HES 9600 Miami-Dade County and Broward County Compliance

The HES 9600 meets Miami-Dade County and Broward County requirements for windstorm-rated door assemblies through its ANSI/SDI A250.13 certification and Florida Building Code approval FL# 14307. These certifications permit installation on exterior doors throughout Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), which encompasses all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Miami-Dade County maintains the most stringent building code requirements in the United States for hurricane resistance. The county's Regulatory and Economic Resources Department reviews all building product approvals for compliance with the Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 35 requirements. The HES 9600's FL# 14307 approval satisfies these requirements when installed in fail-secure configuration.

HVHZ Compliance Documentation

Miami-Dade County Specific Requirements

Miami-Dade County building officials may require 4 documentation items during permit review and inspection:

1. Florida Product Approval Letter

Provide a copy of the HES 9600 Florida Product Approval referencing FL# 14307. Download the current approval letter from the Florida Building Commission Product Approval database. Building officials verify active approval status before issuing permits.

2. Notice of Acceptance (NOA)

Some Miami-Dade County building departments historically required a separate Notice of Acceptance (NOA) issued by Miami-Dade County in addition to the state-level Florida Product Approval. However, Florida Statute 553.842 now recognizes state-issued Florida Product Approvals as valid throughout all Florida jurisdictions, including HVHZ areas.

3. Installation Specifications

Submit installation specifications demonstrating compliance with the approved configuration. The HES 9600 must be installed in fail-secure mode to maintain HVHZ certification. Include wiring diagrams showing the fail-secure configuration. See the fail-safe vs fail-secure guide for configuration details.

4. Door Assembly Approval

The complete door assembly (frame, door, hinges, exit device, weatherstripping) must carry Florida Product Approvals for HVHZ applications. The HES 9600 certification applies only when installed as part of a fully approved assembly. Provide assembly documentation showing all components meet HVHZ requirements.

Broward County Requirements

Broward County shares identical HVHZ requirements with Miami-Dade County under the Florida Building Code. The HES 9600's FL# 14307 approval applies equally to both counties. Broward County building officials accept the Florida Product Approval without requiring additional county-specific documentation.

Broward County Building Division

For Broward County permit applications involving the HES 9600:

• Submit FL# 14307 product approval letter with permit application
• Include installation specifications showing fail-secure configuration
• Provide complete door assembly product approval documentation
• Schedule inspection after installation completion

HVHZ Installation Requirements

Achieving HVHZ compliance requires adherence to 6 installation specifications:

1. Fail-Secure Configuration

The HES 9600 must operate in fail-secure mode for HVHZ approval. Fail-secure keeps the latchbolt locked when power is removed, maintaining wind resistance during hurricane-related power outages. Configure the internal jumper for fail-secure before installation.

2. Frame Reinforcement

HVHZ wind loads require robust frame attachment. For hollow metal frames:

• Frames 14 gauge or thicker: Tap 1/4"-20 threads directly into frame
• Frames thinner than 14 gauge: Install Securitron BN-250 blind nuts
• Use all 4 mounting screws at specified torque

See the hollow metal frame installation guide for detailed procedures.

3. Keeper Alignment

Proper latchbolt-to-keeper alignment ensures wind load transfer from door to frame. The keeper must align within ±1/16" of the latchbolt centerline. Use the 9000-MTK template for accurate positioning. Misalignment can cause latchbolt binding under wind deflection.

4. Weatherproofing

HVHZ exterior installations require weatherproofing to prevent water intrusion during wind-driven rain. Seal the strike mounting perimeter with silicone sealant rated for exterior exposure. Route wiring through weatherproof conduit or raceway systems.

5. Power Supply Location

Locate power supplies in protected areas away from potential flooding. HVHZ buildings may experience storm surge in coastal areas. Mount power supplies at least 36 inches above finished floor in flood-prone installations. Use Smart Pac III power supplies with battery backup for continued operation during power outages.

6. Inspection Preparation

Prepare for building department inspection with the following documentation:

• FL# 14307 product approval letter (current version)
• Installation photograph showing fail-secure jumper configuration
• Door assembly product approval documentation
• Wiring diagram showing power supply and access control connections

Design Wind Speed Compliance

Miami-Dade and Broward County HVHZ regions require building products rated for design wind speeds up to 180 mph. The HES 9600's structural ratings accommodate these wind loads:

Common HVHZ Compliance Issues

Issue 1: Fail-Safe Installation

Problem: Installer configures HES 9600 for fail-safe operation based on building owner preference for unlocked doors during power failure.

Solution: Fail-secure is mandatory for HVHZ compliance. Use access control programming with request-to-exit (REX) sensors and battery backup to maintain accessibility without compromising wind resistance.

Issue 2: Incomplete Assembly Approval

Problem: HES 9600 holds FL# 14307 approval, but the door or frame lacks HVHZ certification.

Solution: Verify all assembly components carry Florida Product Approvals for HVHZ before installation. The HES 9600 cannot provide HVHZ certification to a non-compliant assembly.

Issue 3: Inadequate Frame Attachment

Problem: Mounting screws pull out of thin-gauge hollow metal frame during wind load testing or actual hurricane conditions.

Solution: Install Securitron BN-250 blind nuts in frames thinner than 14 gauge. Blind nuts provide threaded anchor points with greater pull-out resistance than screws threading directly into sheet metal.

Issue 4: Missing Documentation

Problem: Building inspector cannot verify FL# 14307 approval during inspection.

Solution: Maintain current product approval documentation on-site throughout construction. Download updated approval letters before inspection, as product approvals have expiration dates requiring renewal.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Verify the following 5 items before hurricane season:

Related Compliance Guides

• HES 9600 Florida Building Code compliance
• HES 9600 hurricane zone applications
• HES 9600 fail-safe vs fail-secure configuration
• HES 9600 hollow metal frame installation
• HES 9600 certifications overview