Your Florida Hurricane Season Insurance Gameplan (2025)

Hurricane season in Florida isn’t just a possibility—it’s a pattern. Every year from June 1 through November 30, we brace for potential hits. Some years are quiet. Others, not so much.

If you’re a homeowner in Florida, here’s what matters most: Your insurance needs to be ready before the first storm shows up on the radar.

Let’s break down what you should do (and understand) before the wind picks up.

TL;DR – Florida Hurricane Insurance Prep (2025)

• Hurricane deductible: Usually 2–5% of your home’s value. Know yours.
• Wind coverage: Not always included. Double-check your policy.
• Coverage limits: Make sure your dwelling and contents limits match today’s costs.
• Claim prep: Take photos, store documents, and know who to call.
• Home upgrades: Roof straps, shutters, and inspections can lower premiums.
• Act early: You can’t change coverage once a storm is close.
• Have a plan: Stock essentials, know your zone, and stay connected.

Need help sorting it out? Talk to a Florida-based insurance expert at Worth.

1. What is a Hurricane Deductible? (And Why It’s Probably Higher Than You Think)

Your hurricane deductible is not the same as your regular deductible. It’s a percentage of your home's insured value—usually 2% to 5%.

Example:
If your home is insured for $400,000 with a 2% hurricane deductible, you’d owe $8,000 out of pocket before your insurance covers any hurricane damage.

Many Florida homeowners don’t realize this until they file a claim.

What to check:

• Is your hurricane deductible 2%, 5%, or more?
• Does it reset per storm or per season?
• Can you afford to pay it quickly if you had to?

👉 Get a free policy review with a Worth Insurance advisor now

2. Do You Have Windstorm Coverage?

Not every home insurance policy in Florida includes wind coverage automatically. If you’re in a coastal or high-risk area, it may be excluded or require a separate policy.

Check for:

• Clear mention of windstorm coverage
• Any zip code or flood zone restrictions
• Roof condition and window/door compliance

Many areas, especially near the Gulf or Atlantic coasts, require a separate wind-only policy.

3. Is Your Coverage Keeping Up With Rising Costs?

If you’ve updated your home—or if the cost to rebuild has gone up—your current policy may no longer cover enough.

Review these:

• Have you done renovations since your last renewal?
• Has your insurer updated your coverage amount?
• Do you have receipts or photos of valuable items?

Worth Insurance can walk through this with you. Just ask.

4. Prepare for the Claims Process Before the Storm Hits

After a hurricane, things move fast. You won’t want to search for documents or figure out your next steps while dealing with damage or outages.

Do this now:

• Take photos of your home and contents
• Save a digital copy of your insurance policy
• Know who to call and how to start a claim

5. Home Upgrades That Can Cut Your Premium

Florida law rewards storm-resistant homes. Completing a wind mitigation inspection may qualify you for big discounts.

Improvements that help:

• Roof tie-downs or clips
• Storm shutters or impact-rated windows
• Reinforced garage doors
• Sealed roof deck

Even a few updates can lower your premium—and give your home a better chance during a storm.

6. Don’t Wait Until a Storm is on the Way

When a storm shows up on the radar, it’s already too late to adjust your insurance.

Most insurance companies in Florida stop binding new policies or increasing coverage once a named storm enters the “box”—a general area that includes most of the southeastern U.S. coastline. That usually happens 48 to 72 hours before projected impact.

What does that mean for you?

• You can’t add wind coverage or increase your dwelling limit.
• You can’t switch to a new carrier or lower your deductible.
• You’re stuck with whatever is in place at that moment.

This "lockout" is standard practice across the industry. It's not about bad faith—it's just risk control. And once it's active, even the best agent can’t override it.

Bottom line:
You can’t buy peace of mind when the storm is already coming. You have to have it in place before the watches and warnings start.

What to do today:

• Review your hurricane deductible and limits
• Confirm you have windstorm and flood coverage
• Store your current policy digitally and on paper
• Talk to an agent if anything seems off or unclear

👉 Get help reviewing or updating your policy today

The best time to check your coverage is when the skies are still clear.

7. Make a Hurricane Kit. Store the Essentials.

Insurance helps you recover after the storm. But what gets you through those hours—or days—without power, water, or clear roads? That’s your kit.

Too often, people rush out last-minute and grab whatever’s left. You don’t want to be figuring this out with a storm two days away.

Aim to prep for at least 3–5 days of self-sufficiency. Here’s what that looks like:

Survival Supplies

• Water: One gallon per person, per day. Don’t forget pets.
• Non-perishable food: Canned meals, granola bars, peanut butter, powdered milk.
• Manual can opener: Because electricity might be out.
• Prescription medications: Have enough on hand to last a full week.
• First-aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, over-the-counter meds, and any special medical items you may need.

Power & Communication

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: To stay updated when cell service drops.
• Fully charged battery banks: For phones and small devices.
• Flashlights and extra batteries: Avoid candles if possible—they're a fire risk.
• Car charger: For phones and GPS if you're on the move.

Personal & Safety Items

• Important documents: Insurance policies, ID, bank info—stored in a waterproof zip bag or case.
• Cash: ATMs and card readers may be offline.
• Clothing and hygiene items: Think socks, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, moist wipes.
• Face masks and gloves: Especially if you need to stay in a shared shelter.

Evacuation Readiness

• Fuel: Keep your gas tank at least half full during hurricane season.
• Evacuation plan: Know your zone and have a destination. Local shelters? Out-of-town family?
• Pet supplies: Food, meds, leash, and crate if you're evacuating with them.

Tip: Don’t stash everything in a closet. Keep your hurricane kit in a tote or backpack you can grab and go with if needed.

Questions Florida Homeowners Ask Before Hurricane Season

Do I need flood insurance too?

Yes. Homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. If you're in a flood zone, you'll want a separate policy.

Can I get coverage if a storm is already coming?

Usually not. Once a named storm is within a certain range, most carriers stop issuing or adjusting coverage.

How much coverage do I actually need?

Enough to rebuild your home at current construction costs—not just what you paid for it. Ask us to help estimate.

Get Ready With Help From a Florida-Based Insurance Team

We’re not a call center. We’re local.
Worth Insurance helps thousands of Florida homeowners prepare for—and recover from—hurricane season.

Let us help you check your coverage, understand your deductible, and get answers fast.

👉 Request a free hurricane season policy review now