Florida averages just under 70 tornadoes per year and maintains the highest tornado frequency per 10,000 square miles of any state. Homeowners along the western coast between Tampa Bay and Fort Myers are especially vulnerable to wind and hail damage from tornadoes, though tornadoes can occur anywhere in the state.
Hurricanes are another major source of wind damage for Floridians. The state was hit with 14 major hurricanes from 1926 to 1966 and continues to average about one hurricane landfall per year, more than any other state. Florida also experiences damage from hurricanes that do not make direct landfall. Over 40 percent of all hurricanes to make landfall in the US have occurred in Florida, followed by Texas at 22 percent. The state has experienced 37 hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher. This makes it important for Florida households to ensure that their homeowners insurance covers storm damage, including hail and wind.
Freezing rain may not be at the top of every Floridian’s mind, but it is one of several water-related damage types for which homeowners should plan. Freezing rain is not uncommon along the northwestern panhandle. While freezing rain can lead to dangerous driving conditions, homeowners must be concerned with icicles, which can compromise the strength and functionality of gutters and downspouts, and ice damming, a process that traps water and ice on the roof, leading to leaks.
Flooding is a more common water-related threat to homeowners in Florida. Floods can threaten property owners anywhere in the state at any time of the year. A study from Risk Factor, a service providing information about a property's risk from environmental threats, found that more than 1.85 million Florida properties, or over one in three homes, have at least a 26-percent chance of severe flood damage in the next three decades.
Properties in Florida are vulnerable to multiple kinds of flooding, from coastal storm surges to river flooding. Flooding from heavy rainfall is most common in June, when the state receives an average of 7.5 inches of rain. Individuals living at an increased risk for flooding should maintain a flood emergency action plan, which should include an evacuation route from their home to the nearest safe location.
When evaluating a property for risk of flooding, or while preparing for a potential flood scenario, it is important for homeowners to know the elevation of their property. It can be helpful to contact the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-888-CALL-FLOOD to learn more about flood preparations and insurance options. Flood damage is not always included under standard homeowners insurance.
While wind and hail damage are the most commonly reported types of property damage in Florida, fire is likely the most expensive. The reason is partly because property owners impacted by fire also have relocation expenses, since fire damage repairs involve extensive reconstruction.
Floridians should follow all storm warnings in their area and continually update their preparations for natural disasters. There are a range of additional damages that can impact a property's value and safety, including toxic mold damage, sinkhole damage, mildew, and termite infestations. Homeowners who experience any type of property damage should immediately contact professionals for damage assessment.
