Doors are the weakest link in most Florida homes. They are the largest openings, they carry hardware that wears, and a failed door does not just let water in — it pressurizes the interior and can push the roof off from underneath.
This guide covers each door type, realistic costs, and what to specify so the installation actually performs.
Impact Sliding Glass Doors
Sliders are the most common impact door upgrade in Florida and the highest-value one — they are usually the largest glazed opening in the house and the one facing the water or the pool deck.
- Heavy-duty rollers rated for laminated glass weight — this is where cheap units fail early
- Thermally broken aluminum frames reduce heat transfer and condensation
- Multi-point locking hardware for both wind rating and security
- Low-profile sills where accessibility matters, with proper drainage detailing
Impact French and Swing Doors
French doors are harder to make hurricane-rated than sliders because the meeting stiles have no fixed structural support. The astragal, multi-point locks, and hinge count carry the entire load.
Specify three-point or five-point locking and heavy hinges. A French door with residential-grade hardware will not perform, regardless of what the glass is rated for.
Entry Doors and Sidelites
Fiberglass and steel impact entry doors resist warping in Florida humidity far better than wood. Sidelites and transoms must carry the same impact rating as the door slab, or the assembly is only as strong as its weakest pane.
Do not overlook the threshold and frame anchoring. Most entry door failures are anchoring failures, not glass failures.
Don't Forget the Garage Door
A garage door is often the single largest opening in the building envelope, and a non-rated one is the most likely component to fail in a major storm.
Retrofitting an impact-rated or braced garage door is comparatively inexpensive and is a required item for full opening protection credit on a wind mitigation report.
Lead Times and Planning
- Measure and order: 1 – 2 weeks
- Manufacturing: 6 – 12 weeks for custom units
- Permitting: 2 – 6 weeks depending on jurisdiction, runs in parallel
- Installation: 1 – 3 days per door for full-frame work including stucco repair
- Final inspection: 1 – 2 weeks after completion
Impact Door Types and Installed Cost
| Door Type | Typical Configuration | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding glass door | 8 ft, 2 panel | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Sliding glass door | 12 ft, 3 panel | $6,000 – $11,000 |
| Pocket / multi-slide | 16 ft+ | $12,000 – $25,000+ |
| French doors | 6 ft, double swing | $4,000 – $8,500 |
| Entry door | Single with sidelites | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Garage door (impact rated) | 16 ft double | $2,500 – $6,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does an impact sliding glass door cost?
- A standard 8-foot two-panel impact slider typically runs $3,500 – $7,000 installed. Three- and four-panel configurations, pocket doors, and oversized units can reach $9,000 – $20,000.
- Are impact entry doors worth it if I have shutters?
- Entry and garage doors are the most common failure points in a hurricane. Once a door fails, internal pressurization can lift the roof. Protecting doors matters as much as protecting windows.
- How long do impact doors take to arrive?
- Custom impact doors generally take six to twelve weeks to manufacture, longer for large multi-panel sliders. Order well ahead of hurricane season.
- Can impact doors be financed?
- Yes. Impact doors qualify for PACE financing alongside windows — $0 down with repayment through your property tax bill, based on home equity rather than credit score.
Back to the full service overview: Impact Windows & Doors in Florida