The 2026 Florida Storm Preparation Handbook covers what every Florida property owner needs to do before, during, and after a major storm. Free, instant download.
From the first day of hurricane season to the first 48 hours after a storm, the Handbook walks you through every step a Florida property owner needs to take.
CHAPTER 01
Before the storm — your pre-season checklist
What to do every June 1, long before any storm forms. Tree work, roof check, photo records, document backup, and a 7-day supply plan.
CHAPTER 02
72 hours out — when the cone hits Florida
The first time forecasters mention your area, what to do that night. Fuel up, refill prescriptions, charge everything, and start the family group chat.
CHAPTER 03
24 hours out — final preparation
Storm shutters up, generator tested, sandbags in place. The last 24 hours are about checking your work and locking the property down for the hit.
CHAPTER 04
During the storm — staying safe
Where to ride out the storm inside the house, what to do if the power cuts, how to handle the calm of the eye, and when to call for help.
CHAPTER 05
After it passes — first 48 hours of damage assessment
The most important 48 hours of the whole storm. Photo everything, avoid standing water, kill the breaker, and call your insurance carrier — in that order.
CHAPTER 06
Filing your insurance claim — what to document
The exact list of photos, receipts, and notes your adjuster will look for. The cleaner your file, the faster the payout.
CHAPTER 07
When to call a professional restoration team
DIY ends where standing water, mold, structural damage, or a broken roof begins. The Handbook tells you exactly when to stop and pick up the phone.
03—Sample Chapter
CHAPTER 05 · EXCERPT
After it passes. The first 48 hours.
Once the storm passes and it's safe to step outside, your first 48 hours matter more than the next 48 days. Here's what to do — and what not to do.
Your goal in this window is simple. Stay safe. Document the damage. Stop it from getting worse. Most claims that get denied or shorted are not denied because of the storm itself. They're denied because the property owner waited too long, missed a photo, or made a small mistake that an adjuster could point to. The list below covers the moves that protect you most.
If something on this list does not feel safe — like climbing on a wet roof, stepping into standing water, or moving a heavy fallen branch — stop. None of it is worth a hospital visit. The Handbook covers when to wait, when to call a neighbor, and when to call us.
Document everything with photosTake wide shots of every room first, then close-ups. Walk all four sides of the outside. Get the roof if you can do it safely. Save copies to the cloud the same day.
Don't enter standing waterFloodwater hides live wires, sharp objects, and sewage. If water touches an outlet or appliance, turn off the breaker first. If the water is more than ankle-deep, wait for help.
Turn off the main breaker if you see water near outletsWet outlets, soaked wiring, and damaged fuse boxes are the leading cause of house fires after a storm. If anything looks soaked, kill the main breaker and don't flip it back until an electrician clears it.
Call your insurance company within 24 hoursFiling fast moves you up the queue. Most carriers in Florida assign adjusters in the order claims come in. Ask for your claim number, the adjuster's name, and the next step in writing if possible.
Tarp the roof if you can do it safelyAn unsealed roof can dump 100 gallons of rain into your attic in one afternoon. A cheap blue tarp can save tens of thousands in secondary damage. Save the receipt — your insurer should cover it.
Write down what you spendHotel stays, generator fuel, bottled water, and tarps may all be reimbursed. Save every receipt. Most carriers cover "additional living expenses" if your home is unsafe to live in — but only if you can prove you spent the money.
04—Common Questions
Quick answers before you download.
The seven questions Florida property owners ask us most when storm season starts.
What should I do to prepare my Florida property for hurricane season?
Start before June 1. Trim trees away from the roof, clear gutters, secure or store loose outdoor items, test storm shutters or panels, photograph every room and your roof, save your insurance documents to the cloud, and stock 7 days of water and non-perishable food. The Handbook covers the full pre-season checklist.
How soon after a storm should I document damage for my insurance company?
Within the first 24 to 48 hours, once it is safe. Take wide shots of every room, then close-ups of any damage. Photograph the outside of the home from all four sides. Save receipts for any emergency supplies, hotel stays, or temporary repairs. The faster you document, the harder it is for an insurer to deny your claim.
What's the difference between flood and wind damage in a Florida insurance claim?
Most homeowner policies cover wind damage but exclude flooding. Flood damage requires a separate policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program. After a hurricane, an adjuster will decide which damage was caused by wind and which by flood. Photo and video proof from before the storm helps make the right call.
Can I clean up storm damage myself or do I need a professional?
Small jobs like clearing yard debris are fine. But standing water, sewage, mold, structural damage, or a damaged roof needs a professional team. DIY cleanup of contaminated water without protective gear can cause serious health problems and may also void your insurance claim. When in doubt, call us for a free inspection first.
How fast can a restoration team arrive after a Florida hurricane?
We dispatch within 60 minutes statewide. After a major storm, demand is high, so calling early matters. Crews usually reach Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville metros in 1 to 3 hours. More remote areas like the Panhandle, Big Bend, and the Keys typically see a team in 4 to 8 hours.
Will my insurance cover all storm damage restoration?
Most Florida policies cover sudden wind and water damage but exclude gradual leaks, flooding (without flood insurance), and unmaintained roofs. We bill your carrier directly so you only pay your deductible. If anything is denied, we document the damage with photos, moisture readings, and FLIR thermal images that your adjuster can review.
What documents do I need before calling a restoration company?
Have your homeowner policy number, your insurance carrier's claim phone line, photos of the damage, and a list of items you think are damaged. If you have a flood policy, bring that too. We can start work without all of it, but the more information you bring on day one, the faster your claim moves.
05—Why We Wrote This
From the people who clean up after the storm.
We've handled thousands of Florida storm calls. The pattern is always the same. The owners who come out best aren't the ones with the biggest budget. They're the ones who knew what to do before the storm — and what to do in the first 48 hours after. We wrote the Handbook so the next person we meet on a job site is already five steps ahead.
06—Get the Handbook
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