Florida Pre-Hurricane Insurance Checklist

Hurricane season is almost upon us, and Fort Lauderdale residents should take a few important steps to protect their home insurance. There are many things you can do to improve insurance outcomes, and there are many things you absolutely should do. Whatever the case may be, you should take these steps before hurricane season arrives. If you wait until storms are just a few days from making landfall, it may already be too late. Discuss your options in more detail with an experienced Fort Lauderdale property insurance lawyer.

Review Deadlines for Policy Changes 

In Florida, hurricane season officially begins on June 1st. This deadline is important because it might represent your last chance to get a new policy or update your existing policy. Each insurer is different, but most will prevent you from making any changes once the hurricane season officially begins.

Others might allow certain adjustments but not others. Your insurance company might also prevent you from making changes when a new storm is identified. You cannot make changes to your policy days before a storm makes landfall in your area. As far as your insurer is concerned, you’re “locked in” at that point.

 Take Photos of Your Property

 Another important step before hurricane season is to take photographs of your property before the storms arrive. This is important because your photos could help prove that the damage is connected to a specific storm. Without this evidence, your insurer might argue that the damage is pre-existing. This could form the basis for a denied claim, which is something you always want to avoid.

Play it safe by photographing everything. This includes your roof, your windows, basement, flooring, walls, and anything else you think is vulnerable to damage. You might even want to photograph and take note of any valuable items in your home.

 Review Your Options 

Take this opportunity to review your insurance options. Your available choices might have changed since you last checked, and many insurers are returning to the state. In particular, there are now more affordable options for flood insurance. Once again, you’ll need to take advantage of these opportunities before hurricane season for best results.

 Secure Your Documents 

A serious flood or hurricane could destroy your most important documents. Don’t rely on paper copies. Make additional copies and back up these documents in digital form. You should pay close attention to your insurance documents, as these will be vital when you file your claims.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Property Insurance Lawyers Today

At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders. If your property insurance claim was denied, we can help. For a free consultation, please call us today at (954) 990-5251. With an office in Sunrise, we represent policyholders in Broward County and throughout the state of Florida.

Sources: 

cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-homeowners-urged-to-review-insurance-as-options-grow-premiums-drop/

news-press.com/story/news/2025/05/30/when-hurricane-season-florida-starts-ends-what-document-home-insurance-exclusions-flooding/83917261007/