Florida Hurricane Insurance Guide: Coverage, Costs & Protection Tips

Q: What insurance covers hurricane damage in Florida?

You need both windstorm and flood insurance, since standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover storm surge or flooding.

Q: When should I buy flood insurance?

Flood insurance includes a 30-day waiting period, so purchase it before hurricane season begins.

Q: Are hurricane deductibles mandatory in Florida?

Yes, most Florida homeowners have percentage-based hurricane deductibles depending on their insurer and location.

Q: Can I reduce my hurricane insurance costs?

Yes. Wind mitigation improvements, bundling policies, and annual comparison shopping can help reduce premiums.

Written by

Darren Craft

Last Updated

October 10, 2025

Read Time

4.6

min

Living in Florida means enjoying sunshine and beaches year-round—but it also means facing hurricane season every year. In 2024 alone, hurricanes caused over $18 billion in property damage statewide, leaving thousands of homeowners struggling to rebuild. Here’s the problem: many property owners believe they’re covered, only to find out too late that standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t include key protections against flooding or wind-driven rain.

This guide explains exactly what coverage you need to fully protect your Florida home before the next storm hits. You’ll learn how different policies work together, how deductibles are calculated, and how to prepare and file claims effectively.

Understanding Florida’s Hurricane Risk and Insurance Landscape

Florida is hit by hurricanes twice as often as any other U.S. coastal state. On average, one major hurricane makes landfall every three years.

Since 2020, Florida has experienced 15 named storms, causing damages from $1 billion to $65 billion per event. Hurricane Ian alone caused $112 billion in damages in 2022 — the costliest in Florida’s history.

Hurricane Activity and Premium Trends by Region

Region	Average Hurricanes (2020–2025)	Average Annual Damage	Insurance Premium Increase
Southeast Coast	8 storms	$4.2 billion	45%
Southwest Coast	6 storms	$3.8 billion	38%
Panhandle	4 storms	$2.1 billion	32%
Central Florida	5 storms	$1.9 billion	28%

Areas with more frequent hurricanes often face limited insurer options and higher deductibles. This makes understanding your policy coverage even more critical.

Essential Hurricane Insurance Coverage Types You Need

No single policy covers all hurricane-related damage. Florida homeowners typically need three main types of coverage:

Homeowner’s insurance with windstorm/hurricane coverage
Flood insurance for storm surge and rising water
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage for temporary housing

Coverage Comparison

Coverage Type	What It Covers	What It Excludes	Typical Limits
Standard Homeowner’s	Wind damage to structure	Flood, storm surge	Up to policy limits
Windstorm/Hurricane	High wind from named storms	Flood	Up to policy limits
Flood Insurance	Rising water, storm surge	Wind damage	$250K structure / $100K contents
ALE Coverage	Temporary housing, meals	Luxury upgrades	12–24 months

Hurricane Deductibles in Florida

Hurricane deductibles are percentage-based, not flat dollar amounts. A 2% deductible on a $300,000 home means you pay the first $6,000 of hurricane-related claims.

Deductible Cost Comparison

Home Value	1%	2%	5%	10%
$200,000	$2,000	$4,000	$10,000	$20,000
$300,000	$3,000	$6,000	$15,000	$30,000
$500,000	$5,000	$10,000	$25,000	$50,000

Tip: Consider setting up a “hurricane fund” to cover your deductible and avoid financial stress after a storm.

Flood Insurance: The Critical Gap

Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage — including storm surge. You’ll need separate flood insurance through the NFIP or private providers.

Flood Zone and Premium Guide

Flood Zone	Risk Level	NFIP Requirement	Average Annual Premium
Zone X	Low	Not required	$400–600
Zone AE	High	Required	$1,200–2,500
Zone VE	Very High	Required	$2,000–4,000+
Zone A	High	Required	$1,500–3,000

Pre-Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Timeline	Action	Why It Matters
3 months before	Review policies, update coverage	Avoid gaps
2 months before	Create home inventory	Proves ownership
1 month before	Confirm claim procedures	Faster response
2 weeks before	Photograph property	Supports claims
1 week before	Secure documents	Protects evidence

FAQs: Florida Hurricane Insurance

1. What insurance covers hurricane damage in Florida?
You need windstorm and flood insurance. Homeowner’s insurance alone won’t cover storm surge or flooding.

2. When should I buy flood insurance?
At least 30 days before hurricane season—it has a waiting period before it takes effect.

3. Are hurricane deductibles mandatory in Florida?
Yes, most homeowners in coastal areas have percentage-based hurricane deductibles.

4. Does homeowner’s insurance cover wind-driven rain?
Only if the rain enters through a storm-damaged opening, not if it seeps through.

5. Can I reduce my hurricane insurance costs?
Yes. Wind mitigation upgrades and policy bundling can cut costs up to 45%.