Season outlook
Both Colorado State University and NOAA have released preseason outlooks pointing to an above-average 2026 Atlantic season. Named-storm counts, major hurricanes, and landfall probability all trend elevated relative to the 30-year climatological norm.
Pre-season documentation
The single best thing a Florida homeowner can do before June 1 is build a pre-loss record:
- Full-exterior photos and video with visible date stamp: roof, siding, windows, soffits, fencing
- Interior photos of every room
- Receipts and appraisals for high-value contents
- Current declarations page saved as PDF, not just in the insurer portal
- Policy PDF including every endorsement
Policy review
Before the season, verify:
- Dwelling coverage reflects current replacement cost (not 2018 cost)
- Other structures and contents limits are appropriate
- Hurricane deductible is what you think it is (2%, 5%, 10%: it matters)
- Flood coverage is in force (separate policy, separate claim)
- Loss-of-use / ALE limit is realistic for your family
If a storm hits
File as soon as safely possible. Florida Stat. 627.70132 gives you 1 year from date of loss to provide notice for an initial claim. Don't use all 12 months: file within days when the storm is still a named event.