Hurricane Season Prep: What Florida Homeowners Should Do Before the First Storm Hits
If you own a home in Florida, you already know—hurricane season isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Every year from June 1st to November 30th, we're on alert. And if you're in the Tampa Bay or St. Petersburg area like many of my clients, you’ve probably already had at least one close call.
So let’s cut through the noise. Here’s a Florida Realtor’s no-fluff guide to getting your property hurricane-ready before the first storm hits—and trust me, waiting until the last minute is a gamble you don’t want to take.
1. Review Your Flood Insurance—Don't Assume You're Covered
This is a big one. I see this mistake all the time. People assume their standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers flooding. It doesn’t.
If you’re in a special flood hazard area (SFHA)—and many St. Pete and Gulfport properties are—you must have separate flood insurance, often through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). And even if you're not required to carry it, you should. Flood damage is not covered by most homeowner’s policies, and just one inch of water can cause over $25,000 in damage.
💡 Pro tip: Flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period. That means once a named storm is on the radar, it’s too late to buy coverage. Act now.
Use this FEMA flood map tool to check your flood zone. And if you're not sure what kind of coverage you have, send me a message—I’ll connect you with a trusted insurance pro who can walk you through your current policy and coverage gaps.
2. Get a Roof Inspection—It’s Not Just About Leaks
Let me tell you something straight: in Florida, your roof is your #1 line of defense during hurricane season. If it fails, everything underneath it is at risk.
Even if your roof looks fine, the underlayment, fasteners, and flashing could be degraded. That’s why I recommend hiring a licensed roofer for a pre-season inspection.
Why? Because:
Many insurance companies now require your roof to be under 10 or 15 years old for full wind coverage.
A failing roof can disqualify you from binding new insurance or renewing your policy.
You’ll get peace of mind—and a head start if any repairs or upgrades are needed.
If you’re looking to sell in the next year, this is critical. A solid roof reduces risk, increases value, and keeps you off the radar of high insurance premiums or policy cancellations.
3. Understand the 4-Point Inspection—and Why You Should Care
If your home is more than 20–30 years old, especially here in Pinellas County, you’re going to face a 4-point inspection when applying for or renewing homeowners insurance.
This inspection looks at four systems:
Roof
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
Insurers want to know: Are these systems safe and functional? Will they hold up during high winds and heavy rain?
The 4-point inspection isn’t just a box to check—it can make or break your insurance coverage. And during hurricane season, when the market tightens and insurers start pulling out of Florida (yes, it’s happening), a clean 4-point report can help you lock in coverage before storms make it harder to get a policy at all.
⚠️ Heads up: Some buyers won’t even consider older homes that lack a current 4-point inspection or wind mitigation report. If you’re thinking about selling, it’s a no-brainer.
4. Secure the Home—Before You’re in the Cone of Uncertainty
Every Floridian knows the drill—once a storm gets named, Home Depot becomes a war zone. Don’t wait. Here's your checklist of storm prep must-dos:
✅ Install hurricane shutters or check that your impact windows are in good shape.
✅ Seal all doors and windows. Use weather stripping and caulk to prevent water intrusion.
✅ Trim trees and secure landscaping. Loose limbs become airborne missiles in 100+ mph winds.
✅ Clear your gutters and downspouts. Water needs to flow away from your house.
✅ Test your sump pump or drainage system. Flooding starts at ground level.
And don’t forget about garage doors—they’re often the first thing to fail under pressure. Reinforcement kits can make a huge difference for just a few hundred bucks.
5. Take a Home Inventory—This Could Save You Thousands
If your property gets damaged in a storm, the insurance process will be a nightmare unless you have a detailed inventory.
Take photos or videos of:
Major appliances
Furniture
Electronics
Artwork
Exterior structures like sheds, pools, or outdoor kitchens
Keep it all stored in the cloud—Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, whatever works. Having visual proof will speed up claims and help ensure you get the reimbursement you deserve.
6. Talk to Your Insurance Agent Now—Not When the Storm’s Coming
Most homeowners I talk to haven’t spoken to their insurance agent in years. That’s a problem. With all the policy changes happening in Florida—especially with Citizens Insurance and private insurers pulling back—it pays to have a real conversation now.
Ask:
Is my home covered for wind, flood, and storm surge?
What’s my deductible?
What exclusions or limits should I know about?
Do I need a wind mitigation inspection to lower my premium?
Final Word: Proactive = Protected
Look, I’m not trying to scare you—but I am trying to prepare you. Florida weather doesn’t mess around, and neither should you.
The best time to get ready is before the first storm forms in the Gulf. I’ve seen too many families caught off guard, stuck with sky-high repair costs or denied insurance claims because they waited too long to act.
Whether you’re staying in your home for years to come or planning to sell in the next 12 months, prepping now will save you money, time, and stress later.
And if you’re not sure where to start—reach out. I’ll connect you with trusted roofers, inspectors, insurance agents, and contractors who can help get your home ready for whatever this hurricane season throws our way.
✅ Need a Pro to Review Your Property’s Hurricane Readiness?
I offer complimentary pre-listing walk-throughs and can help you identify the key fixes and upgrades that will protect your home and boost its value. Call or text me at 727-251-4106 or visit www.TampaBayRealtorSean.com to schedule a free consultation.
