Updated August 2026. Fort Myers and the rest of Southwest Florida still have to protect openings. Impact windows and approved shutters can both meet that. Statewide Windows & Doors quotes both from the Fort Myers office. The useful question is whether someone will actually close the shutters before the next named storm.

Quick answer

If you live in the house during season, or you leave town, impact glass is usually the cleaner spec. If budget is the constraint and you have a real deploy plan, approved shutters can still be the right bid. After Ian, a lot of SWFL houses learned that leftover unprotected sliders are the hole in the envelope. Cover every opening, not just the front.

Fort Myers specifics

  • Lee County is not Miami-Dade HVHZ, but wind-borne debris and local amendments still apply. Confirm with the building official on that address.
  • Salt, rain, and long power outages are the local pattern. Motorized shutters need a backup plan if the power is out.
  • Statewide’s Fort Myers office is at 19260 Commerce Lakes Dr. Same phone as Boca: (561) 816-4010.

Impact vs shutters on this coast

  • Impact: stays in place, still opens for egress, adds Low-E and noise if that is on the glass package.
  • Shutters: work when closed. Accordion and panels can block a bedroom exit while they are down. Plan that.

Longer version: impact vs shutters and the safety guide.

FAQ

Do I still need shutters if I get impact glass?

Not on those openings. You still need a protection path on every other glazed opening, including the garage.

Can I mix them?

Yes. Impact on the big sliders, approved shutters on small lites is a common Fort Myers bid. Put it in writing.

Get a Fort Myers opening list

Call (561) 816-4010 or request a free estimate. Bring photos of the current windows, doors, and any existing shutters.