⚠️ Hurricane Season Begins June 1, 2026 — You Have Less Than 30 Days
How to use this checklist: Print it out or work through it on your phone. Check each box as you go. The items marked with ⚡ are highest priority — if you only do 10 things before hurricane season, do those. If you sustain damage, call a licensed public adjuster before you call a contractor — it can mean tens of thousands of dollars in your favor.
⚡ Locate your current insurance policy documentsKnow your carrier, policy number, and agent contact. Store a copy digitally (email to yourself).
⚡ Know your hurricane deductible — it's different from your regular deductibleFlorida hurricane deductibles are typically 2–5% of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount. A $400k home = $8k–$20k out of pocket before coverage kicks in.
Understand what's covered vs. excludedFlood damage is almost never covered by homeowner's insurance. If you're in a flood zone, confirm you have a separate NFIP or private flood policy.
Check your coverage limits against current replacement costConstruction costs in South Florida have risen 30–40% since 2020. Your 2019 coverage limit may leave you significantly underinsured.
Review your loss of use / additional living expense coverageIf your home is uninhabitable after a storm, this pays for hotel and meals. Know the daily and total limit.
Confirm your Citizens policy is current (if applicable)Citizens requires annual renewal and has strict requirements. Confirm active status before storm season.
Photograph and video document your entire propertyWalk every room. Open every closet. Document appliances, electronics, furniture. Store in the cloud. This is your baseline if you need to file a claim.
⚡ Save a public adjuster's number in your phone nowDon't look for one after a storm when everyone's scrambling. Robinhood Adjusting: (561) 555-0100
⚠️ Know Your Rights Before You Need Them
Florida law gives you the right to hire a licensed public adjuster to represent you during any property insurance claim. A PA works for you — not the insurance company. Studies show PA-represented claims settle for significantly more than unrepresented claims. Key rights:
- You do NOT have to accept the insurance company's first offer
- You do NOT have to give a recorded statement without preparation
- You have the right to an independent appraisal if you dispute the settlement
- You must file within your policy's claim window — typically 1–3 years
⚡ Inspect your roof — look for missing shingles, soft spots, or lifted flashingA compromised roof is your #1 vulnerability. If it's 15+ years old, get a professional inspection now. Pre-storm documentation protects your claim.
Trim trees and palms within 10 feet of the structureOverhanging branches and palms with dead fronds are projectiles in hurricane-force winds. Hire a licensed tree service — not a storm-chaser who shows up after.
⚡ Confirm your storm shutters or impact windows are operationalTest every shutter. Replace missing bolts. Confirm impact glass is free of cracks. This is your first line of defense and affects your insurance discount.
Inspect your garage door — is it hurricane-rated?Garage doors are the most common failure point. If yours isn't rated for 130+ mph winds, add a bracing kit. An unbraced door can fail catastrophically and allow wind to pressurize your home.
Check gutters, downspouts, and drains — clear of debrisBlocked gutters during a storm cause water intrusion and roof damage. Clean them now. Confirm downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
Inspect soffits and fascia for damage or loose sectionsCompromised soffits allow wind-driven water into your attic. Walk the perimeter and look for gaps, sagging, or paint peeling — signs of past water intrusion.
Secure or remove patio furniture, planters, and outdoor décorIn a hurricane, a patio umbrella becomes a missile. Plan ahead for what goes inside vs. what gets tied down.
Check fence integrity — loose sections become dangerous projectilesInspect posts for rot and concrete anchors for cracks. Remove fence sections you can't reinforce.
Inspect HVAC unit strapping and anchor boltsYour A/C condenser must be hurricane-strapped per Florida building code. Confirm the straps are intact and not corroded. A flying condenser causes major damage.
Gold tip: Take date-stamped photos of every completed exterior item. If you file a claim after the storm, these photos prove the pre-storm condition of your property and counter any carrier attempt to deny based on "pre-existing damage."
Store important documents in a waterproof containerPolicy, deed, IDs, birth certificates, passports, financial records.
Know how to shut off water, gas, and electricityLabel your breakers. Know the main shutoff valve location.
Test smoke and CO detectorsReplace batteries. After a storm, generator CO poisoning is a leading cause of death.
Inspect attic for existing water stains or moldExisting damage complicates future claims. Document it now.
Check sump pump if applicableTest operation. Have a battery backup for power outages.
⚡ 7-day water supply1 gallon/person/day. Fill bathtubs as backup.
Non-perishable food — 7 daysManual can opener. No cooking required options.
Medications — 30-day supply minimumPharmacies close after major storms.
Generator — fuel, oil, and cordNEVER run indoors. Run outside 20+ feet from windows.
Cash — ATMs fail after stormsSmall bills. $200–$500 minimum.
Portable phone charger — fully chargedSolar or battery bank. Keep charged all season.
Know your evacuation zone (A through F)Check Palm Beach County Emergency Management: pbcgov.org/emergency
⚡ Document ALL damage before any cleanup or repairsPhotos and video everything — roof, interior, belongings. The carrier will try to minimize scope without documentation.
⚡ Do NOT sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) with any contractorAOBs transfer your insurance rights to the contractor. You lose control of your own claim. Florida law has limited AOBs — any contractor asking you to sign one is a red flag.
⚡ Call a public adjuster BEFORE you call your insurance companyYour carrier's adjuster works for the insurance company. A PA works for you. Having representation from the first call sets the right tone for your entire claim.
Make only emergency temporary repairs to prevent further damageTarps on the roof. Board broken windows. Keep ALL receipts. These are reimbursable. Don't do permanent repairs until the claim is settled.
File your claim promptly — document the date you filedFlorida policies have claim deadlines. Don't wait. Keep a written record of every conversation with your carrier including date, time, and representative name.
Do NOT give a recorded statement without preparationYou have the right to review your policy and consult with a PA before making any recorded statement. Anything you say can be used to limit your claim.
Request a complete copy of your policy and claim fileYou're entitled to it. Review the estimate line by line. Carriers frequently omit covered items.
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Questions about a current or upcoming claim? Robinhood Adjusting — Licensed Public Adjusters | duncanlittlejohn727@gmail.com
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