VIERA, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia visited Brevard County on his seventh stop in the statewide hurricane preparedness tour. With Florida entering the peak of hurricane season during the months of August to October, CFO Ingoglia is encouraging residents to act now before a storm is nearby. The Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services team has provided more than 21,000 Floridians with safety tips and resources since the initiative launched in May. 

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “While we are already in the midst of the 2026 hurricane season, we are now entering the most active months when a majority of tropical storms and hurricanes typically occur. It is not too late to prepare now by stocking up on essential items, securing important documents, and reviewing your insurance coverage. Being proactive is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property from the devastation of a hurricane."

Brevard County Fire Chief Jim Stables said, “When a hurricane is headed towards Brevard County, panic can spread quickly throughout the community. The easiest way to mitigate these anxieties is to be prepared before the storm shifts in our direction. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for equipping our residents with preparedness tips that can keep us and our families safe.

Brevard County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Michael DeMorat said, “Our deputies and first responders are out in force before, during and after a storm but proactive steps now can make it easier for our deputies to keep our communities safe when a storm strikes. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for helping to educate Floridians on how to best prepare for a storm.

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.