What Florida Actually Requires of a Window Job

Florida regulates window replacement harder than almost any state, for the obvious reason. A few things follow from that, and knowing them puts you ahead of most homeowners getting quotes this week.

It needs a permit

Replacing windows is permitted work. A company offering to skip the permit to save you money is offering to leave you with unpermitted work on your house, which becomes your problem when you sell it or file a claim.

The product has to be approved

Windows carry either a Florida Product Approval number or a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance. Ask which one your window has and ask for it in writing on the quote.

Installation is inspected

The inspection is not a formality. Fastener pattern, flashing and the buck all get looked at, and this is where a cheap crew gets caught.

Your county may want more

Requirements are not uniform across the state. What passes in one county is not automatically what passes in the next one over, and a company that only works two counties away may not know the difference.