Resource · Greater Orlando
Hurricane Prep & Storm Damage in Greater Orlando
Practical, plain-language steps for getting your home ready before a storm and handling repairs afterward, including how to vet contractors when demand spikes.
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Hurricane season in Greater Orlando
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Central Florida is inland, but tropical systems can still bring damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rain and flooding, along with widespread tree damage and power outages across Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. Low-lying areas and homes near lakes and retention ponds can be vulnerable to flooding.
Before the season
- Find your evacuation zone at floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone
- Review your homeowners and flood insurance, including deductibles
- Photograph or video your home and belongings for your records
- Have a roofer inspect for loose shingles, tiles or flashing
- Trim trees and branches away from the roof
- Service your generator and check shutters or panels
When a storm is approaching
- Follow official guidance from Orange County Office of Emergency Management, Seminole County Emergency Management or Osceola County Emergency Management and the National Hurricane Center
- Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills and decorations
- Install shutters or panels
- Clear gutters and drains
- Store important documents in a waterproof container
- Never run a generator indoors or in a garage
After the storm
- Wait for officials to say it is safe; avoid downed power lines and floodwater
- Photograph all damage before cleanup or repairs
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage if safe (tarps, boarding) and keep receipts
- Report damage to your insurer promptly and follow their instructions
- Check for roof leaks, water intrusion and AC or electrical damage before running systems
Hiring after a storm
- Verify every license at myfloridalicense.com
- Be wary of door-to-door pressure and demands for large upfront payments
- Florida law (s. 489.147, F.S.) prohibits contractors from offering to waive or pay your deductible
- Get written estimates and contracts; read before signing
- Ask for proof of insurance and confirm permits are pulled
This page is general information, not legal, insurance or emergency advice. Always follow official instructions from local emergency management.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30 each year.
Make sure everyone is safe, photograph the damage, prevent further water intrusion if it is safe to do so, and contact your insurer. Then get inspections from licensed roofers.
Do your homework
How to Check Your Contractor
Orlando Home Pros connects homeowners with independent providers. We do not perform the work or screen providers for you, so a few minutes of research before hiring is worth it.
Look up the state license
Search the business or license number on the Florida DBPR site at myfloridalicense.com and make sure the status is current. Your city or county may have its own requirements too.
Request proof of insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage and workers' compensation (or a valid exemption), and check the dates.
Research reputation
Review the company's Better Business Bureau profile and read reviews across more than one independent website. Ask for a few recent local references.
Put it in writing
Collect written estimates and sign a written contract that spells out the scope, materials, total price, schedule and any warranty.
Keep deposits reasonable
Be cautious about paying a large amount before work begins. Link payments to finished milestones and keep receipts.
Confirm permits
Check with Orange, Seminole or Osceola County, or your city's building department, whether a permit is required, and make sure inspections are passed.
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