1-in-4 Floridians are Not Prepared for Hurricane Season

As National Hurricane Preparedness Week begins, AAA – The Auto Club Group is releasing a new survey of Florida residents, measuring their level of concern and preparedness for hurricane season.

According to the AAA survey, nearly 1-in-5 (18%) Florida residents are more concerned about this year’s hurricane season than last year. When asked what type of damage they are most worried about, residents cited:

• 48% – Falling trees or wind-blown debris
• 46% – Prolonged power outages
• 46% – Structural damage from high winds
• 34% – Tornadoes spawned by the storm
• 32% – Flooding from heavy rainfall
• 18% – Storm surge

“Hurricane season brings a lot of unknowns, especially when people think about wind, flooding, and extended power outages,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While you cannot control the storm, you can control how prepared you are. A solid plan and the right insurance coverage go a long way toward peace of mind.”

Advanced Preparations

• 23% have not made any advance preparations for hurricane season
• 54% only make preparations if there is a hurricane approaching their area

To help address those gaps, AAA partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety to provide a Hurricane Ready guide, designed to help residents prepare well before storms form.

“Delaying preparations creates unnecessary risk,” said Jenkins. “Waiting until a hurricane forms is not the time to figure out your insurance coverage, evacuation plans, or home vulnerabilities. Those decisions need to happen well before a storm enters the forecast.”

Supplies Get More Attention Than Insurance

Floridians who have begun preparations seem to be prioritizing physical supplies over ensuring they have adequate insurance protection:

• 44% purchased emergency supplies
• 40% stocked extra food and water
• Only 26% reviewed their insurance coverage
• Just 14% reviewed evacuation routes

“It’s encouraging that people are stocking up, but preparation does not stop at batteries and bottled water,” Jenkins said. “Insurance decisions, evacuation routes, and home protections take time, and those choices are hardest to make once a storm is already headed your way.”

Insurance Awareness Gaps are Widespread

Nearly one in four (23%) Floridians still do not know that homeowners insurance does not typically cover flood damage. And when asked about their own policies, 41% suspect they have coverage gaps or are unsure what their insurance covers.

“Flood damage remains one of the biggest financial shocks after hurricanes,” Jenkins said. “Since most policies require a 30-day waiting period, if you wait until a storm is on the way, you won’t have coverage in time.”

Hurricane Insurance Essentials

AAA recommends Floridians review these coverage areas now:

• Flood Insurance: Flooding from storm surge and heavy rainfall remains a leading cause of hurricane-related losses, yet flood insurance requires advance purchase. Homeowners, renters, and condo owners can all carry flood coverage.
• Comprehensive Auto Insurance: Comprehensive auto coverage protects vehicles from flooding, falling debris, and wind damage. Without it, drivers may face total losses with no reimbursement.
• Hurricane Deductibles: Florida homeowners often overlook hurricane deductibles, which are calculated as a percentage of the home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. Understanding that deductible before a storm forms can prevent costly surprises after landfall.

Strengthen Your Home Before the Storm Comes

AAA – The Auto Club Group partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to provide residents with science-backed guidance to fortify homes against hurricane damage. IBHS research shows that strengthening key parts of a home can significantly reduce wind and water intrusion. The AAA–IBHS Hurricane Ready guide turns that research into practical actions homeowners can take based on time, budget, and risk.

IBHS recommends upgrades based on time and budget, including:

• Sealing gaps and securing outdoor items
• Improving roof, garage door, and window defenses
• Installing impact-rated openings or FORTIFIED Roof systems
• Considering backup power options to manage extended outages

“Hurricanes test a home’s weakest points,” Jenkins said. “IBHS research shows that strengthening those vulnerable areas can dramatically improve how a home performs in severe weather.”

Take Action Now

AAA urges Floridians to:

• Review homeowners, renters, flood, and auto insurance coverage
• Understand hurricane deductibles before storms form
• Create an evacuation plan and identify routes and destinations
• Secure their homes using proven, science-based guidance
• Take photos or video of their home and personal belongings

“Hurricanes are unpredictable,” Jenkins said. “Preparation is not. The actions people take now often determine how well they recover later.”

For more hurricane preparedness and insurance guidance, visit AAA.com/Insurance.

About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey

The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among 400 Florida residents from April 17 – 26, 2026. Survey results have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9% points. Responses are weighted by age and gender to ensure a reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Florida.