Outdoor Living Guides & Tips

Quick answer: A well-built metal awning can handle Florida's everyday storms, but no awning is "hurricane-proof." How one holds up in high wind depends mostly on the frame, the attachment to the wall, and whether it was engineered and permitted for your area's wind requirements. A welded aluminum frame, a finish on every surface, and anchors into real structure give you the best start. In Florida, permanent awnings often need a permit, and some counties require product approval or engineered drawings.

If you live on the Gulf Coast or the Atlantic side, "what happens in a hurricane?" is a fair first question about any awning. Here's what actually matters, and what to ask before you buy.

What determines how an awning handles wind

1. The frame

Wind pushes and pulls on an awning thousands of times during a storm. Bolted frames rely on every joint staying tight; each one is a place that can loosen or rack out of square. Our standing seam awnings use a welded aluminum frame, cut and welded in Tampa into one rigid piece, so the load spreads across the whole structure instead of a string of connections. Aluminum also won't rust, so the frame doesn't weaken from corrosion over the years.

2. The attachment to the wall

In high wind, the connection to the building often matters more than the awning itself. An awning is only as strong as the anchors holding it, and the wall material they go into. Anchors must go into structure, such as framing, a header or solid concrete block, not just stucco or siding. For large or high-wind jobs, a local installer who handles engineering and permits can make sense; our cost guide compares the options.

3. Size and projection

A bigger, deeper awning catches more wind. Wide spans and deep projections put more load on the frame and the anchors, which is when engineering matters most.

4. Engineering and permitting

Florida's building code sets wind requirements that vary by location, and the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (Miami-Dade and Broward counties) has the strictest rules. Depending on where you live, your building department may require a permit, product approval, or engineered drawings for a permanent awning. Requirements differ by county, so ask your local building department early. We can provide CAD drawings for your project; ask us what's available for your county before you order.

5. The finish

Hurricanes bring salt spray far inland. We powder coat the top and underside of every Galvalume panel, plus the frame and brackets, so salt and moisture have no bare metal to attack after a storm.

Storm prep for a metal awning

• Before the season: Check that fasteners are tight and sealant at the wall is intact. Clear debris from the top.
• Before a storm: Secure or bring in anything that could blow into the awning. Follow your local emergency guidance.
• After a storm: Rinse salt off with fresh water, inspect the wall connection and fasteners, and touch up any scratches in the finish.

A note on warranties

Our warranty covers powder-coated finishes for 5 years and workmanship for 2 years. Like most awning warranties, it doesn't cover damage from severe weather or natural disasters, or from improper installation. Check your homeowner's policy for storm coverage.

Questions to ask any awning company

• Is the frame welded or bolted? Aluminum or steel?
• What anchors do you recommend for my wall, and how many?
• Do you provide drawings for my permit? Is engineering available for my county?
• Is the finish on every surface, including the underside?
• What does the warranty exclude?

Frequently asked questions

Are metal awnings hurricane-proof?

No awning is hurricane-proof. A welded aluminum frame anchored into structure and engineered for your area's wind requirements holds up far better than a lightweight or bolted kit, but extreme storms can damage any exterior attachment.

Do I need a permit for an awning in Florida?

Often, yes, for permanent awnings. Requirements vary by city and county, and the Miami-Dade and Broward High-Velocity Hurricane Zone is the strictest. Check with your local building department before you buy.

Is an aluminum awning good for hurricane areas?

Aluminum is a strong choice because it won't rust from salt air and storm moisture. The frame design and the wall anchoring matter just as much as the material.

Should I take down a fixed metal awning before a hurricane?

Fixed metal awnings aren't designed to be removed for storms. Keep fasteners and sealant maintained, secure loose objects nearby, and follow local emergency guidance.

Talk to us about your area

Tell us your city or county and the opening you want to cover, and we'll tell you what drawings we can provide for your permit. Call 1-800-AWNINGS (296-4647) or request a quote. See the O-Series and S-Series.

Written by Corey Courtright | 1800Awnings.com | Tampa, FL