A Florida community that survived two of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history is earning national attention for its storm-resilient construction—including its use of metal roofing.
In a new case study, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) highlights Hunters Point, an 86-home neighborhood in Cortez, Fla., for its near-pristine condition following Hurricanes Milton and Helene in 2024. While nearby communities experienced major wind and flood damage, Hunters Point remained largely unscathed, thanks in part to its use of hurricane-resistant materials and elevated, energy-resilient design.
FEMA attributes much of that performance to the development’s structural features, including metal roofs rated to withstand wind speeds up to 253 km/h (157 mph)—equivalent to an F2 tornado. Properly installed, metal roofing offers superior durability, leak resistance, and resistance to punctures and cracking. The report contrasts this with conventional asphalt shingle roofs, which Florida officials noted begin to lose hurricane-level protection after just 10 years.
Other notable elements include steel straps connecting each floor to create a continuous load path and two-by-six wood framing for added structural strength. Homes in the community also feature hurricane-grade impact-resistant glazing and are built 4.9 m (16 ft) above the flood zone, reducing flood exposure. Solar panel systems provide energy and backup power for up to 10 days.
FEMA’s report concludes that “it is possible to build communities capable of withstanding extreme weather events” using practical and affordable solutions. “The foresight shown by Hunters Point proves that there are affordable and highly cost-effective strategies that communities, local governments, landowners, developers, and tenants can put into practice.”
