FL S1648

Requires the entire building envelope for multistory residential (Groups R1 and R2), new residential construction in high-wind areas (130+ mph design wind speed within 10 miles of coast or 140+ mph elsewhere), high-velocity hurricane zones, and hurricane shelters to be impact resistant with high wind-resistant and noncombustible materials.

Mandates that all building envelope components including exterior walls, roofs, doors, skylights, and glazing meet impact test criteria or be protected with external devices meeting such criteria, with specified exceptions for roof attachments, vents, garage openings, HVAC equipment, and storage sheds under 720 square feet.

Establishes that concrete masonry walls (minimum 8 inches thick), plywood and stucco frame walls, rib-deck metal walls, reinforced concrete elements (minimum 2 inches thick), and plywood or wood decking roof systems automatically comply with impact test requirements for wind-borne debris.

Applies impact-resistant requirements to structures being rebuilt after being deemed uninhabitable or destroyed by hurricanes, tropical storms, or fires.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.