Florida continues to welcome thousands of new residents every year, and for many, 2026 will be their first hurricane season. Even longtime Floridians can benefit from reviewing their hurricane preparedness plans before storm season begins. Every hurricane season is different. Some years are relatively quiet, while others bring multiple storms that impact our state. The best time to prepare is before a storm is on the radar. Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring from mid-August through mid-October. Whether you’ve just moved to Florida or you’ve lived here for years, taking a few simple steps now can help protect your family, your home, and your finances. While NOAA is forecasting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2026, that doesn’t mean Florida is in the clear. Seasonal forecasts estimate the total number of storms across the Atlantic—not where they’ll make landfall. History has shown that even a relatively quiet season can produce a major hurricane affecting Florida. That’s why experts recommend preparing every year, regardless of the forecast.

6 things new Florida residents should do to be ready for Hurricane Season

1. Learn your evacuation zone

Your evacuation zone is not the same as your flood zone. Evacuation zones are based primarily on the risk of storm surge, while flood zones are determined by flood risk from heavy rainfall and rising water.

Know your evacuation zone before hurricane season begins, and familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters. Check your county’s emergency management website or the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the most current information.

• Hillsborough Emergency Management
• Sarasota Emergency Management
• Polk Emergency Management
• Pinellas Emergency Management

2. Make a disaster plan

Not every hurricane requires evacuation, but if local officials issue an evacuation order, you’ll want to know exactly where you’ll go.

Talk with your family about your plan and identify:

• A friend or family member outside an evacuation zone where you could stay.
• Nearby public shelters, including pet-friendly shelters if needed.
• Multiple evacuation routes in case roads become congested.

It’s also a good idea to keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout hurricane season. Gas stations often experience long lines before a storm.

3. Build Your Hurricane Supply Kit

Plan to have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least seven days after a storm.

Your emergency kit should include:

• Drinking water
• Nonperishable food
• Prescription medications
• First-aid supplies
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers or power banks
• Important documents stored in waterproof containers
• Cash in small bills
• Pet food and supplies, if applicable

Remember to check expiration dates each year and replace supplies as needed. You can view the Hillsborough Disaster Planning Guide for a more complete list.

Note: Florida no longer has a limited-time Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. Beginning August 1, 2025, the state made sales tax exemptions for many disaster preparedness items permanent, so eligible supplies can be purchased tax-free year-round instead of during a designated holiday. Click here for a list of tax-exempt purchases.

4. Prepare your home and yard

Take time before hurricane season to reduce potential hazards around your property and harden your home.

Some important tasks include:

• Trim trees and remove dead branches.
• Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Inspect your roof for loose shingles or damage.
• Determine whether you’ll use hurricane shutters or plywood to protect windows.

Completing these projects early helps reduce stress when a storm is approaching.

5. Document the contents and condition of your home and your belongings

Create or update a home inventory before hurricane season.

Take photos or videos of every room, along with valuable belongings such as furniture, electronics, jewelry, and appliances. Save receipts when possible and store digital copies of your inventory in cloud storage or another secure location.

Having detailed documentation can make the insurance claims process much smoother if your home is damaged.

6. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Before hurricane season begins, review your homeowners insurance policy so you understand what is—and isn’t—covered.

Pay particular attention to:

• Your hurricane deductible (which is usually a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount)
• Coverage limits
• Additional living expense coverage
• Windstorm coverage

It’s also important to remember that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance requires a separate policy.

Don’t wait until a storm is threatening Florida to purchase flood insurance or make changes to your coverage. Insurance companies may stop issuing new policies or coverage changes when a storm is approaching.

Keep your insurance policy number, your agent’s contact information, and your insurance company’s claims phone number in an easily accessible location.

Prepare Now—Not When a Storm Is on the Way

One of the biggest mistakes new Florida residents make is waiting until a hurricane is forecast to begin preparing. By then, store shelves may be empty, gas stations crowded, and contractors booked.

Preparing early gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on keeping your family safe if a storm threatens our area.

If you have questions about your homeowners insurance, hurricane coverage, or flood insurance, call the experienced team at Pacific Crest Lakewood at 813-672-4100.  Pacific Crest Lakewood is an independent insurance agency in Riverview, Florida. We’ve been serving clients in Riverview, Tampa, Brandon, Valrico and surrounding communities for more than 20 years. We can help you review your coverage and make sure you’re prepared before hurricane season arrives.

Call us today at 813-672-4100 to discuss your homeowners or flood insurance needs, or request a quote online.