What drives the price
Priced per opening and per square foot of protection. Removable aluminum panels are the budget option but need storage and an hour of labour before every storm; accordions and roll-downs build the mechanism into the opening, which is where the money goes. Florida installs must meet Miami-Dade or Florida Building Code product approvals, and the permit and inspection are part of a legitimate job.
- System type - panels cheapest, accordion mid, roll-down and impact glass highest
- Number and size of openings, and any arches or odd shapes
- Second-storey work requiring lifts
- Product approval rating required in your wind zone
- Motorization on roll-downs
Should you DIY this or call a professional?
Call a pro for anything anchored to the structure - the shutter is only as strong as its fastening, inspectors check exactly that, and an unpermitted install can void the insurance discount that helps pay for the whole project. The one DIY-adjacent path is pre-cut panel systems for a handful of openings, but have the anchors set professionally.
Signs you need this repair
- Paying for plywood and ladder work every storm season
- Insurance quoting a wind-mitigation discount you cannot claim
- Openings with no protection rating at all
- Planning to sell - protection rating shows up in the inspection
How to not get overcharged
Get the wind-mitigation insurance discount quantified first - in Florida it commonly runs hundreds per year, which changes the real cost of the project. Quotes should state the product approval number per opening; ask for panels on the openings you rarely use and accordions only where speed matters, since mixing systems cuts thousands. Off-season (winter and spring) is when installers negotiate; June quotes do not move.
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Red flags to watch for
- No permit or product approval numbers in the quote
- Pressure sales tied to a named storm in the forecast
- Large deposits to lock in pre-season pricing
- No mention of the insurance mitigation form on completion
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install hurricane shutters?+
Hurricane shutters typically run $2,500-$8,000 installed for a whole home, averaging near $4,500. Panel systems are cheapest; accordion and roll-down cost more but deploy in minutes.
Can I install hurricane shutters myself, or should I hire a professional?+
Call a pro for anything anchored to the structure - the shutter is only as strong as its fastening, inspectors check exactly that, and an unpermitted install can void the insurance discount that helps pay for the whole project. The one DIY-adjacent path is pre-cut panel systems for a handful of openings, but have the anchors set professionally.
How long does it take to install hurricane shutters?+
1-2 Days for a Typical Home. Scheduling and parts availability can extend the overall timeline beyond the hands-on work itself.
What makes the price of this job go up or down?+
System type - panels cheapest, accordion mid, roll-down and impact glass highest. Number and size of openings, and any arches or odd shapes. Second-storey work requiring lifts. Product approval rating required in your wind zone. Motorization on roll-downs.
How do I avoid being overcharged?+
Get the wind-mitigation insurance discount quantified first - in Florida it commonly runs hundreds per year, which changes the real cost of the project. Quotes should state the product approval number per opening; ask for panels on the openings you rarely use and accordions only where speed matters, since mixing systems cuts thousands. Off-season (winter and spring) is when installers negotiate; June quotes do not move.