CFO Jimmy Patronis: The 2024 Hurricane Season is Here. Are you Prepared?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, ahead of the start of the 2024 Hurricane Season on Saturday, June 1st, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is highlighting hurricane preparedness financial tips and resources to aid Floridians with their disaster plans as an active storm season is predicted with up to 25 named storms and seven major hurricanes. The CFO also encouraged Floridians to take advantage of the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday starting June 1st – June 14th.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “The 2024 Hurricane Season is here and I am urging Floridians to take advantage of the calm before the storm to prepare now! There is nothing more important than having a disaster plan in place to protect you, your family, your home, and your business. The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is the perfect time to take advantage of cost savings and stock up on essential tax-free hurricane supplies such as batteries, flashlights, gas tanks, and much more. Business owners should also work now to prepare to weather and recover from what is expected to be another busy storm season. As we’ve seen in the past, hurricanes can intensify and develop fast, and getting prepared now can help save lives. Visit PrepareFL.com for information and resources before the next storm takes aim at Florida.”

Four Hurricane Preparedness Tips:

1. Secure flood insurance coverage. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, contact your agent about obtaining flood insurance. There are over 30 insurance carriers writing flood insurance in Florida’s private insurance market. Depending on your home’s location, you may qualify to enroll in the federally-administered National Flood Insurance Program.

2. Ensure you are adequately covered. The value of your home and possessions may have increased during the past several years, or you may have made improvements or purchased expensive personal items. Review your insurance policy and check your coverage limits.

3. Consider additional living expense coverage. Additional living expense features of most homeowners’ policies pay some expenses for losses that leave homes unlivable during repairs. Such expenses could include limited motel, restaurant and storage costs.

4. Do not wait until a storm approaches. Property insurance companies do not accept new applications or requests to increase coverage once a hurricane nears Florida, so it is important not to wait until a storm is imminent to verify coverages. In addition, most flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect, so it is vital to act now.

For additional hurricane financial preparedness tips and resources, visit PrepareFL.com.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).