Florida Wind Zone Map: Understanding Your Roof Requirements (2026)

Florida is the most wind-regulated state in the country when it comes to roofing. Unlike states where you simply pick a shingle and nail it down, Florida assigns every property a specific design wind speed based on its geographic location, proximity to the coast, and building characteristics. That wind speed dictates everything from the type of shingles you can install to how many nails go into each one, what type of underlayment sits beneath the roofing, and how your roof deck attaches to the structure.

If you are a homeowner in Pinellas County, you live in one of the most wind-exposed regions of the Gulf Coast. Understanding your wind zone is not just an academic exercise. It directly affects your roofing costs, your insurance premiums, your permit requirements, and the long-term performance of every roofing product on your home.

This guide breaks down the Florida wind zone map in plain language, explains the difference between HVHZ and non-HVHZ designations, walks through wind speed zones from 110 to 180 mph, and shows you exactly how to determine your property's requirements.

How Florida Wind Zones Work

The Florida Building Code (FBC) divides the state into wind zones based on ultimate design wind speeds. These speeds represent the maximum 3-second gust a structure should be designed to withstand during its expected lifespan. The current map is based on ASCE 7-22 wind speed data, which was adopted into the FBC 8th Edition effective in 2024 and continuing into 2026.

The wind speed assigned to your property is not the same as the sustained wind speed of a hurricane. Ultimate design wind speeds use a statistical model that accounts for the probability of extreme gusts over a 50-year or 100-year return period, depending on the building's risk category. A 140 mph ultimate design wind speed does not mean a Category 4 hurricane will hit your house. It means your building is engineered to handle the peak gust loads that could occur at your location based on historical data and probabilistic modeling.

Wind speeds across Florida range from about 110 mph in the north-central interior to 180 mph or more at the southern tip of the Keys and along the southeast coast. The general pattern is straightforward: the further south and closer to the coast you are, the higher your design wind speed.

Florida Wind Speed Zones: A Complete Breakdown

The following table shows the major wind speed zones across Florida, the regions they cover, and the roofing implications for each zone.

HVHZ vs Non-HVHZ: The Critical Distinction

The most important classification in Florida roofing is whether a property falls inside or outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone. The HVHZ covers only two counties: Miami-Dade and Broward. Everything else in Florida, including Pinellas County, is classified as non-HVHZ.

This distinction matters enormously for roofing projects because the HVHZ uses a completely separate testing and approval system. Products installed in Miami-Dade and Broward must carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA), which requires testing under the Testing Application Standards (TAS) protocols developed specifically for South Florida. These tests are more rigorous than the standard Florida Product Approval tests used in the rest of the state.

While Pinellas County does not fall in the HVHZ, that does not mean its requirements are lenient. At 140 mph design wind speed, Pinellas County sits in the upper range of non-HVHZ zones. Many contractors serving the Tampa Bay market voluntarily use HVHZ-rated products even though they are not required, because the performance margin provides added protection against Gulf hurricanes.

Where Pinellas County Falls on the Wind Zone Map

Pinellas County occupies a unique position on the Florida wind zone map. As a narrow peninsula surrounded by water on three sides (Tampa Bay to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and Boca Ciega Bay running through the middle), it experiences higher wind exposure than many inland areas at the same latitude.

The standard ultimate design wind speed for most of Pinellas County is 140 mph. However, specific locations within the county may have slightly higher requirements based on three factors:

• Exposure category: Properties directly on the waterfront or on barrier islands like Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Treasure Island, and St. Pete Beach often fall into Exposure Category D, which increases the effective wind load on the structure compared to Exposure Category B (suburban) or C (open terrain).
• Building height: Taller structures experience higher wind pressures at the roof level. A three-story building will have higher roof wind loads than a single-story ranch home at the same location.
• Roof geometry: Hip roofs perform significantly better in high winds than gable roofs. The Florida wind mitigation inspection form specifically credits hip roofs with insurance discounts because they distribute wind loads more evenly.

For a typical single-story residential home in central Pinellas County (Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park), the practical requirement is 140 mph rated roofing products with 6-nail fastening patterns and a sealed roof deck. Properties on the barrier islands may need to account for higher exposure factors, which your roofing contractor should calculate as part of the permit application.

How Wind Zone Affects Material Requirements

Your wind zone does not just determine which products you can use. It affects virtually every component of the roof assembly, from the deck up. Here is how each major roofing component is influenced by wind zone requirements in Pinellas County.

Roof Deck Attachment

The roof deck (typically plywood or OSB sheathing) must be fastened to the trusses or rafters using a schedule that matches the wind zone. In a 140 mph zone, the minimum fastening schedule requires 8d ring-shank nails at 6 inches on center along panel edges and 6 inches on center in the field. Some engineering specifications call for even closer spacing on gable-end panels or at roof corners where wind uplift forces are highest.

This is one reason why a full roof replacement in Pinellas County often includes re-nailing or replacing the roof deck. Older homes built before the current code may have decking fastened with staples or smooth-shank nails at wider spacing, which does not meet the current wind resistance standard.

Underlayment

Florida requires a secondary water resistance barrier in windborne debris regions, which includes all of Pinellas County. This means the underlayment must be either a self-adhering modified bitumen membrane (peel-and-stick) or a mechanically attached underlayment sealed at all laps and penetrations. The purpose is to prevent water intrusion even if the primary roofing material is blown off during a hurricane.

For Pinellas County properties, the most common approach is a full peel-and-stick underlayment over the entire roof deck. Some contractors use a hybrid approach with peel-and-stick on the first 3 to 6 feet from eaves and rakes (the most vulnerable areas) and synthetic underlayment with sealed laps over the remainder. Both methods can meet code, but the full peel-and-stick approach provides superior protection and typically earns better marks on a wind mitigation inspection.

Shingles and Primary Roofing

Asphalt shingles installed in a 140 mph wind zone must carry a Florida Product Approval with a wind resistance rating that meets or exceeds the design wind speed for the specific location. In practice, this means architectural shingles from major manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed in their high-wind product lines. Standard architectural shingles rated at 110 or 130 mph are not acceptable.

The nailing pattern also changes with wind zone. While a 4-nail pattern is acceptable in lower wind zones, Pinellas County's 140 mph requirement mandates a 6-nail pattern for shingles. This means two additional nails per shingle, which adds labor time and fastener cost but significantly improves wind resistance. Studies by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) have shown that a 6-nail pattern can double the wind resistance of a shingle compared to a 4-nail installation.

Tile Roofing

Concrete and clay tile roofs in Pinellas County must be mechanically fastened using screws, clips, or wire ties rated for the wind zone. The direct-deck method, where tiles are set on adhesive foam without mechanical fasteners, is common in South Florida but must still meet the wind resistance requirements for the zone. Every tile in the field must be individually attached. Perimeter and corner tiles require enhanced fastening because these areas experience the highest uplift forces.

Metal Roofing

Standing seam and screw-down metal panels must meet the wind uplift requirements for the specific zone. The panel profile, seam type, fastener schedule, and clip spacing all factor into the wind rating. In a 140 mph zone, most standing seam systems require clips at 12 to 24 inches on center depending on the panel width and profile depth.

Insurance Impact of Wind Zones in Florida

Your wind zone has a direct and significant impact on your homeowners insurance premiums. Insurance companies use wind zone data as a primary factor in calculating windstorm risk, which is the largest component of most Florida homeowners policies.

In Pinellas County, windstorm insurance costs have risen dramatically since 2020. Many homeowners now pay $3,000 to $8,000 per year or more for coverage, with the wind portion making up 60 to 75 percent of the total premium. The state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and private carriers both use wind zone as a rating factor, though the weight varies by company.

The good news is that the Florida wind mitigation inspection process allows homeowners to earn significant discounts by documenting roof features that exceed minimum code requirements. The OIR-B1-1802 wind mitigation inspection form evaluates several roof characteristics:

• Roof covering: FBC-equivalent products earn better ratings than pre-2002 roofing. A roof permitted and installed under the current code automatically qualifies for the best rating in this category.
• Roof deck attachment: The nail schedule used to attach the plywood to the trusses. Closer spacing (6/6 or 6/12 pattern with ring-shank nails) earns greater discounts.
• Roof-to-wall connection: How the roof trusses connect to the walls. Clips and single wraps earn moderate discounts. Double wraps and structural connectors earn the maximum discount.
• Roof geometry: Hip roofs earn better ratings than gable roofs. A hip roof with no flat or gable sections qualifies for the maximum geometry credit.
• Secondary water resistance: A sealed roof deck (peel-and-stick or foam adhesive) earns significant credits because it protects the interior even if the primary roofing blows off.
• Opening protection: Impact-rated windows, doors, and garage doors or approved shutters protect against windborne debris and earn insurance credits.

For a typical Pinellas County home, a new roof installed to current FBC standards with a full wind mitigation inspection can reduce the annual insurance premium by $500 to $2,500 or more. Over the 20 to 30 year lifespan of a roof, those savings can offset a significant portion of the installation cost.

Florida Building Code Wind Requirements by Zone

The FBC does not prescribe a single set of requirements for the entire state. Instead, it establishes performance standards that scale with wind speed. Here is how the key requirements change as you move from lower to higher wind zones.

How to Look Up Your Exact Wind Zone

There are several ways to determine the exact wind zone and design wind speed for your Pinellas County property.

1. Florida Building Commission Online Tool

The most accurate method is the official wind speed lookup tool on the Florida Building Commission website at floridabuilding.org. Navigate to the "Wind Speed" section under the Codes and Standards tab. Enter your property address, and the tool will return your ultimate design wind speed based on the current code edition. It will also indicate your exposure category and whether you fall within the windborne debris region.

2. Pinellas County Building Department

Contact the Pinellas County Building Services Division at (727) 464-3888 or visit their office at 440 Court Street in Clearwater. The building department can provide your site-specific wind speed, exposure category, and any special local requirements that apply to your property. They can also tell you if your property falls within any special flood hazard areas that add additional requirements.

3. Your Roofing Contractor

Any licensed Florida roofing contractor (CCC license holder) should be able to determine your wind zone as part of the permit application process. When a contractor pulls a roofing permit in Pinellas County, they must specify the design wind speed, exposure category, and product approvals on the permit documents. If a contractor cannot explain your wind zone requirements, that is a red flag about their qualifications.

4. ASCE 7 Hazard Tool

For a more technical lookup, the American Society of Civil Engineers provides the ASCE 7 Hazard Tool at asce7hazardtool.online. This tool allows you to enter any address and returns the ASCE 7-22 design parameters including wind speed, risk category, and terrain exposure. This is the same data set the FBC uses to determine wind zones.

Common Wind Zone Mistakes in Pinellas County

Understanding wind zones is one thing. Applying that knowledge correctly during a roofing project is another. Here are the most common mistakes homeowners and inexperienced contractors make.

• Using inland wind speeds for coastal properties: A property on Indian Rocks Beach does not have the same exposure as a property in central Largo, even though both are in Pinellas County. Coastal and waterfront properties have higher effective wind loads due to exposure category differences. Using the wrong exposure category underestimates the actual forces the roof will experience.
• Installing products rated below the zone speed: Some shingle product lines have wind ratings of 110 or 130 mph, which are insufficient for Pinellas County's 140 mph requirement. Always verify the Florida Product Approval number and rated wind speed before installation.
• Skipping the enhanced nailing pattern: Using a 4-nail pattern instead of the required 6-nail pattern can void the product warranty, fail inspection, and leave the roof vulnerable in a storm. This is especially common with subcontracted labor crews unfamiliar with Florida requirements.
• Ignoring roof deck re-nailing: When replacing a roof on an older home, many homeowners resist the cost of re-nailing the deck to current standards. However, the deck attachment is the foundation of the entire wind resistance system. A high-wind rated shingle installed over a poorly attached deck will still fail in a hurricane.
• Assuming HVHZ products are unnecessary: While Pinellas County does not require Miami-Dade NOA products, using them is not overkill. Products tested to HVHZ standards offer a margin of safety that can make the difference in a major hurricane. The cost premium is modest compared to the peace of mind.

Wind Zone Changes: What Is Coming Next

The Florida Building Code is updated on a three-year cycle, and wind zone maps are periodically revised based on new meteorological data and engineering research. The trend over the past two decades has been toward higher design wind speeds across the state as hurricane modeling becomes more sophisticated and as climate data evolves.

For Pinellas County homeowners, this means that future code editions could increase the design wind speed from 140 mph to a higher value. If you are installing a new roof today, it makes sense to consider products and installation methods that exceed the current minimum. A roof installed with 150 mph rated products and HVHZ installation practices will be better positioned for future code requirements and will provide better protection if a major hurricane strikes the Tampa Bay area.

The last major hurricane to make direct landfall in the Tampa Bay area was in 1921, more than a century ago. Emergency management experts consistently rank Tampa Bay as one of the most hurricane-vulnerable metro areas in the United States due to the combination of dense population, low-lying terrain, storm surge potential, and the long gap since the last direct hit. Building your roof to exceed the current wind zone minimum is one of the most practical steps you can take to protect your home and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wind zone is Pinellas County Florida in?

Pinellas County falls in the 140 mph ultimate design wind speed zone under the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2026). It is not classified as a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), but it still requires roofing products rated for 140 mph winds, proper fastener schedules, and sealed roof decking.

What is the difference between HVHZ and non-HVHZ in Florida?

The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties and requires the strictest building standards in the state, including Miami-Dade product approvals and TAS testing protocols. Non-HVHZ areas like Pinellas County follow the standard Florida Building Code, which still requires high wind-rated products but uses the statewide product approval system rather than Miami-Dade testing.

How do I look up my Florida wind zone?

You can look up your exact wind zone using the Florida Building Commission wind speed map tool at floridabuilding.org. Enter your street address and the tool returns your ultimate design wind speed, exposure category, and whether you fall within the HVHZ. Your local building department in Pinellas County can also provide this information when you apply for a roofing permit.

Does my Florida wind zone affect insurance rates?

Yes. Homes in higher wind zones typically pay more for windstorm insurance because they face greater risk of hurricane damage. However, installing a roof that exceeds your wind zone requirements can qualify you for insurance discounts. In Pinellas County, a wind mitigation inspection documenting features like hip roof shape, secondary water resistance, and impact-rated shingles can save homeowners 15 to 45 percent on the wind portion of their policy.

What roofing materials are required in a 140 mph wind zone?

In a 140 mph wind zone like Pinellas County, roofing materials must carry a Florida Product Approval with a tested wind resistance rating of at least 140 mph. For asphalt shingles, this typically means architectural shingles with enhanced nailing patterns (6 nails per shingle) and compatible high-wind starter strips. Tile roofs require mechanically fastened or adhesive-set tiles tested to the required wind speed. Metal roofing panels must meet TAS 125 or equivalent wind uplift standards.

Bottom Line

Your wind zone is the single most important factor in determining what your roof needs to meet code, protect your home, and qualify for insurance savings in Florida. Pinellas County's 140 mph design wind speed places it in the upper tier of non-HVHZ zones, requiring high-wind rated products, 6-nail shingle installation, sealed roof decking, and secondary water resistance in the windborne debris region.

Whether you are planning a full roof replacement or evaluating your current roof's wind resistance, understanding your wind zone is the essential first step. Get a wind mitigation inspection after any roof work to capture your insurance savings, and always verify that your contractor is using products approved for your specific wind speed zone.

In a state where hurricane season runs six months every year, your roof is not just a building component. It is your home's primary line of defense. Build it to match your wind zone, and you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your roof was built to handle whatever the Gulf of Mexico sends your way.