Florida homes are built to withstand hurricanes thanks to strict building codes, elevated foundations, and storm-resistant materials that help protect against wind, flooding, and structural failure. Hurricane-Resilient Homes in Florida: What You Really Need to Know Florida homes aren’t just built for the sun, they’re built for the storm. Over decades, the state has developed some of the toughest residential building standards in the U.S., especially after Hurricane Andrew changed everything in 1992. If you’re living in Florida or planning to, here’s what matters most: All new homes must follow the Florida Building Code (FBC), enforced statewide since 2002 Wind resistance is engineered by zone, with coastal homes designed for 180+ mph Impact-rated windows and doors are mandatory in debris zones Homes must be elevated above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) in flood-prone areas Hurricane straps, roof sealing, and continuous load paths are required to hold structures together Retrofitting older homes with metal roofs, shutters, and bracing can significantly boost safety ICF walls, modular builds, and solar backups are rising trends for homes that go beyond code Whether your home is new or pre-2002, smart upgrades can make it stronger.  What truly sets hurricane-ready homes apart is how top Florida builders