Key West Wind Load Calculator

Monroe County, Florida — Florida Keys

Key West and the Florida Keys (Monroe County) have the highest design wind speed in Florida outside Miami-Dade: ASCE 7-22 specifies 180 mph (Risk Category II). Although technically outside the HVHZ boundary, Monroe County applies coastal construction requirements equivalent to HVHZ in many respects, and Miami-Dade NOA is widely required by local plan reviewers.

Key West Wind Speed & Design Parameters

• Design Wind Speed: 180 mph (ASCE 7-22 Risk Category II, ultimate 3-second gust)
• Exposure Category: D (essentially everywhere)
• HVHZ: No
• Building Code: Florida Building Code (FBC) Section 1609 + Monroe County coastal amendments
• Authority Having Jurisdiction: Key West Building Department / Monroe County Building Department

Wind speed verified against the Florida Building Code adopted ASCE 7-22 wind map for Monroe County.

Key West Permit Requirements

• 180 mph Vult: Highest non-HVHZ design wind speed in Florida. Every opening must be designed for extreme pressures — Zone 5 corner values frequently exceed 100 psf.
• Exposure D Default: Virtually every property in the Keys is within 1 mile of open water, so Exposure D applies almost universally.
• NOA Often Required: While not officially HVHZ, Monroe County frequently requires Miami-Dade NOA approval for impact-rated products. Verify with your specific island's AHJ.
• Elevation Considerations: Many Keys properties also require elevated/stilt construction per FEMA flood maps, which affects mean roof height for wind calcs.

Get a Print-Ready ASCE 7-22 Report — $9.99

Generate a print-ready wind load calculation sheet for your Key West window and door permit. Formatted for FL building department submissions. Instant download.

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Related Resources

• Monroe County Page
• ASCE 7-22 Calculator Methodology
• Window & Door Design Pressure Guide
• Wind Load Reports for Building Permits