An open letter from the CFO of Florida regarding Hurricane Season

Dear Fellow Floridians,

The 2020 Hurricane Season is here and I can’t stress enough how critical it is to prepare now before the next storm takes aim at the Sunshine State. Experts are already predicting an active storm season, and homeowners insurance policies may contain limitations and exclusions, so it’s important consumers review their insurance policies now to better understand their coverages.

As our communities continue to face the impacts of COVID-19, we must remember severe weather and hurricanes do not care that we’re responding to a pandemic. If you haven’t already, conduct a disaster preparedness check-up and make sure you are prepared by checking your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you are adequately covered. Now is the time to make sure your home and family are protected. Do not wait until a storm is approaching, it may be too late.

Hurricane Financial Preparedness Tips

1. Secure flood insurance coverage. Standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, contact your agent about obtaining flood insurance. There are several insurance carriers writing flood insurance in Florida’s private insurance market. Depending on your home’s location, you may qualify to enroll in the federally-administered National Flood Insurance Program.
   2. Ensure you are adequately covered. The value of your home and possessions may have increased during the past several years, or you may have made home improvements. Review your insurance policy and check your coverage limits.
   3. Do not wait until a storm approaches. Property insurance companies do not accept new applications or requests to increase coverage once a hurricane nears Florida, so it is important not to wait until a storm is imminent to verify coverages. In addition, most flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect, so it is vital to act now.

For additional hurricane financial preparedness tips and resources, visit PrepareFL.com or contact my Insurance Consumer Helpline by calling 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (877-693-5236).

Sincerely,

Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer
State of Florida