Surviving Florida’s Hurricane Season: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Living in Florida means sunshine, beaches, and year-round warmth. But it also means being prepared for hurricane season. From strong winds to sudden flooding and even tornadoes, Florida weather can change fast — and having a plan makes all the difference.

Below are key lessons, real homeowner experiences, and practical steps to protect your home and family during storm season.

Real Stories, Real Wake-Up Calls

Many Florida homeowners have faced storm-related challenges they never expected. One family had just minutes to take cover before a tornado, spun off from Hurricane Milton, hit their neighborhood. Their roof and car were damaged, but because they had their documents ready and a plan in place, they managed the situation safely.

Another homeowner evacuated early with her mother, who relies on medical devices. Thanks to a small battery-powered generator and a ready-to-go bag, they stayed safe and connected even with no power for days.

These experiences remind us how fast storms can escalate — and how important preparation really is.

Smart Prep Starts Before the Storm

Preparation is more than just buying bottled water. It starts long before the storm forms. Here are the most important things every Florida homeowner should do:

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Check your policy annually. Does it reflect your current home value, upgrades, and risk zone? Many homeowners find out after a storm that they’re underinsured or missing key protection like wind or flood coverage.

Know What’s Not Covered

Flood damage is usually not included in standard homeowners policies. Separate flood insurance often has a 30-day waiting period — so it must be purchased early in the season.

Document Your Belongings

Use your phone to photograph or record a video walkthrough of your home. Save it in the cloud or email it to yourself for safekeeping. This can speed up claims if you ever need to file one.

Tornadoes During Hurricanes? Yes, It Happens

Tornadoes can strike before the main storm even arrives. Homeowners across Florida have experienced unexpected funnel clouds during hurricanes. Never ignore tornado warnings. Move to your safe room immediately and stay alert with real-time updates from weather apps or radios.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Storm preparation is a mindset. The most resilient homeowners are those who plan early, review their coverage regularly, and take small steps each season to protect what matters.

Final Thoughts

Every storm season brings uncertainty, but taking the time to prepare brings peace of mind. From reviewing your insurance to building a reliable emergency kit, these small actions can make a big difference when a storm comes.

© 2025 Florida Peninsula Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Florida Peninsula. (2025). Surviving Hurricane Season: Stories from Florida Homeowners. This material is used under fair use for educational purposes. For the original article, see: https://www.floridapeninsula.com/blog/surviving-hurricane-season-stories-from-florida-homeowners