Preparing Your Property
South Florida's hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity in August and September. For luxury homeowners, preparation is an investment that pays dividends in both safety and insurance costs.
Physical Hardening
Impact windows and doors are non-negotiable at any price point. Modern systems achieve Miami-Dade County product approval and can withstand 175+ mph winds. Budget $60,000-$200,000 for a full installation on a large home.
Automatic generator — A whole-home standby generator (20-60kW) ensures you can shelter comfortably for extended periods. Cost: $15,000-$45,000 installed.
Motorized shutters — For large openings like covered lanais and floor-to-ceiling glass, motorized roll-down shutters deploy in minutes.
Insurance Essentials
Florida's insurance market has contracted dramatically. Premium buyers should work with a specialist broker who can access surplus lines markets.
Key coverages: - Wind coverage (may be separate from your main policy via Citizens or a private carrier) - Flood insurance (most lenders require it; NFIP or private) - Contents replacement value (not ACV)
Pre-Season Checklist
- [ ] Test generator and service annually
- [ ] Stock 7-14 days of food and water
- [ ] Photograph all valuables for insurance purposes
- [ ] Know your evacuation zone and routes
- [ ] Trim all trees within 20 feet of the structure
