Living in Florida means enjoying sunshine, beaches, and palm trees—but it also means preparing for hurricane season each year. While stocking up on water, batteries, and sandbags is essential, one of the most important steps homeowners often overlook is reviewing their insurance coverage.

When a storm hits, the last thing you want is to discover your policy doesn’t protect you against common hurricane-related damages. Below, we’ll walk through the key areas of coverage every Florida homeowner should understand.

1. Windstorm Coverage

Hurricane-force winds can cause severe damage to roofs, windows, and entire structures. Surprisingly, not all standard homeowners insurance policies automatically include windstorm coverage. In Florida, many policies have a separate “hurricane deductible”—usually a percentage of your home’s insured value—so make sure you know what yours is and whether it fits your budget.

2. Flood Insurance

One of the biggest misconceptions is assuming homeowners insurance covers flooding. It doesn’t.
Flood damage from heavy rain, overflowing canals, or storm surge requires a separate flood policy, typically purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier. Even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, consider coverage—40% of all flood claims come from outside high-risk areas.

3. Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

If a hurricane leaves your home uninhabitable, ALE coverage helps cover the costs of temporary housing, hotels, meals, and other living expenses while repairs are made. Without this, you may be left paying out of pocket during an already stressful time.

4. Roof & Structural Protection

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Most policies include coverage for hurricane damage, but payout may depend on age and condition. Some insurers offer full replacement cost, while others reduce payment based on depreciation. Review your policy now to avoid surprises later.

5. Personal Property Coverage

Furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances can all be damaged in a storm. Check that your belongings are covered at replacement cost, not just actual cash value (which factors in depreciation). Taking a quick home inventory—photos or videos of each room—can make filing a claim much smoother.

6. Debris Removal & Tree Damage

Hurricanes often leave behind fallen trees and debris. Many policies cover removal and repairs if debris damages your home, but coverage limits vary. If you live in a heavily wooded area, consider increasing your protection.

Pro Tips for Florida Homeowners

• Review Annually: Sit down with your insurance agent before hurricane season to update coverage and make adjustments.

• Don’t Wait: Once a storm is named, insurers may restrict new or adjusted coverage until after it passes.

• Document Everything: Keep a digital inventory of valuables, store your policy in a safe (waterproof) place, and know your carrier’s claims process in advance.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for hurricane season is about more than shutters and sandbags. The right insurance coverage ensures that if the worst happens, you’re protected financially and can recover quickly.

Now is the time to review your policy, ask questions, and make sure you’re covered where it counts.