TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia shared hurricane preparedness tips for the 2026 hurricane season. The upcoming hurricane season starts officially on June 1 and runs until November 30.  

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “We have seen time after time the devastating consequences Floridians face every year because of hurricanes. The best course of action we can take is to be prepared. As we go into another hurricane season, don’t wait, be proactive, and make a plan before a storm strikes.”

Senator Corey Simon said, “Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, and the more prepared Floridians can be, the easier the hurricane recovery process is. I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for his commitment to keeping Florida safe and making sure that Floridians have the information they need ahead of hurricane season.”

Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said, “Hurricanes can strengthen and intensify quickly, which often gives us little to no time to react. It is important for Floridians to prepare now, rather than wait for a warning. By taking the necessary steps and precautions, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property before it is too late.”

Tallahassee Fire Chief Gene Sanders said, “Our firefighters are ready for when severe weather occurs, but when residents are prepared for hurricane season, it makes our jobs a lot easier. By applying simple hurricane safety tips, this can prevent future emergencies from happening.”

Before a storm strikes: 

· Check your home and flood insurance coverage, then compare options to make sure you have the protection you need at the best value. 

· Conduct a home inventory with photos and video of inside and outside of your home. 

· Safeguard important documents in a dry box.  

· Have cash on hand.  

After the storm: 

· Report damage to your agent or insurance company. 

· Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage and document them.  

· Beware of fraud and scams. 

· Verify the license of contractors or adjusters. 

· Don’t rush into signing a contract with a public adjuster, and call the Consumer Services helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO to see if they can assist you first. 

Additional after the storm tips: 

· Take pictures, videos, or written notes of the damage. 

· Do not give your personal information without thoroughly verifying who is receiving it and for what purpose. 

· Do not be in a hurry to sign any contract. Public adjusters charge a fee based on a percentage of the amount recovered from the insurance company.  

· If your vehicle is flooded, do not attempt to drive even if the damage appears to be minimal like wet floor mats. Call the insurance company to file a claim and follow their instructions.  

· Hire licensed and reputable service people, preferably from your community. You can check a contractor's license here

.  Beware of anyone offering to help after a storm who wants cash only. 

· All legitimate contractors must carry insurance. Ask for proof of Liability and Workers’ Compensation coverage.  

· Keep a log of the communication you exchange with the insurance company adjuster(s). 

Call the Consumer Services Helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) for insurance questions and assistance.