Florida Braces for Stronger Storms as Resilient Construction Gains Urgency

Experts call for updated building codes and materials to withstand hurricane-force winds and storm surge

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:31am

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The arrival of Hurricane Melissa, which passed just a few hundred miles from Key West with 185 mph winds, served as a stark reminder of the growing threat of extreme weather in Florida. Experts say the state must reevaluate its building codes and construction practices to better prepare for the increasing intensity of storms, with a focus on using durable materials like concrete, brick, and stone that can withstand hurricane-force winds and storm surge.

Why it matters

Florida is the nation's fastest-growing state, making the need for resilient construction all the more urgent. While the state's building codes have improved since Hurricane Andrew, there are still significant disparities in wind resistance standards across different regions. Investing in stronger, more sustainable building practices can save lives and billions in future damages, but requires updating regulations and shifting construction strategies.

The details

New bills in the Florida legislature would require buildings within 5 miles of the coastline to be constructed with materials designed to withstand 160 mph winds, up from the current 140 mph standard in many areas. Experts say even inland regions are not safe, as the intensity of contemporary storms often exceeds less stringent wind limits. Selecting durable materials like concrete, brick, and stone that are naturally resilient to natural hazards is key, as is working with licensed architects, designers, and contractors who can guide the construction process.

  • Hurricane Melissa passed within a few hundred miles of Key West in late 2025.
  • Florida's 2002 Building Code, influenced by Hurricane Andrew, set a 180 mph wind resistance standard for Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
  • New bills in the Florida legislature are currently being considered to raise the wind resistance standard to 160 mph for coastal buildings.

The players

Adam Gayle

Incoming 2026 president for American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida.

Matt Sitter

President of the Florida Concrete & Products Association.

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What they’re saying

“It is essential to design buildings that can withstand extreme weather. Every catastrophic event should be a wake-up call, urging us to reenvision how we build with greater resilience and a lasting commitment to sustainability.”

— Adam Gayle, Incoming 2026 president for American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida

“Coastal buildings will take the biggest brunt of a storm. It doesn't matter how far north it is or seemingly protected it may be. Just because an area is inland does not mean it is safe. Every significant weather event reveals identical weaknesses: outdated infrastructure, varying safety standards and escalating costs for recovery. The strategy for the future must shift from merely repairing damage to proactively adopting smarter, more resilient construction practices right from the beginning.”

— Matt Sitter, President of the Florida Concrete & Products Association

What’s next

New bills in the Florida legislature would require buildings or structures within five miles of the coastline to be constructed with wind-resistant materials designed and built to withstand wind speeds of at least 160 miles per hour. This would apply to new construction or buildings that would need to be rebuilt.

The takeaway

As Florida's population and development continue to grow, the state must take proactive steps to ensure its buildings and infrastructure can withstand the increasing intensity of hurricanes and other extreme weather events. Updating building codes, using resilient construction materials, and working with qualified design and construction professionals are essential to protecting lives and property in the face of a changing climate.