Hurricane Shutter Prep for Miami Condo Owners: Timing, Cost & Checklist
Prep your shutters before hurricane season starts on June 1: inspect and count the panels and hardware, test accordion shutters, clean and lubricate tracks, and decide who will close them if you are away. Seasonal put-up and take-down is usually priced by the number of openings, while new shutter systems need a permit and a licensed contractor. Double Handyman handles seasonal installation and removal of existing panels and minor repairs to existing shutters.
When should you prepare hurricane shutters?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The best time to check shutters is in spring, before the season starts and before every handyman and contractor in South Florida is booked. Once a storm is forecast, hardware stores run out of wing nuts and tracks, and same-week slots disappear.
Many condo owners split it into two jobs: a spring inspection and test, and then panel installation either for the whole season or only when a storm is approaching. Seasonal residents who leave for the summer usually need shutters closed or a plan in place before they go.
Pre-season checklist for condo shutters
- Count every storm panel and label it by opening so the right panel goes on the right window
- Check the hardware: wing nuts, bolts, washers and studs — replace anything corroded or missing
- Inspect sill tracks and header tracks for bends, cracks and loose anchors
- Open and close accordion shutters fully; clean grit out of the tracks and lubricate them
- Test locks and centre-mates on accordion and roll-down shutters
- Look for bent or cracked panels that will not seat properly
- Store panels where they can be reached quickly, not behind furniture
- Bring in or secure balcony furniture, plants and anything loose
Condo rules and absent owners
Condo associations in South Florida often have rules about hurricane protection — which shutter types are allowed, when they must go up, and what happens if an owner is away. Some associations require owners who leave for the season to close shutters or name someone who will. Read your building's rules and talk to the management office before the season starts.
If you will be out of town, decide now who will close your shutters when a storm is coming: a neighbour, a property manager, or a handyman you have already arranged with. Leave keys, instructions and the panel layout where that person can find them.
What does shutter prep cost?
Seasonal put-up and take-down is normally a service charge that depends on how many openings you have, the type of panels, how high the windows are and whether the work is done from inside or needs exterior access. Expect it to vary widely between a small one-bedroom with a balcony door and a large unit with many openings, and expect prices to rise once a storm is forecast.
New shutter systems are a different category. Accordion, roll-down and impact-rated systems are priced by licensed contractors, usually per opening or per square foot, and costs vary a lot by product, size and building. Get several written quotes and confirm the contractor's licence and the product's approval for your county.
What a handyman can do — and what needs a contractor
- Handyman: seasonal installation and removal of existing storm panels
- Handyman: cleaning and lubricating accordion tracks, replacing missing wing nuts and washers
- Handyman: minor repairs to existing shutters, such as freeing a stuck accordion or replacing a lock
- Licensed contractor: new shutter systems, new anchors or tracks, impact windows and doors
- Licensed contractor: anything that requires a building permit or product approval
How Double Handyman helps
We put up and take down existing panels, service accordion shutters and make minor repairs to shutters already on your unit, with the building's insurance and work-hour requirements handled first. We quote a flat price per job before booking. If your shutters need replacement or a new system, that needs a permit and a licensed contractor, and we will say so. See our hurricane shutter page for the details.
By the Double Handyman team · Updated
Your Questions, Answered
When should I put up hurricane shutters in Miami?
Prepare them before hurricane season starts on June 1, and put them up when a storm is forecast or before you leave for the season if your association requires it. Waiting until a storm is named makes it much harder to get help and hardware.
Can a handyman install hurricane shutters in Florida?
A handyman can install and remove existing storm panels seasonally and make minor repairs to existing shutters. New shutter systems need a permit and a licensed contractor using approved products.
How much does it cost to put up hurricane shutters?
Seasonal put-up and take-down is usually priced by the number of openings and how hard they are to reach, so it varies widely from unit to unit. Double Handyman quotes a flat price per job before booking.
Do I have to close my shutters if I leave my condo for the summer?
Many South Florida associations require absent owners to close shutters or designate someone to do it. Check your building's rules and arrange someone before you leave.
How do I fix an accordion shutter that will not close?
Most stuck accordion shutters have dirty or dry tracks, a bent blade or a damaged wheel. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks often fixes it; bent tracks or broken anchors may need a shutter contractor.
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