South Florida’s Most Important Insurance Season Starts June 1
No region in the United States is more hurricane-exposed than South Florida. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties have been directly impacted by more named storms than almost anywhere else in the country — and the insurance consequences of being unprepared are severe.
This page brings together the most important storm preparedness resources, official government links, and expert guidance we share with associations every hurricane season. Start here before June 1.
Season runs June 1 – November 30
Peak activity is August through October. Preparation should begin no later than May to ensure adequate time to review coverage and complete property inspections.
Document before the storm
Pre-storm photo and video documentation of your property is the single most important thing you can do to protect your insurance claim.
Review your policy before season
Confirm deductibles, windstorm coverage limits, and your carrier’s claims number before any storm threatens — not after.
Have a claims plan ready
Know who has authority to file a claim, who to call first, and what documentation to gather immediately after a storm passes.
2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Activity Levels
Understanding when storm risk peaks helps associations time their preparation and policy reviews appropriately.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Understanding storm categories helps boards communicate risk to residents and make informed decisions about evacuation and shelter-in-place.
Trusted Storm & Emergency Resources
These are the official government and emergency management sources every South Florida condo association should have bookmarked.
National Hurricane Center
NOAA / FederalThe authoritative source for hurricane tracking, forecasts, watches, and warnings. Monitor storm tracks in real time and access the NHC’s cone of uncertainty maps during active storm threats.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
State AgencyFlorida’s official emergency management agency. Find evacuation routes, shelter locations, disaster preparedness guides, and real-time updates during active storm events.
Miami-Dade Emergency Management
County AgencyLocal emergency management for Miami-Dade County. Find evacuation zones, shelter information, and local emergency orders specific to Miami-Dade associations.
Broward County Emergency Management
County AgencyEmergency preparedness and response resources for Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities. Find your evacuation zone and local shelter locations.
Palm Beach County Emergency Management
County AgencyEmergency preparedness resources for Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach. Find evacuation zones, shelter maps, and storm preparation guides.
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Federal AgencyLook up your building’s official FEMA flood zone designation. Knowing whether your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is essential for determining flood insurance requirements.
Peter’s Pre-Season Preparation Tips
These are the steps Peter walks every association through before each hurricane season begins.
Review Your Policy Before June 1
Pull your declarations page and confirm your windstorm deductible, coverage limits, and carrier claims number. Know your deductible amount in dollars — not just as a percentage — before any storm threatens.
Complete a Pre-Storm Property Walkthrough
Film a thorough video of your entire property — roof, exterior walls, windows, common areas, amenities, and equipment. This baseline documentation is invaluable if you need to file a claim.
Inspect Your Roof and Building Envelope
Have a licensed roofer inspect your roof before season. Address any known issues — cracked caulking, loose tiles, deteriorated flashing — before a storm exploits them into a major claim.
Test Your Generator Under Load
Run your backup generator at full load for at least 30 minutes. Confirm fuel capacity and establish a fuel supply plan — after a major storm, fuel can be nearly impossible to find for days.
Update Your Emergency Contact List
Compile a current list of all board members, your property manager, Peter’s cell (631-805-5249), your carrier’s claims line, and key contractors. Print it and store it where it’s accessible without power.
Communicate With Residents Early
Send residents a pre-season communication covering your building’s storm protocols, what they should do to prepare their units, and how to reach the board during and after a storm.
Storm & Insurance Terms Every Board Should Know
A quick-reference glossary of the most important storm and insurance terms for South Florida condo boards.
Is Your Association Ready for Hurricane Season?
Peter offers free pre-season insurance reviews for South Florida condo associations. Make sure your coverage is solid before the next storm.
Schedule a Free Review