Florida Hurricane Prep Checklist for Your Home

Pre-Season Home Maintenance for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30. Pre-season work focuses on strengthening your home against wind and water before a storm approaches. These steps come from guidance by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and FEMA.

Inspect and Maintain Your Roof

Check your roof for loose or damaged shingles, tiles or flashing. Repair issues early so materials have time to cure. A sound roof reduces the chance of interior water damage. Hurricane Retrofit Guide from the Florida Division of Emergency Management outlines priorities for roof attachments and reinforcements.

Clean debris from roof valleys and around vents. Consider professional evaluation if your roof is older or shows wear.

The Hurricane Retrofit Guide provides detailed recommendations for roof structure improvements. Homeowners can examine roof sheathing fastening, roof-to-wall connections, gable end bracing and overhang support. For wood plank decks, verify that at least two nails secure each plank at every rafter or truss crossing. When re-roofing, the Florida Existing Building Code requires roof sheathing fastening to current standards, typically 8d smooth shank nails spaced every 6 inches along all framing members in hurricane-prone areas.

Additional items to inspect include collar ties installed on every other pair of opposing rafters near the ridge, proper bracing for trusses and adequate support for any cantilevered sections over porches. If issues appear with rafter systems or truss plates, consult a licensed structural engineer for a retrofit plan before the season begins.

Roof inspection checklist

1. Walk the attic and look for signs of water stains, daylight through the deck or sagging sheathing.
2. From the ground or with binoculars, scan for missing, cracked or curled shingles and damaged flashing around vents and chimneys.
3. Clear leaves and debris from valleys and gutters to promote drainage.
4. Note the age and condition of the roof covering and record any wind ratings on asphalt shingles per ASTM D 7158 classifications.
5. Schedule professional assessment for roofs showing signs of age or wear or those showing widespread granule loss.

Perform these checks well before June so any repairs or replacements can be completed properly.

Secure Windows, Doors and Garage Doors

Install or inspect impact-resistant windows and doors or prepare shutters. Reinforce garage doors with braces or replace older units rated for high winds. Wind entering through a failed garage door can damage the roof. The Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate recommends reinforcing garage doors and adding shutters for wind protection.

Seal gaps around windows and doors with appropriate caulk to limit water intrusion.

Florida Building Code requirements address protection of openings in wind-borne debris regions, where ultimate design wind speeds reach 130 mph or greater. Glazed openings must meet large missile impact test standards such as ASTM E1996 and E1886 or approved equivalents. Garage door assemblies require impact resistance meeting ANSI/DASMA 115 or equivalent when located in these zones.

Homeowners replacing windows or doors should verify that products carry Florida Product Approval or local approval and that installation follows manufacturer instructions for the design wind pressures at the site. Reinforcement kits for existing garage doors typically involve horizontal bracing bars sized for the door width and wind load.

Window and door preparation checklist

1. Verify that impact-rated products or shutter systems cover all glazed openings.
2. Test manual or electric shutters for smooth operation and secure attachment points.
3. Inspect weatherstripping and caulk around frames for gaps or deterioration.
4. Confirm garage door reinforcement hardware is rated for local wind speeds and properly installed.
5. Replace any single-pane glass in high-risk areas with impact-resistant alternatives where feasible.

Trim Trees and Clear Yard Debris

Remove or trim trees and branches that could fall on the house. Clear loose items such as patio furniture, grills and trash cans before winds rise. Secure or bring indoors anything that could become flying debris. FEMA guidance stresses trimming trees and anchoring outdoor items.

Clean gutters and downspouts so water flows away from the foundation. Pooling water increases flood risk.

Yard and drainage checklist

1. Identify and prune branches that overhang the roof or could strike windows.
2. Remove dead or leaning trees with professional help if they pose a risk.
3. Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, trash cans and garden tools.
4. Clear gutters, downspouts and yard drains of leaves and sediment.
5. Grade soil around the foundation to direct water away from the house.

Check Utilities and Fuel Tanks

Locate and test water and gas shutoff valves. Anchor above-ground fuel tanks so they do not float or tip in floodwaters. FEMA advises securing tanks and preparing to shut off utilities if officials direct it.

Elevate or protect air conditioning units, electrical panels and other equipment where possible.

Utility and equipment checklist

1. Locate main water, gas and electric shutoffs and confirm they operate smoothly.
2. Secure propane or fuel tanks with straps or anchors rated for flood conditions.
3. Elevate outdoor HVAC units or install protective enclosures on raised platforms.
4. Protect electrical panels from potential flooding with barriers or elevation.
5. Review local floodplain management requirements for any additional elevation standards.

Review Insurance and Document Your Home

Confirm your policy covers wind and consider separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Take photos or videos of your home interior, exterior and belongings. Store copies in a waterproof container or cloud backup. The Florida Department of Financial Services Insurance Consumer Advocate provides mitigation and inventory guidance.

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood losses. The National Flood Insurance Program offers building and contents coverage with a 30-day waiting period for new policies. Mitigation features such as roof clips, impact protection and reinforced garage doors may qualify for wind premium discounts under Florida law.

Insurance and documentation checklist

1. Review the declarations page for wind coverage limits and deductibles.
2. Contact your agent to discuss flood insurance options through NFIP or private carriers.
3. Photograph or video every room, the exterior, roof and all personal property.
4. Maintain an itemized inventory with purchase dates and values.
5. Store digital copies off-site and keep printed copies in a waterproof location.

Build or Update Your Disaster Supply Kit

Assemble supplies for several days per person, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a battery radio and pet needs. FloridaDisaster.org recommends this timeline because power and water can be out for extended periods. Disaster Supply Kit Checklist.

Expanded supply kit items

• One gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
• Non-perishable food for seven days, plus a manual can opener.
• Prescription medications and first-aid supplies.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and NOAA weather radio.
• Flashlights, extra batteries and a multi-tool.
• Cash in small denominations and copies of important documents.
• Sanitation items, garbage bags and personal hygiene supplies.
• Pet food, water, leashes and carriers.
• Comfort items such as blankets, clothing and games for children.

Rotate perishable items every six months and check expiration dates before the season starts.

Find Licensed Contractors for Upgrades

For roof work, shutter installation or structural reinforcements, use licensed professionals. Florida Home Network lists 98,541 businesses built from DBPR license and Sunbiz records as of October 15, 2026. Search categories such as General contractors and remodelers pros in Florida, roofing or windows and doors.

Florida law requires contractors performing construction or repair work to hold an active license appropriate to the scope of work under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. Verify licenses through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at myfloridalicense.com and confirm business registration on Sunbiz.org. Request proof of general liability and workers compensation insurance before any work begins.

Contractor selection checklist

1. Confirm the contractor holds the correct license classification for the project.
2. Check for complaints or disciplinary actions through DBPR.
3. Obtain written estimates that specify materials, wind ratings and installation methods.
4. Verify product approvals meet Florida Building Code requirements.
5. Keep copies of all contracts, permits and inspection reports.

Step-by-Step Pre-Season Checklist

1. Walk the roof and attic for leaks or damage.
2. Test shutters or prepare plywood covers.
3. Trim trees and secure yard items.
4. Clean gutters and test drains.
5. Anchor fuel tanks and elevate equipment.
6. Update home inventory and insurance review.
7. Stock and rotate disaster kit supplies.
8. Sign up for local alerts at FloridaDisaster.org.

Perform these tasks well before June to allow time for any needed repairs or installations.

Additional Protection Measures

Consider flood vents, backflow valves or elevating utilities if your home is in a flood-prone area. Check your local floodplain manager for requirements. Mobile homes require extra attention and often evacuation.

These actions reduce potential damage but do not guarantee outcomes. Always follow local evacuation orders and official guidance during a storm.