Hurricane shutters are handy for home protection. They are usually simple to install and when customized, are ready to go on short notice. These storm-proofing shutters are made from a variety of materials and when danger is nigh, can help protect residential and commercial properties alike from extensive damage.

However, such utilitarian items are intended for short-term use. Once the threat passes, most people take them down as soon as possible. After all, who wants to leave them up, particularly when power is usually out for days?

Obviously, hurricane shutters are a common sight in coastal areas and Tampa Bay is certainly no exception. Many homeowners put them up before a storm and then just leave them there afterward. So, what’s the deal with that? Is it just laziness, or is there more to it? Let’s explore the reasons behind this practice. But first, let’s take a look at how they’ve evolved.

A Brief History of Hurricane Shutters

You might be surprised to learn hurricane shutters, originally designed to protect homes from strong winds and flying debris, have been around for centuries. In fact, these protections date back to Ancient Greece when shutters were originally designed for the inside of homes to keep out bad weather and wildlife. 

Fast forward to colonial times in the Caribbean. Back then, settlers created rudimentary shutters from lightweight materials like bamboo and palm fronds to protect their homes from hurricanes and the intense sun. Hence, the names “Bermuda shutters” and “Bahama shutters.”

Later, during the Industrial Revolution, the invention of the steam engine and the mechanization of woodworking mills allowed manufacturers to innovate and create more sophisticated shutters. Around this time, louvered shutters became popular, with narrow slats angled to deflect rain, provide ventilation, and allow some daylight to pass through. 

Then in the late portion of the 1800s, plywood was invented, though it took until the early part of the 1900s before it was shipped to the United States. When it began to arrive, Floridians used plywood to cover windows for storm protection. Being easy to cut and put in place, this cross-grain, glued panel product made it a popular choice to repel tropical storms and hurricanes.

Various manufacturers have introduced hurricane shutters built from different materials, which include synthetic rubber, metal, polycarbonate, or heavy-duty fabric, all of which are designed to protect windows from high winds, strong gusts, flying debris, and pelting rain and hail. Hurricane shutters are also available in several styles, including but not limited to roll-up, accordion, and panels. They also come in different configurations and colors, too.

Is It Against the Law to Leave Hurricane Shutters Up in Occupied Properties in Florida?

In a word, no, it is not illegal in the state of Florida. So, it is generally not against the law to leave hurricane shutters over windows of occupied homes when there is no storm. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind, because residents who do so may still be breaking other rules. For instance, the following situations may be applicable:

• Municipal laws. While there isn’t a specific statewide law pertaining to removing hurricane shutters, some municipalities may have local rules prohibiting hurricane shutters from remaining over windows when there is no longer a threat of a possible or impending storm.
• Homeowners’ associations (HOAs). Some HOAs may have specific rules or guidelines about the appearance and duration of hurricane shutters. It’s a good idea to check with your HOA to ensure compliance with any community standards.
• Property and building codes. While there are no specific state laws prohibiting the use of hurricane shutters outside of storm periods, it’s important to ensure that the installation and maintenance of shutters comply with local property and building codes and regulations. Much like an HOA, property codes could prohibit residents from leaving hurricane shutters over windows after a storm passes.
• Safety and accessibility concerns. Make sure that the shutters do not obstruct emergency escape routes or egress doors, as this could pose a safety hazard. If a fire erupts in a home, hurricane shutters could be an obstacle to firefighters and other first responders.

What’s more, keeping hurricane shutters up also blocks natural light and ventilation as well. Because they are designed to completely cover windows, creating a solid barrier between the home and external elements. 

The materials used, typically metal, polycarbonate, or heavy-duty fabric, are opaque or semi-opaque, limiting or entirely obstructing sunlight. Similarly, since since of these shutters form a tight seal to prevent wind and rain from entering, they also reduce airflow, cutting off natural ventilation.

Why Do Homeowners Leave Hurricane Shutters Over their Windows Well After a Storm Passes?

The aftermath of a hurricane leaves a lot of telltale signs. Downed trees, collapsed fences, littered branches and leaves, flooded vehicles, tarps over roofs, and of course, it’s also common to see homes with their hurricane shutters still firmly in place long after the skies have cleared. 

This practice raises curiosity and questions among neighbors and passersby. Why do homeowners leave these protective barriers over their windows well beyond the storm’s end? Let’s explore the various reasons behind this seemingly puzzling behavior, beginning with storm shutters just not being a prime concern in such chaotic circumstances:

• Not a priority. Once a hurricane passes, the first thing people want to do is check the damage. It’s a stressful time filled with worry about homes and loved ones. After dealing with all that chaos, the last thing anyone wants to tackle is removing shutters. It can feel overwhelming to jump back into normal life when the storm has left everything in disarray.
• Protection from future storms. Leaving hurricane shutters up makes sense for many homeowners. Storms can be unpredictable, and leaving the shutters in place means they’re already ready for the next one. It’s a bit like keeping your umbrella in your car. You never know when it’s going to rain, so better safe than sorry!
• Added security. Hurricane shutters aren’t just for storms like Helene and Milton. They also provide extra protection against break-ins. Shutters can make it much harder for intruders to enter a home. So, even though the hurricane has passed, the added security can be a comforting reason to leave them up for a while.
• UV and weather protection. The sun can be brutal, especially in coastal regions. Leaving shutters up can help protect windows from harmful UV rays. This extended protection can prevent fading of furniture and carpets inside the house. Not to mention, it can also shield windows from other weather conditions, like hail or strong winds, that might follow in the storm’s wake.
• Peer pressure. In many neighborhoods, keeping hurricane shutters up isn’t just common; it’s expected. If your neighbors leave theirs on, you might feel a bit of pressure to do the same. It creates peer pressure and may cause others to leave their shutters in place for the sake of conformity.
• Possible absentee-owner routine. Snowbirds typically arrive in October and return home in March or April here in Tampa Bay. Since not all absentee owners come back regularly or even annually, they may opt to leave their hurricane shutters over windows simply as added protection in case they can’t return to install them when a storm becomes an imminent threat. 

After a storm, people often get into a routine. They might procrastinate week after week and fail to take the shutters down because life just gets busy. With work, kids, and daily activities, those shutters can become a part of the background. Like leaving a light on in a room, it just becomes part of the environment and a possible annoyance to neighbors.