Florida has the highest hurricane risk of any U.S. state and one of the most complex insurance markets in the country. Understanding what your policies cover — and what they don't — before a storm is the difference between a full recovery and a financial crisis.
NFIP flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period. You cannot buy flood insurance when a storm is approaching. Purchase before May 1 to be covered for the start of hurricane season.
Wind damage to structure and contents, additional living expenses if uninhabitable
Flood damage, storm surge, water intrusion from the ground up
Private insurers, Citizens Property Insurance
Building structure up to $250,000, contents up to $100,000
Additional living expenses, vehicles, temporary housing
NFIP through private agents, or private flood insurers
Often higher limits than NFIP, may include additional living expenses
Varies by policy
Private insurers — may have shorter waiting periods than NFIP
Wind damage in high-risk coastal areas where standard policies exclude wind
Flood damage
Citizens or private windstorm insurers in coastal zones
Florida law requires homeowner's insurance policies to include a separate hurricane deductible. This deductible applies specifically to wind damage from a named hurricane and is typically much higher than your standard deductible.
| Deductible % | $300K Home | $400K Home | $500K Home | $750K Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2% | $6,000 | $8,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| 5% | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 | $37,500 |
| 10% | $30,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 | $75,000 |
The deductible is based on the insured value of the structure, not the market value of the home. Review your policy declarations page to confirm your hurricane deductible amount.
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida's state-created insurer of last resort. It was designed to provide coverage for homeowners who cannot obtain insurance in the private market. As private insurers have exited the Florida market due to losses and litigation, Citizens has grown to become one of the largest insurers in the state.
Photograph and video all damage before touching anything. This documentation is critical for your claim.
Report the claim as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification. Get a claim number.
You can make temporary repairs (tarping, boarding) to prevent additional damage. Keep all receipts.
Wait for the adjuster to inspect before completing permanent repairs, unless safety requires immediate action.
If you believe the estimate is too low, you can hire a public adjuster or consult an attorney.
Standard Florida homeowner's insurance policies cover wind damage from hurricanes, but they do not cover flood damage. Flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. Most hurricane damage claims involve both wind and flood components, so having both coverages is essential.
A hurricane deductible is a separate, higher deductible that applies specifically to hurricane-related wind damage. Florida law requires insurers to offer hurricane deductibles of 2%, 5%, or 10% of the insured value of the home. On a $400,000 home with a 5% hurricane deductible, you would pay the first $20,000 of hurricane wind damage out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida's state-backed insurer of last resort. It was created to provide coverage for homeowners who cannot obtain insurance in the private market. Citizens has grown significantly as private insurers have left the Florida market. It is not a preferred option — private insurance is generally better — but it provides a safety net for homeowners who cannot find coverage elsewhere.
NFIP flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. This means you cannot purchase flood insurance when a storm is approaching and have it cover that storm. Purchase flood insurance well before hurricane season begins, ideally by May 1.
Document all damage with photos and video before any cleanup. Contact your insurer immediately to report the claim. Keep records of all emergency expenses. Do not make permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected the damage. If your claim is denied or underpaid, you can hire a public adjuster or consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance claims.
Wind insurance (part of your homeowner's policy) covers damage caused by hurricane-force winds, including roof damage, broken windows, and structural damage from wind. Flood insurance covers damage caused by rising water, storm surge, and inland flooding. In a hurricane, both wind and flood damage often occur. You need both policies to be fully protected.
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