Bahama & Colonial Shutters in Fort Myers, FL

Storm protection with curb appeal

Most hurricane shutters are designed to disappear when they're not in use. Bahama and colonial shutters are the opposite. They are part of the look of the house, and they still close down and lock when a storm is coming.

That makes them a natural fit for Fort Myers. Drive down McGregor Boulevard or through the historic neighborhoods near downtown and you'll see homes where a roll down housing box would look out of place. Bahama and colonial shutters protect those windows without fighting the architecture. They also suit coastal-style new builds, cottages and Key West inspired homes all over Lee County.

Like every system we install, they are built to Florida's hurricane code, permitted, and anchored into the structure the right way. We have been protecting Southwest Florida homes for over 25 years, and we install these shutters with the same care as any other storm system.

Bahama shutters

Bahama shutters, sometimes called Bermuda shutters, hinge at the top of the window and prop outward on adjustable arms. When open, they act like an awning, shading the glass from the hot Fort Myers sun while still letting air and light through. That shade can make a real difference on west and south-facing windows during a long summer.

When a storm approaches, you lower the shutter over the window and secure it. Because the shutter is always mounted, there are no panels to dig out of the garage and nothing to store.

Bahama shutters work best on individual windows. They are a great fit for front elevations, bedrooms and smaller windows. They are not the right choice for sliding glass doors or very large openings, where we'd recommend roll down or accordion shutters instead.

Colonial shutters

Colonial shutters are mounted on both sides of the window and swing closed to meet in the middle, where they lock together. Open, they sit flat against the house like traditional decorative shutters, framing the window and adding a classic look.

Unlike the decorative plastic shutters on many homes, colonial hurricane shutters are functional. They're built to close over the glass and stand up to storm winds. They are a great choice for two-story homes, traditional and colonial-style architecture, and anyone who wants their storm protection to look like it belongs on the house.

Colors, finishes and custom fit

Bahama and colonial shutters are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, so you can match your trim, contrast with your stucco, or go bold. Every shutter is sized to its window, and we help you choose what will look right on your home from the street.

Not sure Bahama or colonial shutters are the best choice for every opening? Many Fort Myers homes use them on the front windows and roll down or accordion shutters on the lanai and back of the house, where looks matter less and openings are bigger. Our guide on choosing the right hurricane shutters walks through the options.

How installation works

We start with a visit to look at your windows, talk through style and color, and measure. You get a written quote. We then pull the permit through the City of Fort Myers or Lee County, depending on your address, and install each shutter anchored to code. Before we leave, we show you how to open, prop, close and lock every shutter so you're comfortable doing it when a storm is coming.

Caring for Bahama and colonial shutters

These shutters are low maintenance, but they live outside year-round in the salt air. Rinse them with fresh water a few times a year, check the hinges and arms, and open and close them before hurricane season so you know everything moves freely. If a hinge loosens or an arm bends, we handle hurricane shutter repair and maintenance on Bahama and colonial shutters too.

Where they fit in Fort Myers

Bahama and colonial shutters look especially at home in the older parts of Fort Myers: the McGregor Boulevard corridor, the neighborhoods around downtown and the River District, and historic areas like Dean Park and Edison Park, where many homes have the kind of windows and trim these shutters were made for. They also suit coastal-style new construction across Lee County, where builders are going back to classic Florida looks.

If your home is in a designated historic district, exterior changes can need extra review before a permit is issued. Tell us during the estimate and we'll factor that into the plan and the paperwork.

We help you pick shutters that look right on your house, not just the ones on sale. And if roll downs or accordions make more sense on part of the home, we'll tell you.

Frequently asked questions

Are Bahama shutters real hurricane protection?

Yes, when they are built and installed to Florida's hurricane code. Ours are functional storm shutters, not decorations. They close over the window and lock to protect the glass.

Can Bahama shutters go on sliding glass doors?

Generally no. Bahama shutters are designed for windows. For sliders and wide openings, roll down or accordion shutters are the better choice.

Do colonial shutters need to be taken down after a storm?

No. Colonial shutters stay mounted on the house. You open them back up against the wall after the storm passes.

Will Bahama shutters keep my house cooler?

When propped open they shade the window like an awning, which helps cut direct sun on the glass. Many homeowners like them on the sunniest sides of the house for that reason.

Want hurricane protection that looks great on your home? Call Romano's Shutters at (239) 323-1913 or request a free quote below.