Bottom Line Up Front: The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be above-normal with 13-19 named storms, requiring Florida homeowners to begin preparation now. Central Florida faces elevated risks from inland flooding, extended power outages, and wind damage, making early preparation essential for protecting homes and families.
What to expect in 2025
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with all major forecasting organizations predicting above-normal activity. NOAA forecasts 13-19 named storms (compared to the 14-year average), including 6-10 hurricanes and 3-5 major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher. This represents a 60% chance of above-normal activity, continuing the active pattern that has dominated since 1995.
Several climate factors support these predictions. Ocean temperatures in the Atlantic remain above average, providing fuel for storm development and rapid intensification. The absence of a strong El Niño pattern means reduced wind shear, allowing storms to strengthen more easily. For Central Florida specifically, this translates to elevated risks during the peak months of August through October, when 95% of major hurricane activity typically occurs.
Recent storms demonstrate the serious threat to inland areas. Hurricane Ian in 2022 dumped nearly 15 inches of rain in parts of Central Florida, while Hurricane Milton in 2024 caused record flooding along multiple river systems. The Hillsborough River rose above 38 feet during Milton, and the Withlacoochee River crested at nearly 20 feet - the highest level in nearly a century.
Central Florida’s unique vulnerabilities
Central Florida’s geography creates specific challenges that homeowners must understand. The region’s flat topography and extensive river systems make inland flooding a major concern, often affecting areas far from the coast. The St. Johns, Peace, and Myakka Rivers can experience delayed flooding that continues weeks after a storm passes.
The area’s high tree density increases the risk of extended power outages, as fallen trees damage power lines throughout the region. Multiple utility providers serve the area with varying restoration timelines, meaning some neighborhoods may wait weeks for power restoration. Additionally, Central Florida has experienced “100-year flood events” four times since 2017, indicating that flooding risks exceed historical norms.
Wind patterns also pose unique risks for inland areas. Hurricane Charley in 2004 brought hurricane-force winds to Orlando despite making landfall 100 miles away, demonstrating that fast-moving storms can maintain destructive winds well inland. The region also faces increased tornado risk in the right-front quadrant of approaching hurricanes.
When to start preparing
Preparation should begin in March - three months before hurricane season officially starts. This early timeline allows homeowners to complete major projects and secure supplies before the spring rush begins.
March through April tasks include reviewing and updating insurance policies, taking comprehensive photos of your home and possessions for insurance purposes, and completing major home strengthening projects. This is also when you should purchase flood insurance, which requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect. Even homes in moderate-risk flood zones should consider flood coverage, as standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
May preparations focus on gathering emergency supplies and finalizing family emergency plans. Take advantage of Florida’s Hurricane Preparedness Tax-Free Holiday (June 1-14) to purchase emergency supplies without paying sales tax. Stock up on non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), batteries, flashlights, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
June through peak season requires maintaining supplies, monitoring weather forecasts regularly, and keeping vehicles fueled above half-tank. Test generators monthly and keep emergency supplies easily accessible.
Essential home preparation steps
Start with a comprehensive home inspection focusing on your roof, which is your first line of defense against hurricane damage. Look for loose or damaged shingles, check flashing around chimneys and vents, and ensure gutters drain properly. While you can perform basic visual inspections from the ground, professional roof inspections are recommended annually and cost between $150-400.
Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment that could become projectiles in high winds. Trim tree branches that could fall on your home or power lines - this is one of the most important steps homeowners can take. Clear storm drains and gutters around your property to prevent flooding from clogged drainage systems.
Install hurricane shutters or prepare plywood panels for windows and doors. Know how to shut off your utilities (water, gas, electricity) in case of emergency. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing sandbags or other flood barriers.
Create and practice your family emergency communication plan. Identify evacuation routes and the location of the nearest hurricane shelter. Sign up for local emergency alerts through AlertFlorida.org to receive official warnings and evacuation orders.
Roofing and exterior protection priorities
Your roof faces the greatest stress during hurricanes, making proper maintenance and protection essential. New 2024-2025 Florida Building Code updates require enhanced roofing standards, including dual-layer underlayment for most roofing materials and improved fastener specifications.
For existing roofs, focus on these key protection measures. Inspect shingles for curling, cracking, or granule loss - these are signs of aging that make your roof vulnerable to wind damage. Check that all roof-mounted equipment like air conditioning units and satellite dishes are properly secured with hurricane straps.
Hurricane-resistant roofing materials offer varying levels of protection. Metal roofing provides the best wind resistance (up to 160 mph) and longest lifespan in Florida’s climate. Concrete and clay tiles offer excellent durability and wind resistance up to 130-150 mph when properly installed. Architectural asphalt shingles with impact resistance ratings provide good protection at lower cost but typically require replacement every 18-25 years in Florida’s harsh climate.
Garage doors represent a critical vulnerability, as they’re often the weakest point in your home’s exterior. Standard garage doors are only rated for 50-60 mph winds, making reinforcement essential. Impact-resistant garage doors can withstand winds up to 200 mph, while retrofit bracing kits provide temporary reinforcement for existing doors.
Hurricane shutters provide essential window and door protection. Accordion shutters offer permanent installation with easy deployment, while roll-down shutters can be automated for convenience. Storm panels provide removable protection at lower cost. All shutters must meet TAS impact testing standards to provide effective protection.
Insurance essentials you need now
Florida’s insurance landscape has undergone significant changes that affect all homeowners. Starting in 2024, certain Citizens Property Insurance policyholders must carry flood insurance, with requirements expanding each year through 2027.
Understanding coverage types is crucial. Your homeowners insurance covers wind damage from hurricanes but not flood damage - these require separate policies. Hurricane deductibles are typically percentage-based (2%, 5%, or 10% of your dwelling coverage) rather than flat dollar amounts, and they apply only to named storm events.
Recent legislative changes provide some relief to homeowners. Premium reductions of 1.75% are available for policies effective October 2024 through September 2025, and over 477,000 policies have moved from Citizens to the private market since 2022, increasing options and competition.
Document everything before hurricane season arrives. Take comprehensive photos and videos of your home’s interior and exterior, including all possessions. Store important documents (insurance policies, identification, medical records) in waterproof containers, and keep digital copies in secure cloud storage.
After a storm, contact your insurance company immediately to report damage. Take extensive photos before beginning cleanup, but make temporary repairs to prevent further damage and save all receipts. Insurers must acknowledge claims within seven days and pay or deny them within 90 days under Florida law.
Post-storm recovery planning
Recovery begins immediately after a storm passes, but proper planning makes the process smoother and more effective. Safety comes first - have your home inspected by professionals for electrical and structural damage before occupying it after major impact.
Document all damage thoroughly with photos and videos before cleanup begins. Make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage but save all receipts, as these costs are often covered by insurance. Contact your insurance company immediately to report damage and begin the claims process.
FEMA assistance is available for uninsured or underinsured losses in declared disaster areas. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. State resources include the Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-877-MY-FL-CFO) and free legal assistance through Florida’s Hurricane Survivors Legal Hotline (1-866-550-2929).
Choose contractors carefully during recovery. Verify that contractors are licensed and insured before signing any agreements. Obtain multiple estimates for repair work, and don’t sign assignment of benefits agreements that transfer your insurance claim rights to contractors. Many post-storm repairs require building permits, but Florida law allows expedited permitting for disaster repairs.
Plan for extended recovery periods. Material shortages and increased costs are common after major storms, potentially extending repair timelines. Understand your Additional Living Expense coverage limits if you need temporary housing during repairs.
New regulations and building standards
The 2024-2025 updates to Florida Building Code include several important changes affecting hurricane protection. The new code requires dual-layer underlayment for most roofing materials and eliminates the 25% roof replacement rule in certain situations, allowing targeted repairs instead of full replacement for homes built after March 2009.
Enhanced fastener specifications now require improved nail penetration standards and updated underlayment materials meeting ASTM D6757 standards. Strengthened requirements apply to High-Velocity Hurricane Zones in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with enhanced wind-borne debris protection throughout hurricane-prone areas.
FORTIFIED construction standards have also been updated for 2025, requiring certified contractor installation and enhanced nail patterns for all inland areas. FORTIFIED Roof designation provides insurance premium discounts while offering superior hurricane protection through sealed roof decks, ring-shank nails, and impact-resistant materials.
These updated standards reflect lessons learned from recent storms and improved understanding of hurricane risks. Homeowners planning roof replacement or major repairs should consider exceeding minimum code requirements to maximize protection and potential insurance discounts.
Conclusion: Start preparing now
Hurricane season 2025 presents elevated risks for Central Florida homeowners, but early preparation significantly reduces potential damage and speeds recovery. The time to prepare is now - before storms threaten, not during the rush of peak season when supplies become scarce and contractors are overwhelmed.
Focus on the fundamentals: secure adequate insurance coverage including flood protection, strengthen your home’s exterior envelope, maintain emergency supplies, and develop clear family communication plans. Your roof requires special attention as your primary defense against hurricane damage, whether through professional inspection, maintenance, or upgrades to hurricane-resistant materials.
Remember that hurricane preparation is an investment in your family’s safety and your property’s protection. The costs of preparation pale in comparison to the potential losses from being unprepared. With Central Florida facing continued above-normal hurricane activity, the homes that fare best will be those whose owners took action early and prepared thoroughly.
Don’t wait for storm warnings to begin preparation. Contact Orange Contracting and Roofing today for a professional hurricane preparedness inspection of your roof and exterior systems. Our experienced team can identify vulnerabilities and recommend protective measures that will help keep your family safe and your home secure throughout the 2025 hurricane season and beyond.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Orange Contracting and Roofing is Central Florida’s trusted partner for hurricane-ready roofing and exterior protection. Our experienced professionals provide comprehensive inspections, quality repairs, and hurricane-resistant upgrades to keep your home safe during storm season.
From professional roof inspections and hurricane shutter installation to impact-resistant roofing materials and emergency repairs, we handle full roof replacement with the latest Florida Building Code standards. Don’t wait until it’s too late - call 407-205-2676, visit myorangecontracting.com, or email [email protected] to schedule your pre-season inspection and ensure your home is ready for whatever 2025 hurricane season brings.