Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30, and the calm early weeks are the best time to get ready. Once a storm shows up on the forecast, stores run low on supplies and local roofers, tree crews and repair companies get swamped with calls. If you already know who to call, you are ahead of almost everyone on your street.
This guide covers the local pros worth lining up now, what to ask each one and how to avoid the scams that tend to follow a storm.
Why to line up help early in hurricane season in Florida
Preparing for a storm is mostly about two things: making your home stronger before the wind arrives and knowing who will help you fix things afterward.
Both are easier in June. Contractors have openings for inspections and small repairs. You have time to compare a few companies instead of grabbing whoever answers. And you can make decisions calmly, with real information, instead of under pressure while a storm is days away.
You do not need to hire everyone on this list. The point is to know who you would call, and to have their numbers saved before you need them.
The local pros worth knowing before a storm
You can browse all of these from the Florida businesses page, where companies are organized by category.
A roofer for a pre-season inspection
Your roof takes the brunt of a storm. A roofer can check for loose shingles or tiles, worn flashing and soft spots, and fix small problems before they become big ones.
One example listed on Listings Junkie is Assured Supreme Contracting, which describes itself as a licensed and insured general and roofing contractor serving Oakland Park, Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, with roofing, remodeling and storm damage repair. You can compare others on the Florida roofing page.
A garage door company
A garage door is one of the largest openings in many homes, and it can be a weak point in high winds. Ask a garage door company whether your door is rated for wind and what your options are if it is not.
Jack's Garage Doors, listed on Listings Junkie, describes itself as a family-owned team for garage door repair, springs, openers, new doors and wind-rated hurricane doors. The Florida garage doors page lists more companies around the state.
Windows, doors and shutters
Windows and sliding doors are another place wind and water get in. Whether you have impact windows, shutters or plywood, make sure everything fits and works before you need it. The Florida windows and doors page is a good place to look for help.
A tree trimmer or landscaper
Dead branches and overgrown trees can turn into flying debris or fall on a roof. Have trees near the house trimmed early in the season, not when a storm is already coming and every crew is booked. Lawn and landscape companies on the Florida landscaping page often handle trimming and cleanup.
An insurance agent who will answer your questions
The time to understand your policy is before a claim, not after. Sit down with your agent and ask:
- What is my deductible for hurricane damage, and is it different from my regular deductible?
- Am I covered for flood? Standard homeowners policies often do not include flood damage, so ask whether you need separate coverage.
- What do I need to document, and how quickly should I report damage?
The Florida insurance services page lists agencies around the state. Our guide on how to choose an insurance agent covers what to look for. Every policy is different, so get answers from a licensed agent about your own coverage.
A water damage restoration company
If water gets in, speed matters. Drying out a home quickly can help limit mold and further damage. It helps to have a restoration company's number saved before you need it.
Extreme Carpet Care & Restoration, listed on Listings Junkie, describes 24/7 emergency water and storm damage restoration in Tallahassee and surrounding areas. More companies that handle cleanup are on the Florida cleaning services page.
After the storm: how to avoid scams
Storms bring out good contractors and bad ones. Unfortunately, some people show up after a hurricane looking to take advantage of stressed homeowners.
Protect yourself with a few simple rules:
Be careful with door-to-door offers.
A stranger who knocks with a deal "only for today" deserves extra caution.
Check licensing.
Many contractors in Florida need a state license. Ask for the license number and look it up before you sign anything.
Get everything in writing.
The contract should list the work, the price, the timeline and the company's full name and address.
Do not pay everything up front.
A reasonable deposit can be normal. Paying the full amount before work starts is risky.
Read anything that involves your insurance claim.
Do not sign over rights or payments you do not fully understand. Call your agent if you are unsure.
Take photos.
Document damage before any cleanup and keep receipts for everything.
This is where knowing your pros ahead of time pays off. If you already have a roofer and a restoration company you trust, you do not have to gamble on a stranger.
Build your storm contact list today
Phones die and internet goes down in storms, so keep a paper copy too. Your list should include:
- Roofer
- Garage door company
- Tree service or landscaper
- Insurance agent and your policy number
- Water damage restoration company
- Plumber and electrician
- A neighbor or family member to check in with
Tape it inside a kitchen cabinet or keep it with your hurricane supplies. It takes ten minutes and could save you days of searching later.
While you are at it, take a quick photo or video tour of your home and belongings now, before any storm. Open closets and cabinets, film the roof from the yard and note the make and model of big appliances. If you ever need to file a claim, a "before" record makes the conversation with your insurer much easier.
Frequently asked questions
When is hurricane season in Florida?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. Storms can form outside those dates, but most activity falls within them.
What should I do first to prepare my home?
Start with a roof inspection, check your garage door and windows, trim trees near the house and review your insurance policy with your agent. Then build a contact list of local pros.
How do I know if a contractor is legitimate after a storm?
Ask for a license number and check it with the state, get a written contract with the company's full details, avoid paying everything up front and be cautious with door-to-door offers.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Standard homeowners policies often do not cover flood damage. Ask a licensed insurance agent whether you have flood coverage or need a separate policy.
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