The same abundant coastline, warm climate, and beautiful waters that make Florida such a wonderful place to call home also influence hurricane season across the state. It's important to be prepared, and many great resources can help you do so. Our real estate agents are here with a closer look at what hurricane season means when you own a home in Florida, along with resources from state experts.
Preparing for Potential Storms
When Is Hurricane Season in Florida
Officially, the Atlantic hurricane season, which includes Florida, runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. September is considered the peak of hurricane season, with the highest concentration of storms occurring from August through October, according to the Florida Climate Center.
Creating a Disaster Supply Kit
One of the key recommendations from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is to create a disaster supply kit for hurricane season. For most items on the list, they recommend keeping at least seven days' worth of supplies. Prescription medications and regularly used medical supplies should generally cover at least 14 days, in case refills become difficult to obtain after a storm. Here are some key items from the list:
- Batteries, flashlights, and a battery-powered NOAA radio
- Full first aid kit
- Pet supplies for at least seven days, including food, water, and medication
- Non-perishable food, including special dietary items, for at least seven days
- Water, one gallon per person, per day
- Rain gear and sturdy shoes
- Key phone numbers and documents
You can view the full FDEM disaster supply kit checklist at the link above, which includes dozens of items across nine different categories.
Know Your Hurricane Terminology
If you haven't lived in an area with potential for hurricanes before, there are some key terms to know. The FDEM provides a full list with explanations for each term in their hurricane preparedness guide, and we'll highlight a few here:
- A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours after the watch is issued.
- A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours after the warning is issued.
- Hurricanes are rated on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which ranges from Category 1 to Category 5. A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest rating on the scale, with the most potential for damage.
Planning for Your Home
Whether you already own a Florida home or are considering buying one, understanding how a property holds up in hurricane conditions is essential. The FDEM highlights five key areas worth evaluating every season:
- Roof: Check the condition of the roof, as well as roof-to-wall and wall-to-foundation connections. Roof age and condition are also among the most important factors in Florida's homeowners insurance market, and knowing where a home stands can help buyers anticipate costs and negotiate repairs or credits before closing.
- Soffits: Reinforce soffits around the roof to reduce vulnerability during high winds.
- Windows and doors: Consider installing impact-resistant windows and doors. Beyond storm protection, they may qualify you for wind mitigation discounts on your insurance policy. If your windows aren't impact-resistant, make sure they're protected before a storm.
- Generator: Consider having a whole-house generator installed for standby electricity. Portable generators can also help power some devices, but not the whole home.
- Trees and landscaping: Make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed safely. If a tree poses a significant risk of damage, consider having it removed.
For a comprehensive picture of a home's storm readiness, a wind mitigation inspection is one of the most valuable tools available. Typically costing $75 to $150, it provides a detailed assessment of how well a home is built to withstand wind events and can directly reduce your homeowners insurance costs. Buyers can use the findings to negotiate repairs or credits with the seller, while current owners may see meaningful savings on their annual premium.
You'll also want to consider flood zone designation. Homes in higher-risk flood zones require separate flood insurance, which affects the total cost of ownership and is an important factor for buyers to review before closing.
Find Your Florida Home with Help from Our Team
Searching for a home that's equipped with storm-conscious features that support greater peace of mind? Our local team is here to help with all of your real estate needs. Get in touch to explore Florida homes that align with your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals.
