As recovery efforts continue in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Milton has now formed and is projected to bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding to parts of Florida in the coming days. We’ve already received calls from clients in Jacksonville, and we anticipate more to come. Many of my neighbors here on the coast of Clearwater, still dealing with Helene's aftermath, are planning to evacuate as early as Monday in preparation for Milton’s potential impact.

Preparing for Flooding and Wind Damage

Floridians have the weekend to prepare. Ensure you have enough food, water, gas, and medicine, as well as charged phones and radios, batteries, and some cash. It’s equally important to check your evacuation zone at floridadisaster.org/know and stay updated at hurricanes.gov. Storm surge watches and warnings are expected by Sunday. Tampa Bay alone could see up to 6 inches of rain, which could cause flooding in areas already saturated from Helene.

Milton could develop into a Category 2 hurricane (or stronger) and is currently tracking to hit Florida’s west coast Wednesday. The state is facing a dangerous combination of storm surges, high winds, and additional flood risks, especially in South and Central Florida. Even with uncertainty in Milton’s exact landfall, areas like Bradenton, Tampa Bay, and beyond are in the forecast for significant impacts, with tropical storm-force winds expected to expand 150 miles from the storm’s center.

Florida’s Hurricane Deductibles and Insurance Implications

Many policyholders have wind-excluded (X-Wind) policies, meaning coverage for wind-related damages—including hurricanes and tropical storms—is not included. It’s critical to review your policies, especially regarding storm and hurricane coverage. One key aspect to remember is the application of Florida’s hurricane deductible. It operates on a calendar-year basis, so even in a busy hurricane season, you’ll only need to meet that deductible once, regardless of how many named storms hit.

Insurance is a vital lifeline in these situations, but understanding how your coverage applies is equally important. Our team of licensed public adjusters has been working tirelessly to assist clients with their claims, and while the process can be challenging, we always prioritize safety first. Please heed the advice of local authorities and ensure you’re prepared.

Read some of our previous blog posts for storm prep advice. If you have questions regarding Hurricane Helene flood or water related property insurance claims visit our website or contact us to submit a question to one of our public adjuster insurance claim experts.

Stay safe, Florida!