Hurricane Season
on the Gulf Coast

Every June, two things arrive on the Gulf Coast like clockwork: the official start of hurricane season, and a wave of questions from clients about how to actually get ready for it.

I'm not here to scare anyone — I live here too, and I wouldn't trade this coast for anywhere. But after helping people buy, sell, and recover homes through storm seasons, I've learned one thing for certain: calm preparation now beats scrambling later. Here's the checklist I share with everyone.

First, Know the Season

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from August through October. The single best time to prepare is right now — in the quiet stretch before anything is ever on the forecast cone. Once a storm is named and pointed our way, supplies vanish and your options shrink fast.

Review Your Insurance Before You Need It

This is the step people put off and regret. Most insurers impose a moratorium the moment a storm enters the Gulf — you can't bind or change coverage while a system is active. Sort it out now. Two things homeowners routinely miss:

• Flood is separate. A standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage, and you don't have to be on the water to flood. If you're unsure where you stand, start with my Florida flood insurance guide.
• Know your hurricane deductible. It's often a percentage of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount — which can be a far bigger number than people expect. Find out what yours is before you ever need to use it.

Document Everything Now

If you ever have to file a claim, documentation is the difference between a smooth payout and a months-long fight. Take twenty minutes this week: walk through your home with your phone, video every room, open closets and cabinets, and photograph serial numbers on big-ticket items. Back it up to the cloud and email a copy to yourself so it survives no matter what happens to the house.

Harden Your Home

• Windows and doors. Impact glass or shutters are your best defense. If you have neither, know exactly where your plywood is before the pre-storm rush.
• Roof. Have loose or missing shingles handled now. A small repair today prevents catastrophic water intrusion later.
• The yard. Anything loose becomes a projectile in high wind — patio furniture, planters, the grill. Trim back dead branches while it's calm.
• Power. If you rely on a generator, test it and store fuel safely. Charge your backups and keep surge protection on sensitive electronics.

Have a Plan, Not Just Supplies

Supplies matter — at least 72 hours of water, non-perishable food, medications, and batteries. But the plan matters more. Know your evacuation zone (both Manatee and Sarasota counties publish maps online), decide in advance where you'd go, and build a go-bag with documents, chargers, cash, and anything your pets need. Deciding under pressure is how mistakes happen.

After the Storm

Safety first — watch for downed lines, standing water, and damaged structures before anything else. Once it's safe, document all damage before you begin cleanup, and file your claim promptly.

And know what relief exists. Right now, Manatee County's Lasting Manatee program has $252 million in federal recovery funds for storm-damaged homes — the application deadline was just extended to August 31, 2026. If you or someone you know took damage in a past storm, don't leave that on the table. Here's everything you need to know.

The Bottom Line

A little preparation now buys a lot of peace of mind later. You can't control the forecast, but you can control how ready you are — and on the Gulf Coast, that readiness is simply part of the deal. Whether you're a longtime local or you just bought your first home here, build the plan once and refine it each June.

I keep an eye on this for my clients year-round, and I'm always happy to point you toward the right resources — insurance contacts, flood-zone lookups, resilient communities, all of it.