Standard or impact windows
Impact windows cost more up front but protect openings in a storm without shutters. Here is how the two compare.
Last reviewed September 27, 2026
Cost
| Standard | Impact | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard-size window | $600 – $800 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Sliding glass door, 2 panel | $700 – $2,400 | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| 15 windows + 2 sliders | $9,600 – $16,800 | $19,000 – $34,500 |
Storm protection
Impact windows use laminated glass that holds together when struck by debris, so the opening stays closed during a storm. Standard windows need shutters or panels put up before each storm to give the same protection.
In wind-borne debris regions, the Florida Building Code requires glazed openings to be protected. Either impact-rated products or approved shutters meet the rule, so standard windows plus shutters are a lower-cost way to comply.
Insurance
Florida insurers must offer premium credits for wind mitigation features, and opening protection is one of the features on the state's wind mitigation form. The credit depends on your insurer and whether every opening is protected. Ask your agent for the dollar figure before you buy.
Everyday benefits
- Noise. Laminated glass cuts outside noise noticeably compared with single-pane glass.
- Security. Laminated glass is much harder to break through.
- No storm prep. No shutters to store, put up or take down.
When standard windows make sense
Standard windows are a good fit inland, outside wind-borne debris regions, when budget is tight or when you already own shutters you are happy to use.
Frequently asked questions
Do impact windows lower insurance in Florida?
They can. Opening protection is one of the features on Florida's wind mitigation form, and insurers must offer credits for qualifying features. The amount varies by insurer and policy.
Can I mix impact and standard windows?
Yes, but most insurance opening-protection credits require every opening to be protected, including doors and garage doors.
See the price for your home
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