA. Inside Stuart city limits that goes through the City of Stuart Building Department. Unincorporated addresses go through the Martin County Building Department. Sewall's Point has its own permitting. The contractor usually pulls the permit, but make sure it gets a final inspection.

Condos, HOAs and older homes

Island and river condos usually have rules on the type and color of shutters and windows, and some require the association to approve or even handle the work. Gated HOAs often limit how long storm panels can stay up after a storm passes. In older homes near downtown and Port Salerno, window openings may not be standard sizes and the wall framing may need to be checked, which changes the price.

Insurance

A wind mitigation inspection can document opening protection, which may lower the windstorm part of your premium. Ask your agent what proof they need before choosing a product.

For general information, see our hurricane shutter guide and the Stuart area page. Related: garage doors in Stuart and generators in Stuart.

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 Stuart

Do I need a permit for impact windows in Stuart?

In most cases yes. Inside Stuart city limits the City of Stuart Building Department handles it, and for unincorporated Martin County addresses the Martin County Building Department does. Sewall's Point has its own permitting. The products need Florida Product Approval or a Miami Dade NOA. The contractor usually pulls the permit, but check that it is closed out after the final inspection.

What should I ask about shutters for a Hutchinson Island condo?

Start with the association. Many island condos set rules on shutter type, color and who does the work, and some handle openings for the whole building. Then ask contractors which products they use for ocean exposure and how the tracks and fasteners hold up to salt. Get the association approval in writing before signing a contract.

Will impact windows lower my insurance in Martin County?

They may. A wind mitigation inspection documents your opening protection, and many insurers give credits for it. The amount varies by insurer and policy. Every opening usually has to be protected to get the full credit, including garage doors and entry doors. Ask your agent what they need before choosing products.

How long can I leave storm panels up in my Stuart HOA?

Many HOAs set a limit on how long panels can stay up before and after a storm, often a matter of days rather than weeks. The rules differ by community. Check your HOA documents. Some owners choose roll down or accordion shutters partly because they can be opened and closed quickly.

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

Hurricane shutters and impact windows in other towns

Other services in Stuart

Request a free quote