Wind Zones

wind hurricane
CLICK TO SEARCH WIND SPEED BY LOCATION

Florida Building Codes require Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures.

If you have any questions about the maps Please contact Mike Ruzowski at mruzowski@myokaloosa.com or 850-651-7523 Mon.-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

 

Background information

  • Wind speed lines have changed because of the improved science (i.e. computer simulations).
  • The updated maps are based on a new and more complete analysis of hurricane characteristics performed over the past 10 years.
  • The wind speed indicated for each wind speed line is different from the 2020 standard due to a change in wind speed calculation philosophy.

 

They are as follows:

 

OCCUPANCY CATEGORY I       view map
NATURE OF OCCUPANCY
Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:
 

  • Agricultural facilities.
  • Certain temporary facilities.
  • Minor storage facilities.

 

OCCUPANCY CATEGORY II       view map (NOTE: this map will be the one most used for buildings being built)
NATURE OF OCCUPANCY
Buildings and other structures except those listed in Occupancy Categories I, III and IV

 

OCCUPANCY CATEGORY III       view map
NATURE OF OCCUPANCY
Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

 

  • Buildings and other structures whose primary occupancy is public assembly with an occupant load greater than 300.
  • Buildings and other structures containing elementary school, secondary school or daycare facilities with an occupant load greater than 250.
  • Buildings and other structures containing adult education facilities, such as colleges and universities, with an occupant load greater than 500.
  • Group I-2 occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more resident patients but not having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
  • Group I-3 occupancies.
  • Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5,000a.
  • Power-generating stations, water treatment facilities for potable water, wastewater treatment facilities, and other public utility facilities not included in Occupancy Category IV
  • Buildings and other structures not included in Occupancy Category IV contain sufficient quantities of toxic or explosive substances to be dangerous to the public if released.

 

OCCUPANCY CATEGORY IV  -    view map

NATURE OF OCCUPANCY
Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including but not limited to:

 

  • Group I-2 occupancies having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
  • Fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations and emergency vehicle garages.
  • Designated earthquake, hurricane, or other emergency shelters.
  • Designated emergency preparedness, communications and operations centers and other facilities required for emergency response.
  • Power-generating stations and other public utility facilities are required as emergency backup facilities for Occupancy Category IV structures.
  • Structures containing highly toxic materials as defined by Section 307 where the quantity of the material exceeds the maximum allowable quantities of Table 307.1(2).
  • Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers, and emergency aircraft hangars.
  • Buildings and other structures have critical national defense functions.
  • Water storage facilities and pump structures are required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression.