Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The work you do before a storm decides how fast you recover after one — and the photos you take now are worth more than any you take later.
Before the season
- Photograph your roof from every side, in daylight, with the date visible. Add close-ups of the ridge, valleys and any old repairs. These "before" photos are your strongest evidence.
- Pull your roof permit and keep it with your policy — it establishes roof age and code edition.
- Clear gutters and downspouts so a tropical downpour drains instead of backing under the roof edge.
- Trim branches overhanging the roof.
- Check flashing and sealant around vents, chimneys and skylights.
- Get a current wind mitigation report if your last one is old or on a superseded form.
- Know your deductible. Florida policies usually carry a separate hurricane deductible.
After the storm
- Stay off the roof. Wet, damaged roofs are where most post-storm injuries happen.
- Photograph everything from the ground and inside: ceilings, attic, missing shingles or tiles, debris.
- Stop water getting in — buckets, towels, moving belongings. Keep receipts for anything you buy.
- Get a licensed contractor to tarp if water is coming in. Verify the license first (our license guide shows how in two minutes).
- Read before you sign. On roof contracts signed during a declared state of emergency, Florida requires a bold notice of your right to cancel — generally within 10 days or until work officially starts, whichever comes first.
Common questions
When is hurricane season?
June 1 to November 30 in the Atlantic basin.
Should I climb up and look myself?
No. Photograph from the ground and from inside, and let a licensed roofer go up.
This guide is general information from a licensed contractor, not legal or insurance advice. Rules change — check the official source linked above before you rely on it.