Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 — and for Florida homeowners, preparation starts before a storm is named. The decisions you make now about your policy, your property documentation, and your claims process will directly affect what you recover if your home is damaged. Here is exactly what you should do before the season begins.
Step 1: Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Pull your current policy and read it before storm season starts. Most Florida homeowners do not read their policies until they need to file a claim — at which point they often discover gaps they did not know existed.
Key items to review:
Hurricane deductible: Florida policies typically carry a separate hurricane deductible — often 2% to 5% of your home’s insured value — that applies specifically to hurricane-named storm losses. This is separate from your standard deductible.
Replacement cost vs. actual cash value: Replacement cost value (RCV) pays to rebuild or replace at current prices. Actual cash value (ACV) deducts depreciation. If you have ACV coverage, your settlement will be lower.
Flood exclusion: Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. If you are in a flood zone, a separate NFIP or private flood policy is required.
Wind exclusion or separate wind policy: Some Florida coastal policies exclude wind damage entirely, requiring a separate policy through Citizens Property Insurance or a private carrier.
Coverage limits: Confirm that your dwelling coverage limit reflects current construction costs. Rebuilding costs have increased significantly — an outdated coverage limit could leave you underinsured.
Should I Update My Policy Before Hurricane Season?
Yes, if your coverage limits, deductibles, or exclusions no longer match your property’s actual value and risk profile. Contact your agent to review before June 1. Policy changes made after a storm warning is issued are typically subject to binding restrictions and may not take effect in time.
Step 2: Create a Home Inventory
A home inventory is a documented record of your property — both the structure and its contents. In the event of a hurricane claim, this documentation directly supports the value of your loss.
Your home inventory should include:
- Video walkthrough: Record a room-by-room video of your home, narrating major items, appliances, electronics, and finishes. Store the video in cloud storage outside the property.
- Photographs of structural features: Document roof condition, windows, doors, exterior finishes, and any recent improvements. If your roof was replaced recently, photograph and save the contractor invoice.
- Contents list: For high-value items — jewellery, artwork, electronics, appliances — note make, model, and estimated value. Receipts or appraisals strengthen your position.
- Serial numbers: For electronics and appliances, record serial numbers. This supports both insurance claims and theft reporting.
Store copies of your inventory documentation off-site or in cloud storage. Printed records stored only at the property may be lost in the same storm that caused the damage.
Step 3: Document Your Property’s Current Condition
Pre-storm documentation serves a critical purpose: it establishes the baseline condition of your property before the hurricane. If your insurer later disputes whether damage is storm-related or pre-existing, dated pre-storm photographs are your primary evidence.
Take photographs and video of:
- All roof surfaces — shingles, flashing, vents, gutters
- Exterior walls, soffits, and fascia
- All windows and doors
- Fences, pool enclosures, outbuildings
- Interior ceiling and wall conditions in every room
Date-stamp this documentation. Upload it to cloud storage immediately so it is timestamped independently of your device.
Understanding the difference between wind damage and flood damage — and how each is covered — is essential before hurricane season. Read Wind Damage vs. Flood Damage: What’s Covered in Florida for a full breakdown.
Step 4: Know What to Do If Your Home Is Damaged
If a hurricane damages your property, the steps you take in the first 48 hours significantly affect your claim outcome.
- Document before cleaning up. Photograph all damage before moving debris or beginning mitigation. Insurers need to see the damage as it was immediately after the storm.
- Mitigate further damage. Cover breaches in the roof or structure with tarps. Failure to prevent secondary damage can affect coverage.
- Report your claim promptly. Florida law and your policy require timely claim reporting. Delays can complicate coverage.
- Do not accept the first settlement offer without review. Initial insurer offers frequently undervalue post-hurricane losses. You have the right to dispute.
For detailed guidance on the hurricane claims process, visit the Hurricane Milton/Helene claims page on the Claim Defenders website, or contact us for a free pre-season claim consultation.
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center publishes official seasonal outlooks and storm preparedness guidance. Visit NHC to track active storms and access preparedness resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Florida hurricane season start?
Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. The peak period for Florida is typically August through October, when sea surface temperatures are highest and atmospheric conditions most favour tropical storm development.
Does my standard Florida homeowners policy cover hurricane damage?
Most standard Florida homeowners policies cover wind damage from hurricanes, but with a separate hurricane deductible that is typically higher than the standard deductible. Flood damage from hurricane storm surge or rainfall flooding requires a separate flood insurance policy. Review your specific policy to understand both coverages.
What is a hurricane deductible and how is it calculated?
A hurricane deductible is a separate, typically higher deductible that applies when a loss is caused by a named hurricane. In Florida, it is commonly calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value — usually 2% to 5%. For a home insured at $400,000, a 2% hurricane deductible means you pay the first $8,000 of any hurricane-related loss before insurance applies.
Can I file an insurance claim for hurricane damage that happened years ago?
Florida has specific statutes of limitations for property insurance claims. For most hurricane damage, policyholders have three years from the date of loss to file a claim. However, late reporting can complicate coverage if the insurer argues the delay prevented proper investigation. Contact a public adjuster to assess whether a prior hurricane loss can still be pursued.
What should I do if my hurricane damage claim is underpaid?
If you believe your insurer’s settlement does not reflect the full cost of repairing your hurricane damage, you have the right to dispute it. Options include requesting a re-inspection, submitting supplemental documentation with independent contractor estimates, invoking the appraisal process, or hiring a licensed public adjuster to negotiate on your behalf. Claim Defenders handles underpaid hurricane claims across Florida.