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 The Florida Department of Community Affairs has tested the effectiveness of Plywood for use as window protection during hurricane force winds. The ultimate result is that the plywood fails. 

FLORIDA BUILDING CODE EXCEPTION FOR PLYWOOD IN IMPACT TESTING

Under Florida's Building Code (www.floridabuilding.org ) Chapter 16, section 1606.1.4, plywood is given an exception to meeting the ASTM E 1996 High Impact Large Missile Test Standard, described above, which Storm-Buster™ Panels have successfully passed.  

Florida Building Code Chapter 16 Section 1606.1.4 Protection of openings. In windborne debris regions, exterior glazing that receives positive pressure in the lower 60 feet (18.3 m) in buildings shall be assumed to be openings unless such glazing is impact resistant or protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the requirements of SSTD 12, ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996, or Miami-Dade PA 201, 202 and 203 referenced therein as follows:1. Glazed openings located within 30 feet (9.1 m) of grade shall meet the requirements of the Large Missile Test.2. Glazed openings located more than 30 feet (9.1 m) above grade shall meet the provisions of the Small Missile Test.Exception: Wood structural panels (defined on 2301.4.3 of the Florida Building Code as including “plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) & composite panels) with a minimum thickness of 7/16 inch (11.1 mm) and maximum panel span of 8 feet (2438 mm) shall be permitted for opening protection in one- and two-story buildings. Panels shall be precut to cover the glazed openings with attachment hardware provided. Attachments shall be designed to resist the components and cladding loads determined in accordance with Table 1606.2B. Attachment in accordance with Table 1606.1.4 is permitted for buildings with mean roof height of 33 feet (10 m) or less where wind speeds do not exceed 130 mph (58 m/s).