Hurricane Insurance in Florida: What You Need to Know for 2024
Living in Florida means preparing for hurricane season. Understanding your hurricane insurance coverage is essential for protecting your home and finances.
Hurricane Insurance Basics
There's No "Hurricane Insurance" Policy
Hurricane coverage comes from multiple sources:
- Homeowners insurance (wind damage)
- Flood insurance (water damage)
- Additional coverage (specific perils)
The Coverage Gap Problem
Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage but NOT flood damage—and hurricanes bring both.
What Homeowners Insurance Covers
Wind Damage (Covered)
- Roof damage from high winds
- Broken windows
- Structural damage from wind
- Debris damage
- Fallen trees (from wind)
Hurricane Deductible Applies
Separate deductible (2-10% of dwelling coverage) triggers when:
- National Weather Service declares hurricane watch/warning
- Named storm affects your area
Example: $300,000 home with 5% hurricane deductible = $15,000 out-of-pocket before insurance pays.
What Homeowners Insurance Doesn't Cover
Flood Damage (NOT Covered)
- Storm surge
- Rising water
- Ground water seepage
- Sewer backup from flooding
You need separate flood insurance.
Other Exclusions
- Mold (unless from covered peril)
- Landscaping (limited coverage)
- Detached structures (may have limits)
- Vehicles (need auto insurance)
Flood Insurance Explained
Two Options:
1. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Max $250,000 dwelling coverage
- Max $100,000 contents coverage
- 30-day waiting period
- Standardized rates
2. Private Flood Insurance
- Higher coverage limits available
- More coverage options
- Sometimes cheaper than NFIP
- No waiting period (sometimes)
Who Needs Flood Insurance?
Required:
- Mortgage in high-risk flood zone (A or V zones)
Recommended:
- Everyone in Florida
- 25% of flood claims come from low-risk areas
- Storm surge can reach miles inland
Average Flood Insurance Costs
- High-risk zones: $2,000 - $8,000/year
- Moderate-risk zones: $500 - $2,000/year
- Low-risk zones: $400 - $800/year
Hurricane Deductibles Explained
How They Work
- Percentage of dwelling coverage (not flat amount)
- Only applies to hurricane/named storm damage
- Separate from regular deductible
Common Deductible Percentages
- 2%: Lower out-of-pocket, higher premium
- 5%: Most common
- 10%: Higher out-of-pocket, lower premium
Real-World Examples
$200,000 Home:
- 2% deductible = $4,000
- 5% deductible = $10,000
- 10% deductible = $20,000
$500,000 Home:
- 2% deductible = $10,000
- 5% deductible = $25,000
- 10% deductible = $50,000
When Hurricane Deductible Triggers
- Hurricane watch or warning issued
- Tropical storm becomes hurricane
- Named storm affects your area
Important: Deductible applies per storm, not per year.
Hurricane Season Preparation
Before Hurricane Season (May 1)
Review Your Coverage:
- Dwelling coverage adequate?
- Have flood insurance?
- Understand deductibles?
- Know what's covered?
Document Your Property:
- Photo/video every room
- List valuable items
- Store records off-site or in cloud
- Update annually
Prepare Your Home:
- Install hurricane shutters
- Trim trees
- Secure outdoor items
- Check roof condition
During Hurricane Watch/Warning
Protect Your Property:
- Install shutters
- Bring in outdoor furniture
- Turn off utilities if evacuating
- Take final photos
Gather Important Documents:
- Insurance policies
- ID and financial documents
- Medical records
- Pet records
Prepare Emergency Kit:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Medications
- Flashlights and batteries
- First aid kit
After the Hurricane
Safety First:
- Wait for all-clear from authorities
- Watch for downed power lines
- Check for gas leaks
- Avoid flood water
Document Damage:
- Photos/video of all damage
- Don't throw away damaged items yet
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
- Keep all receipts
Contact Your Insurer:
- Report claim within 24-48 hours
- Get claim number
- Ask about emergency repairs
- Follow their instructions
Common Hurricane Claim Issues
1. Wind vs. Flood Damage Disputes
Problem: Insurer claims damage was flood (not covered) not wind (covered).
Solution:
- Hire public adjuster if needed
- Get independent inspection
- Document everything
- Know your policy
2. Roof Damage Assessments
Problem: Insurer says roof damage was pre-existing.
Solution:
- Have pre-storm photos
- Get independent roofer opinion
- Review wind mitigation inspection
- Appeal if necessary
3. Mold from Water Intrusion
Problem: Mold develops after hurricane damage.
Solution:
- Document water damage immediately
- Dry out quickly (within 48 hours)
- Mold from covered peril may be covered
- Act fast to prevent mold
4. Additional Living Expenses
Problem: Home uninhabitable, need hotel.
Solution:
- Know your ALE limits
- Keep all receipts
- Stay in reasonable accommodations
- Report to insurer immediately
How to Lower Hurricane Insurance Costs
1. Wind Mitigation Inspection ($75-150)
Potential savings: 20-40% on premiums
What inspectors check:
- Roof shape and covering
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Roof deck attachment
- Opening protection
- Secondary water resistance
Discounts for:
- Hurricane straps/clips
- Impact-resistant windows
- Reinforced roof
- Opening protection
2. Fortified Roof Certification
Cost: $2,000 - $10,000 for upgrades
Savings: 15-30% on premiums
ROI: 3-5 years typically
3. Increase Deductible
2% to 5%: Save 15-25%
5% to 10%: Save 20-35%
Warning: Ensure you can afford higher deductible.
4. Bundle Policies
Combine home + auto = 15-25% savings
5. Improve Home Security
- Burglar alarm: 5-10% discount
- Fire alarm: 5-10% discount
- Water leak detection: 5% discount
6. Maintain Continuous Coverage
No gaps in coverage = better rates
7. Shop Around
Rates vary 30-50% between carriers
Citizens Property Insurance
Florida's Insurer of Last Resort
When to consider:
- Denied by private insurers
- Private quotes 20%+ higher than Citizens
Pros:
- Often cheaper
- Guaranteed coverage if eligible
- No profit motive
Cons:
- Limited coverage options
- Potential for assessments after major hurricane
- May be forced to private market
- Slower claims process
2024 Changes:
- Coverage limits adjusted
- Eligibility requirements tightened
- Depopulation efforts continue
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
3 Months Before Season
- ☐ Review insurance coverage
- ☐ Schedule wind mitigation inspection
- ☐ Get flood insurance (30-day wait)
- ☐ Create home inventory
- ☐ Trim trees and landscaping
1 Month Before Season
- ☐ Stock emergency supplies
- ☐ Test generator
- ☐ Review evacuation routes
- ☐ Update emergency contacts
- ☐ Check hurricane shutters
When Storm Approaches
- ☐ Fill prescriptions
- ☐ Withdraw cash
- ☐ Fuel vehicles
- ☐ Charge devices
- ☐ Secure outdoor items
- ☐ Install shutters
- ☐ Document property
After Storm
- ☐ Wait for all-clear
- ☐ Document damage
- ☐ Contact insurer
- ☐ Make temporary repairs
- ☐ Keep all receipts
Get Proper Hurricane Coverage
Don't wait until hurricane season to review your coverage. Our licensed agents will:
- Review your current hurricane protection
- Identify coverage gaps
- Explain deductibles clearly
- Find the best rates for comprehensive coverage
Call (407) 557-3100 or get a free quote.
Hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30. Information current as of February 2024. Consult with a licensed agent for personalized advice.