On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the 2026 Emergency Order, which declared a state of emergency in 25 Gulf-coast counties. This order is a precautionary step to prepare for Tropical Depression Nine and requires all residential storm doors in these counties to conform to enhanced impact and hardware standards before the storm hits. For many homeowners with an existing storm door and screen door, meeting these requirements may be achievable through some specific upgrades, potentially without needing a contractor.
The order mandates impact‑rated glazing, minimum hardware torque of 30 ft-lb for deadbolts, and frames and hinges that are reinforced. Furthermore, it states that all exterior doors must contain a weather-tight seal and weatherstripping capable of withstanding winds of up to 120 mph. Several counties are likely to provide a 30-day grace period to comply with the order for existing doors, followed by a verification from a county inspector. If your door has a pet door for storm door installation, the frame around the pet door must also be impact-rated, and the trim around it must be properly sealed.
Begin by carefully examining your door. Look for any glass cracks, warped frames, or loose hinges. If any glass is damaged, replace it with a certified impact-rated pane. For loose hinges, use a torque wrench to tighten them or change them out to meet the hardware torque requirement. When you replace hinges, think about installing a secondary lock or latch for added security. Next, swap out any deteriorated seal with a new rubber gasket designed for high winds. Finally, affix new weatherstripping to the jamb and threshold; a silicone-based strip will hold up against moisture.
If there is a sliding screen door, consider bolting a metal brace to the frame and ensuring that its mounting screws are properly tightened. For a screen door with pet door installed, make sure the pet door frame is attached to the door frame with a 1-inch lag screw, and that the pet door’s seal has been replaced. When repairing sliding door, drill a small metal plate across the frame’s top edge to spread wind load. If working on a repair interior door as part of a storm door, replace the door knob or lock with a model rated for at least 30 ft-lb torque and that has a built-in deadbolt.
Once you've finished with the hardware upgrades and seals, make sure the door closes properly, and check for any gaps. If leaks are detected, add additional weatherstripping to the bottom. Photograph the completed work and keep copies of the product certificates as some counties accept submissions digitally for pre-inspection approval. If you want a complete reinforcement, you could install a new impact rated glazing panel along with the matching weatherstripping from your local hardware store. Home Depot stocks home depot storm door installation kits containing necessary parts.
If the door flunks a county inspection, you may need to replace it or the frame entirely. Some counties have grant programs for historic or low-income homeowners, check your local Emergency Management website for criteria. Usually, a single homeowner can manage these upgrades with a basic drill and torque wrench. If you discover an issue you can't fix—like a twisted frame beyond straightening—reach out to a licensed contractor. The Emergency Order does provide a 30-day grace period but expect a notice from the county if it's not compliant by then.
With these steps, you’ll be able to make certain your storm door aligns with the 2026 Emergency Order expectations, helping to safeguard your home from debris damage while avoiding fines or insurance issues. Save the door’s documentation, stay tuned for any order updates, and be prepared for Tropical Depression Nine.
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