Prepare for hurricane season with this essential Florida hurricane-preparation checklist. This guide helps you review insurance, secure your home, and create an emergency plan—so you stay safe and ready for any storm.

Need an insurance-policy check-up before the season heats up? Call the lawyers at Diane Zimmerman Law at (850) 866-0833 or reach us through our secure contact form for a free policy review.

We'll help you understand your coverage, coordinate any needed experts, develop a detailed scope of damages and repair-cost estimates, attend re-inspections, and work directly with the carrier to maximize your recovery—no public adjuster required.

Key Takeaways

• Review your homeowners policy early, identify coverage gaps, and set aside funds for the hurricane deductible.

• Add flood insurance well before a storm—most NFIP policies carry a 30-day waiting period.

• Secure your home (shutters, reinforced garage door, roof check) and clear potential yard projectiles.

• Build a 72-hour emergency kit, including at least one gallon of water per person per day—plus extra cash, meds, device chargers, and pet supplies.

• Map evacuation routes, know pet-friendly shelters, and sign up for local emergency alerts.

Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

One of the first steps in hurricane preparedness is reviewing your homeowners policy. Homeowners insurance policies in hurricane prone areas often require special attention to windstorm and hurricane deductibles, as these can significantly affect your out-of-pocket costs after a storm. Consulting your insurance agent or home insurance agent is important for understanding policy details and making adjustments as needed. Many Floridians assume their insurance covers every hurricane-related cost, but wind, water, and code-upgrade provisions often vary. Insurers and insurance companies may offer separate windstorm coverage or windstorm deductibles, especially in high hurricane risk regions, so be sure to read the declarations page and endorsements closely to see what's excluded and which deductibles apply to tropical-storm versus hurricane declarations.

Diane Zimmerman Law offers a complimentary policy review to flag gaps and recommend tweaks—call [(850) 866-0833](tel: (850) 866-0833)3) or use the secure contact form today. A home insurance agent or insurance agent can help you determine if you have enough coverage and explain the role of the insurer in managing claims.

Document Your Property

Create a photo / video inventory of your home, room by room. Save digital copies of receipts for high-value items. A well-organized inventory speeds claims and helps your agent verify you have enough personal-property coverage.

Assess Coverage Limits

Make sure each policy bucket is adequate:

Coverage	What it Pays For	Quick Check
A – Dwelling	Rebuild cost of the home itself	Does your limit match current construction costs?
B – Other Structures	Sheds, detached garage, fences	Include recent additions.
C – Personal Property	Furniture, electronics, clothing	Is replacement-cost coverage in place?
D – Additional Living Expenses (ALE)	Temporary housing, meals, storage	Typical limit = 20–30 % of Coverage A. Make sure your policy limit is high enough to cover extra costs and extra costs incurred if you are temporarily displaced.

Understand Hurricane Deductibles

Florida policies carry separate hurricane deductibles—usually 2 %–5 % of Coverage A. Because that's a percentage, even a modest house insured for $350 000 could leave you on the hook for $7 000–$17 500 before coverage kicks in. Know the dollar amount now and budget accordingly. It's also wise to set aside additional money to cover higher deductibles or unexpected rebuilding costs that may arise after a hurricane or windstorm.

Obtain Flood Insurance

Wind and water are distinct perils. Homeowners insurance may cover wind-driven rain, but storm-surge or rising water requires a separate flood policy. Most insurance policies do not cover flood damage or cover flooding, so you need specific flood insurance to ensure you are protected. Both NFIP and private-market options exist; if you're in a moderate- or low-risk zone, premiums are often surprisingly affordable. Remember: most NFIP policies take 30 days to activate—buy before a storm forms in the Gulf.

Check Flood Zones

Review FEMA flood maps or ask your agent which zone you're in; higher-risk zones demand higher limits.

Be Aware of Waiting Periods

Private carriers sometimes waive waiting periods, but NFIP does not. Plan ahead.

Prepare Your Home

Securing your home's structure against hurricane damage involves protecting windows and doors from extreme winds, storm surges, and potential flooding. Ensuring your home's structure is fortified can significantly reduce the risk of damage during a hurricane. Covering all windows and doors to prevent glass breakage is a necessary step in hurricane preparedness. Additionally, inspecting your roof for missing or loose shingles before hurricane season can prevent leaks and extensive damage.

Understanding the vulnerabilities of your home is crucial for effective hurricane preparedness. Addressing these vulnerabilities significantly reduces the risk of hurricane damage. Clearing your yard of items that could become projectiles in strong winds is also an important step to take before hurricane season starts.

Install Storm Shutters

Aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate shutters—or ⅝-inch exterior-grade plywood—reduce glass breakage and keep the building envelope intact.

Reinforce Garage Doors

Add approved braces or retrofit kits so the door can withstand uplift and lateral pressure.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Thin canopies so wind can pass through and remove dead limbs that could become missiles.

Create an Emergency Kit

Stock at least three days of supplies:

• Shelf-stable food (canned meats, energy bars)

• 1 gal. of water per person per day—and fill bathtubs for sanitation

• Prescription meds and first-aid kit

• Cash, spare batteries, flashlights, phone chargers, power banks

• Pet food, leashes, vaccination records

Develop an Evacuation Plan

Keeping updated on alerts and forecasts enhances safety during hurricane threats. It is essential to monitor the latest forecast updates from the National Hurricane Center and take action before a hurricane watch or hurricane warning is issued by the National Weather Service. Store vital documents, like insurance papers, in a secure and accessible place for quick retrieval during emergencies. Implementing a document protection strategy well before hurricane season can help prevent last-minute chaos. Additionally, having a pet evacuation plan is crucial since many shelters do not accept animals.

Developing a comprehensive evacuation plan involves familiarizing yourself with local shelters and safe zones, planning for your pets, and communicating the plan to all family members. These steps ensure a smoother and safer evacuation process during a hurricane. It is also important to review renters policies to ensure they cover additional living expenses if the home is rendered uninhabitable.

Identify Safe Locations

Know the nearest shelters and out-of-zone friends or family. Plot two routes in case one floods.

Plan for Pets

Most public shelters accept only service animals; line up pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities in advance.

Communicate the Plan

Make sure all family members are aware of the evacuation plan and designated meeting points. Communicating the evacuation plan clearly ensures everyone knows where to go and what to do during a hurricane.

Keeping everyone informed and prepared can significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of the evacuation process.

Stay Informed

Staying informed is a critical component of hurricane preparedness. Knowing your evacuation destinations, like friends' homes or shelters, greatly improves safety during an emergency. Establishing evacuation routes ahead of time is crucial for a smooth departure during emergencies.

Identifying evacuation routes before a storm ensures a timely and safe departure. Keeping up with local news and emergency alerts will provide you with the latest information and instructions, helping you make informed decisions and act quickly when necessary. The National Hurricane Center is the authoritative source for the latest hurricane forecasts, weather alerts, and storm discussions, ensuring you receive accurate and up-to-date information about hurricanes and related weather events.

Monitor Local News

Local TV and radio issue real-time evacuation orders and bridge closures.

Sign Up for Alerts

Register your phone with county and city emergency-management systems for push notifications.

Secure Important Documents

• Store originals in a fire-/water-resistant safe.

• Scan deeds, policies, IDs, and medical records to encrypted cloud storage for remote access.

Perform Regular Maintenance

• Roof: Replace loose shingles and clean gutters to prevent water intrusion.

• Gutters & Drains: Clear debris so rainwater flows away from the foundation.

• HVAC: Service the condenser, tighten electrical connections, and change filters for peak performance when power returns.

Schedule a Free Policy Review with Diane Zimmerman, PA

As hurricane season approaches, there's no better time to schedule a free policy review with Diane Zimmerman, PA. Diane Zimmerman specializes in homeowner and commercial property insurance claims in Florida and Georgia. A thorough policy review can help identify any gaps in your coverage and ensure you are fully prepared for the upcoming storm season. Publishing this article in late spring or early summer captures high-intent traffic and encourages readers to reach out for policy reviews or consultations.

To schedule an appointment for a policy review, contact Diane Zimmerman, PA, at (850) 866-0833 or use the contact form on the website. Taking advantage of this complimentary service can provide peace of mind and ensure you have the right coverage in place for hurricane season.

Contact Information

Hurricane season is here—let's be sure your policy is, too. Call(850) 866-0833 or submit the secure form on our website for your free, no-obligation review. We'll pinpoint gaps, explain deductibles, and, if a future claim stalls, we're ready to step in and fight for the full benefits you paid for.

Personalized Consultation

Every property (and policy) is different. Our lawyers tailor recommendations to your risk profile, mortgage requirements, and budget—so you enter hurricane season fully covered and confident.

Summary

A robust hurricane plan covers insurance, home fortification, emergency supplies, evacuation logistics, and document security. Tackle these tasks now to protect your family and assets—and remember, the legal team at Diane Zimmerman Law is here to make sure your coverage keeps pace with Florida's 2025 storm season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why review my policy now?

Gaps discovered before a storm can still be fixed. After landfall it's too late.

What goes in my emergency kit?

Non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, meds, cash, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and pet supplies.

How do I know my flood zone?

Check FEMA maps or ask your agent.

What is a hurricane deductible?

A percentage (2 %–5 %) of your dwelling limit that you must pay out-of-pocket on wind claims triggered by a named storm.

How do I schedule a free review?

Call (850) 866-0833 or use our secure online form—appointments typically take 15-20 minutes.