Window and Door Replacement in Central Florida
Impact-rated window and exterior door replacement for Marion County and Sumter County homeowners. Permitted and inspected.
Call (352) 356-5036 for a free estimate.
Florida Legacy Construction replaces windows and exterior doors throughout Marion County, Sumter County, Lake County, and Central Florida. We help homeowners plan window and door upgrades based on the home, product selections, project scope, energy efficiency goals, and applicable building code requirements. Travis Strickland, licensed building contractor CBC1268994, leads the company’s standards, planning, and project oversight. When permits or inspections are required, our team helps coordinate the proper process through the appropriate local building department.
Why Impact-Rated Windows Are Required in Florida
Florida Building Code requires impact-rated windows and exterior doors on all new installations in Marion County. This applies to replacements of existing windows, not just new construction. When you replace an old window in Marion County, the new window must be impact-rated.
Impact-rated windows have laminated glass with a plastic interlayer between the panes. This interlayer keeps the glass from shattering into shards during a hurricane or impact event. The frame must also be rated to resist the wind loads for Marion County's 130 mph wind zone.
Standard windows without impact rating are not legal for installation in Marion County. Florida Legacy Construction installs impact-rated windows and doors exclusively. Every installation is permitted and inspected by Marion County.
Impact Windows vs Hurricane Shutters
Homes with non-impact windows can comply with Florida Building Code during hurricane season by using approved hurricane shutters. When replacing windows, you have two choices: install impact-rated windows (no shutters needed) or install standard windows with approved shutters. Impact windows cost more upfront but eliminate the need to install, store, and deploy shutters every hurricane season. Most Marion County homeowners replacing windows choose impact glass for this reason.
Florida Energy Code and Window Replacement
New windows in Marion County must meet the Florida Energy Code requirements for Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-factor. SHGC measures how much solar heat passes through the glass. In Central Florida's hot climate, a lower SHGC is better because it means less heat enters the home. The Florida Energy Code requires an SHGC of 0.25 or lower for residential windows in most Central Florida applications.
U-factor measures how well the window insulates. A lower U-factor means better insulation. Florida Building Code requires windows to meet specific U-factor minimums for the climate zone. Replacing old single-pane or double-pane windows with modern impact glass also significantly improves energy efficiency.
Window and Door Types
| Type | Typical Cost Installed | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Single-hung impact window | $700 to $1,400 | Standard residential windows; bottom sash opens, top is fixed |
| Double-hung impact window | $900 to $1,800 | Both sashes open; easier to clean from inside |
| Casement impact window | $950 to $2,200 | Side-hinged; opens outward; better seal than sliding types |
| Sliding impact window | $750 to $1,600 | Opens horizontally; common in bedrooms and living rooms |
| Fixed impact window | $600 to $1,400 | Does not open; for view windows and high-wall applications |
| Impact entry door (single) | $1,400 to $2,800 | Main entry; fiberglass or steel; meets Florida Building Code |
| Impact entry door (double) | $2,200 to $4,500 | Double entry or French doors; requires header and structural review |
| Impact sliding glass door | $1,800 to $4,200 | Patio and pool access; impact glass panels in aluminum frame |
The Window and Door Replacement Process
Here is how Florida Legacy Construction handles a window or door replacement in Marion County.
- Estimate visit: Travis measures every window or door to be replaced. He confirms opening sizes, notes any structural considerations, and reviews frame condition. Windows can sometimes be replaced in the existing frame (pocket replacement). Others require removing the frame and installing a full frame replacement.
- Permit application: We submit the permit application to Marion County through the Civic Access portal. Window permits typically process in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Product ordering: Impact windows are ordered from the manufacturer after the permit is issued. Lead times run 3 to 8 weeks for most standard sizes. Custom sizes take longer.
- Installation: The old windows are removed. New impact windows are set, shimmed, sealed, and anchored per the manufacturer's installation instructions and the Florida Building Code requirements.
- Inspection: Marion County inspects the installation. The inspector checks impact rating compliance, anchoring, and weatherproofing. After the inspection passes, the permit is closed.
Cost Guide: Windows and Doors in Marion County
Replacing all windows in a Marion County home runs $16,000 to $36,000 for a 20-window home using impact-rated products. A full window and door replacement for most homes runs $20,000 to $50,000. This covers entry door, sliding glass door, and all windows. Florida Legacy Construction gives a fixed written price after measuring every opening at the estimate visit.
Veterans may use a VA renovation loan to fund window and door replacement when purchasing or refinancing.
Home Renovation Cost Guide
See window and door replacement costs alongside flooring, whole-home renovation, and other renovation types in Marion County in 2025.
View Cost GuideWhole-Home Renovations
Window replacement is often part of a larger renovation scope. See how it fits into a whole-home renovation project in Central Florida.
Whole-Home Renovation GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Are impact-rated windows required when replacing windows in Marion County?
Yes. Florida Building Code requires impact-rated windows for all new window installations in Marion County, including replacements of existing windows. Standard windows without impact rating are not legal for installation. Every window replacement requires a building permit and a county inspection to verify impact rating compliance.
How much does window replacement cost in Marion County?
Impact-rated window replacement in Marion County runs $700 to $2,200 per window installed depending on type and size. An exterior door runs $1,400 to $4,500 installed. A home with 20 windows can expect to spend $16,000 to $36,000 to replace all windows. A full window and door replacement for most homes runs $20,000 to $50,000. Florida Legacy Construction gives a fixed written price after measuring every opening.
How long does window replacement take in Marion County?
Marion County window permit processing takes 1 to 2 weeks. Impact window ordering takes 3 to 8 weeks after the permit is issued. Physical installation takes 1 to 3 days depending on the number of windows. Total project time from permit submission to final inspection runs 5 to 12 weeks for most window replacement projects.
What is the difference between a pocket replacement and a full frame replacement?
A pocket replacement inserts a new window into the existing frame. It is faster and less invasive because the existing frame stays in place. A full frame replacement removes the entire window and frame and installs a new unit from scratch. Full frame replacement is needed when the existing frame is damaged, rotted, or too small for a standard impact window. Florida Legacy Construction checks every window frame at the estimate visit and recommends the appropriate replacement type.
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Marion County?
Yes. Every window and exterior door replacement in Marion County requires a building permit. The permit ensures the new window is impact-rated and installed to Florida Building Code standards. Marion County inspects the installation before the permit is closed. Florida Legacy Construction submits all permit applications through the Civic Access portal and schedules the county inspection.
Will impact windows lower my homeowner's insurance in Florida?
Yes, in most cases. Most Florida homeowners insurance companies offer discounts for homes with impact-rated windows. Impact products reduce hurricane damage risk. The discount varies by insurer. Contact your insurance agent after installation to report the upgrade and request a rate review. Florida Legacy Construction provides documentation of the impact-rated products installed for your insurance records.