The official Florida product approval package for the Nautilus Rolling Shutter System (FL12246-R6) from ESS Manufacturing (formerly Expert Shutter Services), an extruded aluminum roll-up hurricane shutter approved under the 2023 Florida Building Code. Unlike removable panels, these shutters are permanently mounted and roll down from a housing box over the opening — with a motorized option for push-button operation. The package includes the state DBPR approval record naming the manufacturer, the licensed Florida engineer of record, and the demanding test standards the system passed (ASTM E-1996 plus Miami-Dade protocols TAS 201, 202, and 203). Notably, this product is approved for use statewide, including the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (Miami-Dade and Broward), and carries a Level “D” large-missile impact rating with design pressures up to ±160 psf. The remaining pages are engineer-sealed installation drawings and anchor schedules.
ESS Nautilus Rolling Shutter System (Florida Approval FL12246-R6)
This is the official Florida product approval package for the Nautilus Rolling Shutter System from ESS Manufacturing (formerly Expert Shutter Services), an extruded aluminum roll-up hurricane shutter. Rolling shutters are the premium tier of storm protection: instead of putting up and taking down panels each season, these shutters are permanently installed above the opening and roll down from a compact housing box whenever you need them — and back up out of sight when you don’t. Many are motorized for push-button operation, so protecting your home can be as simple as flipping a switch. If you’d rather not read through all the technical pages, here’s a plain-language overview of what this package contains and why it matters.
State Approval Record. The first pages are the formal record from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), confirming these shutters are approved for use under the 2023 Florida Building Code. This section identifies the manufacturer (ESS Manufacturing), the licensed Florida professional engineer who reviewed and certified the product, and the independent quality-assurance agency that validated the testing. It also lists the demanding test standards the system passed — including the Miami-Dade protocols (TAS 201, 202, and 203) that represent the toughest impact and wind benchmarks in the country. In short, this is independent, third-party proof that the product performs as advertised.
Product Details & Limits of Use. This part summarizes what the shutters can do and where they’re approved for installation. A few key points a customer will care about: the system is impact-rated to Level “D” (large missile), the highest common debris-impact classification, meaning it’s built to take a serious hit from windborne debris; it’s rated for design pressures up to roughly ±160 psf, describing how much wind force it can withstand; and — importantly — it’s approved for use statewide, including the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) that covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties, where the strictest codes in Florida apply. The exact rating for any opening depends on its size and configuration, but you don’t need to work any of this out yourself — your installer matches the shutter to the size, location, and exposure of each opening so the protection is engineered to fit your specific home or building.
Engineering Drawings & Installation Specifications. The bulk of this package is the detailed, engineer-sealed technical drawings that show exactly how the system is built and installed. These cover the shutter’s components — the slats, the housing box, side rails, the axle and motor assembly, and optional storm bars for larger openings — along with the full range of approved mounting methods, including wall mounting, floor-to-ceiling mounting, and build-out installations for surfaces that sit deeper. A significant portion covers anchor (fastening) requirements for different surfaces — poured concrete, concrete block, and wood-frame structures — because the correct hardware, spacing, and embedment depend on what the shutters are being attached to. The package also includes performance charts and mullion schedules used to size the system for wide openings. Every drawing carries the seal and signature of the certifying engineer, which is what gives them legal weight during permitting and inspection.
Why This Matters to You. A product approval like this one isn’t just paperwork — it’s your assurance that the storm protection on your home or business has been independently tested, engineered, and certified to meet Florida’s building code, including its strictest wind zones. When it comes time to pull a permit or pass inspection, this is the documentation your contractor and local building department rely on to confirm the installation is legitimate and code-compliant. It also protects your investment: code-approved products are what insurance companies and future buyers look for, and in many cases they can help you qualify for windstorm insurance discounts.
If you have questions about whether rolling shutters are the right fit for your property, or how they compare to other options like panels, screens, or impact-rated windows, our team is happy to walk you through it.