Hurricane Protection and Remodeling Services in Tampa

Hurricane Protection Built for Tampa Homes

Tampa is a big city with very different storm risks from one neighborhood to the next. South Tampa, Davis Islands and the homes along Bayshore sit low against Hillsborough Bay and took the brunt of Helene’s surge in 2024. Seminole Heights and Hyde Park are full of historic bungalows and older frame homes with original windows. Farther north, Carrollwood, Westchase and New Tampa are mostly newer two story homes where the concern is wind, not water. A single approach does not fit all of that, and a good contractor should know the difference before quoting.

West Shore Construction has served Tampa homeowners since 1985. We install impact windows, hurricane shutters, motorized hurricane screens and hurricane fabric, and we take on remodeling projects when a home needs more. Here is how each option applies across Tampa.

Tampa Is a Split Market for Code

Unlike Pinellas County, where the whole county sits in Florida’s wind borne debris region, Hillsborough County is split. Areas close to the bay and at higher design wind speeds fall inside the region, which means new and replacement windows must be impact rated or protected. Some inland parts of Tampa fall outside it, where the rules are less strict. Design wind speeds across the city run roughly from 130 to 150 mph. We check your specific address before recommending anything, because it changes both what code requires and what makes sense to buy.

Remodeling in flood zones is reviewed under the FEMA substantial improvement rule, which compares the cost of the work to the value of the structure. In South Tampa and on Davis Islands, where many homes sit in flood zones, that review can shape the whole project. Historic districts like Hyde Park and Seminole Heights also have design review for exterior changes, which we help you navigate.

Hurricane Protection for Every Tampa Home

Impact Windows

For most Tampa homeowners, impact windows are the cleanest long term answer. Laminated glass holds together when struck, so the envelope stays closed and wind cannot pressurize the house. They need no setup before a storm, they cut noise from the interstates and flight paths, and they block much of the heat on west facing walls. Two story homes in the northern suburbs especially benefit, since second floor shutters are hard to deploy. See our impact windows page.

Hurricane Shutters

Shutters give Tampa homeowners strong protection at a lower cost than full window replacement. Motorized rolling shutters are a common choice on bayfront homes in Beach Park and Culbreath because they close in seconds and provide security while owners are away. Accordion and panel systems cover the rest. For a historic Hyde Park or Seminole Heights home, Bahama shutters can add protection that fits the architecture. Compare styles on our shutters page.

Motorized Hurricane Screens

Outdoor living is a big part of Tampa homes, from covered lanais in Westchase to pool areas in Carrollwood. A motorized hurricane screen closes off the opening with a rated mesh that stops debris and still lets light through. The rest of the year it cuts glare and keeps mosquitoes out. It also works on garage openings, which are often the weakest point on a two story home. More on our motorized hurricane screens page and our garage door screens page.

Hurricane Fabric

Hurricane fabric such as astroGuard is a good fit for Tampa’s older homes where heavy metal panels are hard to mount and would look out of place. Panels attach to discreet anchors, roll up for storage and let in light when they are up. They are also a practical way to protect tall or unusual openings on newer homes. Learn more on our hurricane fabric page.

Remodeling in Tampa

West Shore is a state certified building contractor, so we handle kitchen, bathroom and whole home remodels in addition to hurricane protection. That matters in Tampa, where many owners of older homes are updating interiors and openings at the same time, and where South Tampa homeowners are still repairing water damage from 2024. One contractor and one permit path keeps the project simpler. Explore whole home remodeling, kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling.

Insurance Credits and Grants

Florida insurers must offer discounts for wind mitigation features, and protected openings are among the most valuable. A wind mitigation inspection after installation documents the upgrade. West Shore is an eligible My Safe Florida Home contractor, a state program providing matching grants to qualifying homesteaded owners, and we offer financing for larger projects.

Commercial Properties

We also protect storefronts, offices and multifamily buildings across Tampa. Commercial openings are often larger and busier, so we look at systems that deploy fast and do not interrupt the business. See our commercial hurricane protection page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Protection in Tampa

Are impact windows required in Tampa?

It depends on your address. Parts of Tampa are in Florida’s wind borne debris region, where new and replacement windows must be impact rated or protected. Some inland areas are outside it. We check your location before quoting.

What is the best hurricane protection for a two story Tampa home?

Impact windows or motorized shutters on the second floor are usually the most practical, since manual shutters are hard to reach up high. Many owners combine them with a less expensive option downstairs.

Do you work in Tampa's historic districts?

Yes. Homes in districts like Hyde Park and Seminole Heights may need design review for exterior changes. We help choose products that fit the house and prepare the paperwork.

Nearby Areas We Serve

West Shore also serves homeowners in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

Request a Quote in Tampa

We are a state certified building contractor (CBC044653) with more than 40 years in the Tampa Bay area. Estimates are free and done at your home, and we handle permits and inspections through the City of Tampa.