Hurricane Season 2026: What Florida Homeowners Need to Know
Hurricane season 2026 runs June 1 through November 30, and forecasters are once again calling for an active Atlantic. For Space Coast homeowners, the difference between a stressful season and a devastating one usually comes down to what you do before the first storm gets a name.
The Most Important Deadline Is Not June 1
It is the day a storm enters the box. Once a tropical system threatens Florida, carriers suspend binding, which means you cannot buy a new policy, increase coverage, or reduce a deductible until the storm passes. If your coverage needs work, the time to fix it is now, while skies are clear.
Four Things to Verify on Your Policy
Your hurricane deductible. Most Florida policies carry a 2% to 5% deductible on named storm damage. Calculate the dollar amount and make sure you could cover it.
Your dwelling limit. Construction costs have climbed. If your Coverage A has not been reviewed in a few years, you may not have enough to rebuild.
Law and ordinance coverage. If a storm damages an older home, code upgrades during repairs can add tens of thousands. This endorsement pays for them.
Flood insurance. Hurricane policies cover wind. Storm surge and rising water are flood claims, and flood insurance is a separate policy with a typical 30-day waiting period. Buying it in October does not help you in October.
Prepare the Property
Trim trees away from the roof, clear gutters and drains, service your shutters or verify your impact protection, reinforce or inspect the garage door, and stage a place for patio furniture to go. These steps prevent the most common categories of storm damage we see in claims.
Document Everything Now
Walk through your home with your phone and record a video of every room, closets included. Capture serial numbers on electronics and appliances. Store the video in the cloud. If you ever file a major claim, this fifteen-minute habit will be worth thousands of dollars and weeks of time.
If a Storm Does Hit
Photograph damage before making temporary repairs, keep every receipt, prevent further damage where you safely can, and report the claim promptly. Be cautious with door-knocking contractors and assignment of benefits paperwork after a storm; talk to your agent before signing anything.
Not sure your policy is storm-ready? Contact Anchor & Atlas Insurance for a free pre-season review, or learn more about flood coverage before the waiting period becomes a problem.
