Hurricane season officially begins June 1, 2026, but smart Florida homeowners start preparing now. With forecasters predicting another active season, taking steps in April and May gives you time to make thoughtful decisions — not panicked, last-minute ones. Here's your complete preparation checklist.
1. Inspect Your Windows and Doors
Your windows and doors are your home's first line of defense. Check for:
- Cracked or foggy glass: Compromised seals reduce impact resistance and energy efficiency.
- Damaged frames: Warped, corroded, or rotting frames can fail during high winds.
- Worn weatherstripping: Gaps allow water infiltration during driving rain.
- Outdated windows: If your windows don't have impact ratings, now is the time to upgrade before the rush.
2. Upgrade to Impact Windows and Doors
If your home still has standard windows, spring is the ideal time to upgrade. Here's why:
- Installation schedules are less backed up than June-November
- You'll be protected before the first storm, not scrambling after a watch is issued
- Spring promotions often offer the best pricing of the year
- Permit processing is faster during the off-season
3. Review Your Insurance Policy
Contact your insurance agent to:
- Confirm your coverage limits reflect current home values and rebuilding costs
- Understand your hurricane deductible (typically 2-5% of dwelling coverage)
- Ask about wind mitigation discounts — impact windows can save you 25-45% on premiums
- Consider flood insurance if you're in a low-lying area (standard policies don't cover flooding)
4. Create a Home Inventory
Walk through your home and document everything with photos or video. Store this in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.) so it's accessible even if your phone is damaged. This is invaluable for insurance claims.
5. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Stock your kit with essentials for at least 7 days:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food and manual can opener
- Medications and first aid supplies
- Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- Cash (ATMs may be down after a storm)
6. Trim Trees and Secure Your Yard
Overhanging branches and loose outdoor items become projectiles in hurricane winds. Trim trees away from your home, secure patio furniture, and have a plan for bringing items inside quickly.
Don't Wait — Start Now
The best time to prepare is before you need to. Clear Choice Windows is offering spring specials on impact window and door installations. Get your free estimate today and be hurricane-ready before June. Call (727) 532-4010 or visit our contact page.