Storm & Hurricane Damage Restoration in Jupiter, Florida

Florida's Building Code references ASCE 7 wind speed maps to determine design wind speeds for every location. Jupiter falls within the 170+ mph contour — the highest category — meaning structures must be engineered to resist sustained winds of 170 mph with 3-second gusts exceeding 200 mph. This is equivalent to a strong Category 5 hurricane. The standard applies to all new construction and major renovations in Jupiter since the 2002 Florida Building Code took effect.

In the 170+ mph zone, roofs must be attached with enhanced nailing patterns (8d ring-shank nails at 4" spacing), hurricane straps or clips connecting every rafter to the wall plate, and sealed roof decking. Barrel tile — the dominant roofing system in Jupiter — must be mechanically fastened (not mortar-set) and installed with high-wind clips. Homes built before 2002 typically lack these features, making their roofs the weakest link during a hurricane.

All windows, doors, sliding glass doors, and garage doors in Jupiter's wind zone must be impact-rated or protected by approved shutters. Impact-rated glass withstands large missile impact (a 2x4 board traveling at 50 fps) followed by sustained wind pressure cycling. Older Jupiter homes with original single-pane or non-impact windows are vulnerable to breach during hurricanes — and once one opening is breached, internal pressure can lift the entire roof structure.

Jupiter homes fall under Risk Category II, which is standard occupancy. This means the 170+ mph base wind speed applies directly without additional importance factors. Essential facilities like hospitals and fire stations (Risk Category IV) have even higher design requirements. When Palm Build reconstructs storm damage in Jupiter, all work must meet or exceed the current 170+ mph wind zone requirements — even if the original home was built to weaker standards.

Florida policies carry separate hurricane deductibles calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage — not the loss amount. On Jupiter's $525K median home value, that's $10,500 to $26,250 out of pocket before the insurer pays on a hurricane claim. For luxury estates in Admirals Cove or The Bear's Club insured at $2M-$10M+, hurricane deductibles can reach $50,000 to $500,000. The hurricane deductible applies once per storm season, not per event.

Under Fla. Stat. 627.70132, initial property insurance claims must be filed within 1 year of the date of loss. Supplemental claims must be filed within 18 months. These are hard deadlines — a late claim is legally barred regardless of merit. In Jupiter, where seasonal residents may not discover storm damage for months, this deadline is especially dangerous.

Standard HO-3 homeowner policies cover wind damage (roof, siding, windows, fallen trees) but explicitly exclude flood damage (rising water, storm surge). In Jupiter, a single hurricane can cause both — wind damage from above and saltwater surge from Jupiter Inlet and the Intracoastal. Wind damage files through your homeowner's carrier. Flood damage files through your NFIP or private flood policy. Palm Build documents damage by cause to ensure each claim is filed under the correct policy.

Since January 1, 2023, post-loss Assignment of Benefits is prohibited for residential property insurance in Florida. Homeowners must manage their own claims. Palm Build provides all documentation — moisture maps, thermal imaging reports, drying logs, photo evidence, Xactimate estimates — formatted for your adjuster. We work as your documentation and restoration partner while you retain full control of your insurance claim.