Hurricane Season 2026: How to Prepare Your Home and Insurance

When Is Hurricane Season in Florida?

Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. Florida sits right in the path of many tropical systems, making preparation essential for every homeowner in the state.

Review Your Insurance Before the Storm

The worst time to find gaps in your coverage is after a hurricane hits. Take these steps now:

Check your windstorm coverage. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, but your deductible for hurricane or named-storm events is often separate and higher than your regular deductible. Know what yours is before you need to file a claim.

Verify your flood insurance. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If you do not have a separate flood policy, storm surge and rising water damage will come out of your pocket. There is a 30-day waiting period on new flood policies, so do not wait until a storm is in the forecast.

Document your belongings. Walk through your home and take video or photos of every room, including closets, garages, and storage areas. Save this documentation in the cloud or on a device you will take with you if you evacuate.

Prepare Your Home

Physical preparation can reduce damage and may even lower your insurance premiums:

Install hurricane shutters or have plywood pre-cut for your windows. Reinforce your garage door, which is one of the most common failure points during high winds. Trim trees and remove dead branches that could become projectiles. Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations.

Create an Emergency Plan

Know your evacuation zone and routes. Keep important documents (insurance policies, IDs, medical records) in a waterproof container you can grab quickly. Stock at least 72 hours of water, food, medications, and supplies for your family and pets.

After the Storm

If your home sustains damage, document everything with photos before making temporary repairs. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to start the claims process. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or hotel stays, as these may be covered under your policy.

Have questions about your hurricane coverage? Contact Anchor & Atlas Insurance for a free policy review.