Get your Florida home ready for hurricane season with this comprehensive preparation guide. Protect your property and strengthen your insurance position.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and preparation is your best protection against both physical damage and insurance headaches. This checklist covers property hardening, insurance readiness and post-storm action steps.
Property Preparation
Start these tasks at least 30 days before hurricane season begins:
Inspect and repair your roof — address missing shingles, damaged flashing and clogged drip edges
Install or verify hurricane shutters and impact-rated windows
Trim trees and remove dead branches within falling distance of your home, detached structures and vehicles
Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage
Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, planters and equipment
Test and maintain your generator — run it monthly and keep fuel fresh
Stock emergency supplies: minimum 7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, first aid kit, medications and important documents
Insurance Documentation
These steps take time but dramatically strengthen any future claim:
Review your policy and understand your coverage limits, deductibles and exclusions
Verify your hurricane deductible — this is typically a percentage of dwelling coverage (2%–5%), not a flat dollar amount
Create a detailed home inventory: photograph every room, open closets, drawers and cabinets; record model numbers, serial numbers and approximate values
Store documentation in both a waterproof safe and cloud backup (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
Consider flood insurance if you don't already have it — standard property policies do not cover flood damage
Document the pre-storm condition of your property with dated photos and video — exterior, roof, landscaping, interiors
Save all receipts for pre-storm improvements (shutters, roof repairs, tree trimming) as evidence of maintenance
After the Storm
Wait for official clearance before returning to your property
Document all damage immediately and thoroughly — photos, video, written notes
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (tarp the roof, board broken windows) and keep all receipts
Do not make permanent repairs until your claim is documented
Contact your insurance company within 24 hours to report the loss
Contact a public adjuster before the carrier's adjuster arrives — professional representation from the start typically results in significantly higher settlements
Emergency Kit Checklist
Water (1 gallon per person per day, 7-day supply)
Non-perishable food and manual can opener
Flashlights and extra batteries
First aid kit and prescription medications
Important documents in a waterproof bag
Portable phone charger and charging cables
Cash in small bills
Whistle for signalling
Wrench or pliers for utility shut-offs
Preparation takes effort, but it pays dividends in both property protection and claim success. A well-documented, well-maintained property is far easier to advocate for in the insurance process.