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Wind Zones

The Clay County Building Division provides wind zone information used for structural design and permitting requirements. Wind speed requirements are based on risk categories defined by the Florida Building Code and the nature of a building’s occupancy.

The table below outlines the applicable wind speeds and risk categories used to determine structural design requirements for buildings and other structures in Clay County. These values help ensure buildings are designed to withstand wind loads and protect public safety during severe weather events.

Clay County Wind Speed Requirements by Risk Category
Risk Category Nature of Occupancy Wind Speed (mph)
I

Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

  • Agricultural facilities
  • Certain temporary facilities
  • Minor storage facilities
  • Screen enclosures
 120
II Buildings and other structures except those listed in Risk Categories I, III, and IV. 130
III

Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

  • Public assembly buildings with an occupant load greater than 300
  • Group E occupancies with an occupant load greater than 250
  • Educational occupancies above 12th grade with occupant load greater than 500
  • Group I-2 occupancies with 50 or more resident care recipients without surgery or emergency treatment facilities
  • Group I-3 occupancies
  • Any other occupancy with occupant load greater than 5,000
  • Power-generating stations and water or wastewater treatment facilities not included in Risk Category IV
  • Buildings containing quantities of toxic or explosive materials that:
  1. Exceed allowable quantities per the Florida Fire Prevention Code
  2. Pose a threat to the public if released
 140
IV

Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including but not limited to:

  • Group I-2 occupancies with surgery or emergency treatment facilities
  • Fire, rescue, ambulance, and police stations
  • Emergency shelters
  • Emergency preparedness and operations centers
  • Emergency backup utility facilities
  • Buildings containing highly toxic materials that pose a public threat
  • Aviation control towers and emergency aircraft hangars
  • Facilities with critical national defense functions
  • Water storage and pump structures required for fire suppression
 140*

*Wind speed is 150 mph east of State Road 21.