Hurricane storm surge
Hurricane Ian in 2022 pushed storm surge into homes across Lee and Collier counties. Surge water is saltwater mixed with sewage and debris, which changes how a home must be cleaned.
Florida water damage is shaped by hurricanes, storm surge and year-round humidity. Wet materials can start growing mold within a day or two, so drying has to start fast.
Florida homeowners policies cover sudden water damage, often with limits for some losses, and exclude flood. Flood and storm surge require a separate flood policy. Many Florida policies have specific rules on how quickly you must report a claim and on hurricane deductibles.
Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program usually has a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, so it has to be in place before a storm, not after. See our insurance claims guide for how to document a loss.
Official help: Florida Department of Financial Services – Consumer Help.
Most homes have the main shutoff on an exterior wall near where the line enters, often by the front hose bib, with the meter near the street.
Hurricane Ian in 2022 pushed storm surge into homes across Lee and Collier counties. Surge water is saltwater mixed with sewage and debris, which changes how a home must be cleaned.
Afternoon storms from June to September drop heavy rain on flat ground, and water collects around foundations, lanais and garages.
High humidity means mold can start within a day or two on wet drywall, cabinets and carpet pad if drying does not begin quickly.
Most Pinellas homes have the main shutoff on the outside wall near where the line enters, with the meter near the street.
Hurricane Helene in 2024 pushed storm surge into homes along Pinellas County's coast, and Hurricane Milton followed two weeks later with wind and rain.
Flat ground and older drainage mean heavy summer storms can leave water standing in streets and against homes.
Much of the housing was built before 1990. Older plumbing, cast-iron drains and high humidity make leaks and mold more likely.
South Florida homes usually have the main shutoff on the outside wall where the line enters, often near the front hose bib, with the meter near the street.
Tropical storms bring wind-driven rain through windows, doors and roofs, and storm surge threatens areas near the coast and Intracoastal.
In April 2023 the Fort Lauderdale area recorded more than two feet of rain in about a day, flooding homes, streets and garages across the county.
Heat and humidity mean wet materials can start growing mold within a day or two, so drying has to start fast.
No. Standard homeowners policies exclude flooding from outside water. Flood coverage comes from a separate policy through the NFIP or a private flood insurer.
Florida water damage is shaped by hurricanes, storm surge and year-round humidity. Wet materials can start growing mold within a day or two, so drying has to start fast.
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