Hurricane Season Home Inventory: Florida & Gulf Coast Preparation Guide

Hurricane season runs June through November. Every year, millions of Gulf Coast and Atlantic homeowners face the same question: “Am I ready?”

Most people focus on supplies and evacuation plans. But there’s a critical piece many miss: documenting what you own before the storm hits.

Without documentation, insurance claims become nightmares. With it, you recover faster and receive more compensation. This guide covers everything Florida and Gulf Coast homeowners need to know.

The Florida Insurance Reality

Florida’s insurance market is among the most challenging in the country:

• Average premiums are 3-4x the national average
• Major insurers have fled the state or limited coverage
• Citizens Insurance (state insurer of last resort) has millions of policies
• Claim disputes are common and often protracted

What this means: You cannot afford documentation gaps. Insurers are scrutinizing claims closely. Proper documentation is your strongest protection.

Hurricane Damage: Understanding Your Coverage

The Wind vs. Water Problem

This is where many homeowners get burned:

Homeowners insurance typically covers:

• Wind damage
• Rain damage through wind-damaged openings
• Fallen trees
• Storm surge (varies by policy)

Flood insurance (separate policy) covers:

• Rising water from any source
• Storm surge (in most cases)
• Flooding from rain accumulation

The overlap problem:

When a hurricane hits, both wind and water cause damage. Insurers may dispute which caused what—each pointing to the other’s coverage.

Your protection: Pre-storm documentation showing the condition of your home makes it clear what damage was caused by the storm, not pre-existing conditions.

Coverage You May Need

Standard homeowners policy:

• Dwelling coverage (structure)
• Personal property (belongings)
• Additional living expenses
• Liability

Flood insurance:

• Required if you have a federally-backed mortgage in a flood zone
• Highly recommended for all Florida/Gulf Coast homes
• 30-day waiting period (don’t wait until a storm is coming)

Additional coverage to consider:

• Hurricane deductible riders
• Increased personal property limits
• Valuable items endorsements
• Loss of use/business interruption

Pre-Hurricane Documentation Checklist

Immediate Priorities (Before Storm Watch)

1. Full home video walkthrough

Create a comprehensive video showing:

• Exterior of home from all angles
• Roof condition (drone footage if possible)
• Windows and doors
• Every room inside
• Garage and outdoor structures

Narrate as you go: “This is the master bedroom, showing the condition of the ceiling, walls, and carpet as of June 15, 2026.”

2. Photograph high-value items

Focus on:

• Electronics with serial numbers visible
• Appliances with model numbers
• Furniture (multiple angles)
• Jewelry and valuables
• Art and collectibles

3. Document outdoor property

Often forgotten but adds up fast:

• Patio furniture
• Grills and outdoor kitchens
• Pool equipment
• Landscaping investments
• Boats and watercraft
• Outdoor lighting

4. Secure important documents

Scan and upload to cloud:

• Insurance policies (home and flood)
• Mortgage documents
• Vehicle titles
• Important records

Storm Approaching (72-48 Hours Out)

Update your documentation:

• Take fresh exterior photos (roof, siding, windows)
• Video any new items not previously documented
• Screenshot your completed home inventory
• Verify cloud backup is current

Prepare for claims:

• Know your insurance company’s contact numbers
• Download insurer apps (many have storm-specific features)
• Know your policy numbers and coverage limits
• Identify any deductible requirements

During Evacuation

If you must leave:

• Take irreplaceable items (photos, heirlooms)
• Ensure you can access your inventory remotely
• Know your policy login credentials
• Have copies of critical documents accessible

Room-by-Room Hurricane Inventory

Living Areas

• Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
• Electronics (TVs, sound systems, gaming)
• Art and wall decor
• Rugs and window treatments
• Books, media, collections
• Lamps and lighting fixtures

Bedrooms

• Beds and mattresses
• Dressers and nightstands
• Clothing (estimate by category)
• Jewelry and watches
• Personal electronics
• Linens and bedding

Kitchen

• Appliances (large and small)
• Cookware and dishes
• Food storage (freezer contents add up)
• Specialty equipment
• Countertop items

Garage and Outdoor

• Vehicles and recreational equipment
• Power tools and equipment
• Lawn equipment
• Sports and recreation gear
• Holiday decorations
• Stored items

Florida-Specific Items

Don’t forget:

• Hurricane shutters and supplies
• Generator and fuel equipment
• Pool pumps and equipment
• Boat/watercraft/trailer
• Outdoor furniture and grills
• Irrigation systems

After the Hurricane: Using Your Documentation

Immediate Steps

1. Document damage immediately

• Take photos and video before cleanup
• Capture water levels (mark on walls if possible)
• Document structural damage
• Show all damaged contents

2. Contact insurers

File claims with:

• Homeowners insurance (for wind/structural)
• Flood insurance (for water damage)
• Auto insurance (if vehicles damaged)

3. Keep records of everything

From this point forward, document:

• All conversations with adjusters (notes with names/dates)
• Receipts for emergency repairs
• Temporary living expenses
• Contractor estimates

Navigating the Claims Process

For homeowners insurance:

1. File claim promptly
2. Meet with adjuster (bring your documentation)
3. Provide your inventory with photos
4. Get contractor estimates
5. Negotiate if needed

For flood insurance:

NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) claims require:

• Proof of loss form
• Documented inventory of damaged items
• Photos of damage
• Contractor estimates for repairs

Your pre-storm documentation helps:

• Prove what you owned
• Show pre-storm condition
• Establish values
• Counter lowball offers

Dispute Resolution

If your claim is denied or underpaid:

Step 1: Request written explanation Get the specific reason for denial or reduction.

Step 2: Gather additional evidence Your pre-storm documentation is your strongest tool.

Step 3: File an appeal Most insurers have internal appeals processes.

Step 4: External options

• Florida Department of Financial Services
• FEMA (for flood insurance disputes)
• Public adjusters
• Insurance attorneys

FEMA and Federal Assistance

After major hurricanes, federal assistance may be available:

FEMA Individual Assistance

• Temporary housing assistance
• Home repair grants
• Personal property replacement

What FEMA needs:

• Proof of residence
• Documentation of damage
• Inventory of losses
• Receipts for emergency expenses

Your home inventory speeds this process and helps maximize assistance.

SBA Disaster Loans

• Low-interest loans for repairs
• Personal property replacement
• Business recovery

Documentation of losses is required for loan amounts.

Cloud Backup: Your Storm-Proof Protection

Everything we’ve discussed is worthless if your documentation is destroyed in the storm.

Physical records don’t survive:

• Paper burns, floods, or blows away
• Hard drives fail when submerged
• Phones get lost during evacuation
• Safes often don’t survive flooding

Cloud backup means:

• Access from any device, anywhere
• Survives total property loss
• Shareable with insurers instantly
• Always up-to-date

Use an app like Dib that:

• Automatically backs up all photos
• Organizes inventory by room
• Stores receipts and documents
• Creates insurance-ready reports
• Works even when you’ve lost everything

Year-Round Hurricane Preparedness

Annual Pre-Season Checklist (May)

• Update home inventory
• Review insurance coverage
• Verify flood insurance is active
• Test cloud backup access
• Update emergency contacts
• Check document accessibility

After Any Major Purchase

• Add to inventory immediately
• Upload receipt
• Take photos showing item in home

During Hurricane Season (June-November)

• Monitor storms as they develop
• Update inventory if significant changes
• Keep receipts for storm preparation purchases
• Know your evacuation plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need flood insurance if I’m not in a flood zone?

Yes, strongly recommended. About 25% of flood claims come from “low risk” areas. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding.

What’s my hurricane deductible?

Many Florida policies have separate hurricane deductibles, often 2-5% of dwelling coverage. A $400,000 home could have a $20,000 hurricane deductible.

How do I prove storm surge vs. flood damage?

This is exactly why pre-storm documentation matters. Photos showing pre-storm condition help establish what damage came from what cause.

What if I rent in Florida?

Renters insurance covers your belongings but not the structure. Create a detailed inventory—renters often underestimate their losses.

How long do I have to file a hurricane claim?

Check your policy, but typically you must report promptly (within days) and file proof of loss within 60-90 days. Documentation speeds this process.

Should I make emergency repairs before the adjuster arrives?

Yes, you must prevent further damage. But document everything first, keep receipts, and take photos before and after repairs.

Start Preparing Today

Hurricane season doesn’t wait. Begin your preparation now:

Today (30 minutes):

1. Download Dib
2. Video walkthrough of your home
3. Photograph your 10 most valuable items
4. Verify cloud sync is working

This week (2-3 hours):

1. Complete room-by-room inventory
2. Add serial numbers for electronics
3. Document outdoor property
4. Upload insurance documents

Before hurricane season:

1. Review all insurance coverage
2. Verify flood insurance is active
3. Update inventory with any changes
4. Test remote access to your inventory

When the next storm approaches, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Your documentation will be safe, accessible, and ready to help you recover.

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Related: What Happens Without a Home Inventory? | Emergency Preparedness Guide