Your first hurricane season in Palm Beach can feel like a lot. You want to protect your home, keep your family safe, and understand the rules that affect insurance and evacuation. This quick, local checklist shows you what to do now, what to do when a storm is coming, and what to expect after. Let’s dive in.
Know your local risk
Palm Beach sits in the Atlantic hurricane zone, with season running June 1 to November 30 and peak activity in late summer. See the official season timeline from the National Hurricane Center for planning reminders here.
Palm Beach County uses lettered evacuation zones. Barrier island addresses, including much of the Town of Palm Beach, are often in Zone A or B. Look up your address and zone using county resources highlighted in this evacuation zone overview.
For flood questions specific to the Town of Palm Beach, review the town’s current notices and flood guidance on the Flood Hazard Notice page.
Check new flood maps now
FEMA updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps for parts of Palm Beach County effective December 20, 2024. Many properties moved into Special Flood Hazard Areas, which can trigger lender‑required flood insurance and change monthly costs. Check your address and recent map changes using the county’s resources noted on this FEMA flood map update page.
If your home is newly in a high‑risk flood zone, plan for insurance and mitigation early. The sooner you know, the easier it is to budget and negotiate during a purchase.
Strengthen your home now
Hardening your property reduces damage and can lower insurance costs.
Roof and structure
Focus on roof age and condition, roof‑to‑wall straps or clips, deck attachment, and secondary water resistance. These features are major factors during high winds.
Openings and garage doors
Install or verify impact‑rated windows and doors or tested shutters. Make sure your garage door is properly rated and reinforced, since failure there can lead to major roof damage.
Elevation and mechanicals
If you are in a flood zone, check the first‑floor elevation and consider flood vents for crawlspaces. Elevate A/C units, water heaters, and electrical panels above expected flood levels.
Get a wind mitigation inspection
Insurers use Florida’s Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form to calculate credits. Ask for a recent report during a purchase, or schedule one to document features that may earn discounts. Review the state’s inspection form background here.
Use available grants
The My Safe Florida Home program provides free wind‑mitigation inspections and, when funded, matching grants for eligible upgrades like impact windows and roof improvements. Check current availability and application steps on the official program site here.
Understand your insurance
Hurricane deductible basics
In Florida, most homeowners policies include wind coverage with a separate hurricane deductible, often 2, 5, or 10 percent of the dwelling limit. The deductible applies only during an officially declared hurricane period. Review the state’s consumer guidance on hurricane deductibles here.
Separate flood insurance and timing
Standard homeowners insurance usually does not cover flood. Flood policies are separate through the NFIP or private carriers, and new NFIP policies typically have a 30‑day waiting period before coverage starts. Learn the basics and timing factors here.
Collect key documents early. Keep your policy declarations page, wind mitigation form, permits for recent roof or opening upgrades, and any elevation certificate handy. These speed underwriting and claims.
Plan evacuation and shelters
Know your zone, know your route, and decide now where you will go. Bridge restrictions can apply for barrier islands. When a storm threatens, follow Palm Beach County’s updates on shelters, special‑needs registration, and pet‑friendly rules on the county’s official page here.
Shelters are a last resort, so bring medications, bedding, important documents, and pet records. If you or a family member has special needs, pre‑register with the county so transportation and sheltering can be coordinated.
The newcomer’s checklist
Use this step‑by‑step guide to stay ready.
Before hurricane season
- Identify your risk:
- Confirm your evacuation zone and review town flood notices. If maps changed for your address, plan for insurance impacts.
- Review insurance:
- Verify wind and hurricane deductible details, and start flood insurance early if you are in or near a high‑risk area.
- Document mitigation:
- Get a wind mitigation inspection and gather roof, window, and door permits or receipts.
- Plan upgrades:
- Service or install shutters, reinforce your garage door, trim trees, secure outdoor items, and raise vulnerable mechanicals.
- Explore grants:
- Check the My Safe Florida Home program for inspection and funding opportunities.
- Build your contact list:
- Save your insurer, agent, preferred contractor, and local emergency contacts in your phone.
When a storm threatens
- Monitor official updates:
- Follow county alerts and National Hurricane Center advisories. Charge devices and power banks.
- Prep your kit:
- Water, nonperishable food, prescription meds, flashlights, batteries, cash, chargers, printed IDs, insurance documents, and pet supplies.
- Ready your home:
- Install shutters, bring in outdoor furniture, lower pool water per your pool pro’s guidance, and test your generator outside with safe fuel storage.
- Decide early on evacuation:
- If ordered to leave, especially in Zones A or B, go early to your planned destination.
- Sandbag note for Palm Beach County:
- Countywide sandbag stations are not typically offered. Some cities may provide limited distribution during specific threats. Plan to purchase sandbags in advance and watch local notices for updates. See a recent explanation here.
After the storm
- Safety first:
- Avoid flooded areas and downed lines. Expect possible boil water advisories after service returns.
- Document and file:
- Photograph damage, keep repair receipts, and contact your insurer promptly. Know when your hurricane deductible applies.
- Follow local guidance:
- Use county updates for debris pickup and recovery resources.
Final thoughts
Hurricane readiness in Palm Beach is about clear steps done early, smart insurance planning, and knowing where to find official updates. If you are buying or selling, build these checks into your timeline so you can budget, negotiate, and protect your investment.
Have questions about property-specific risk, inspections, or timing your move around hurricane season? Connect with Premier Real Estate Sales Inc. for local guidance and a smooth plan to your next home in South Florida.
FAQs
Do I need flood insurance if I am not oceanfront in Palm Beach?
- Flooding can come from heavy rain and storm surge, not only the ocean. Lenders often require flood insurance in high‑risk zones, and policies usually have a 30‑day waiting period, so start early.
When does the Florida hurricane deductible apply on my policy?
- It applies during an officially declared hurricane period and is typically a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Check your policy for the exact trigger and amount.
Can home upgrades lower my premium in Palm Beach County?
- Yes. Documented wind mitigation features like roof straps, impact openings, and reinforced garage doors can earn credits when listed on a valid wind mitigation report.
Are sandbags provided countywide in Palm Beach County?
- Not usually. Some cities may open limited stations during specific threats, so plan to buy your own and follow local city notices.
How do I find shelters or register for special‑needs assistance in Palm Beach County?
- Monitor the county’s official shelter updates during events and pre‑register for special‑needs assistance so transportation and sheltering can be coordinated.
