Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Florida Homeowners: The Complete Guide

Living in the Bradenton-Sarasota area means living in hurricane country. The Gulf Coast of Florida sees tropical activity from June 1 through November 30 every year, and the difference between being prepared and being caught off guard is enormous — both in terms of safety and financial impact. Whether you are a first-time Florida homeowner or have lived here for decades, a thorough hurricane preparedness plan is non-negotiable.

John Belt with Keller Williams On The Water shares this checklist with every new homeowner in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Bookmark it, print it, and review it before June 1 every year.

Home Hardening: Protect the Structure

Your home's ability to withstand a hurricane depends on its weakest point. Start with the openings — make sure all windows, sliding glass doors, and entry doors have approved hurricane shutters or impact-rated glazing. If you have a garage door, verify it is wind-rated or install a garage door bracing kit. An unprotected garage door is one of the most common failure points during a hurricane because once it fails, wind enters the structure and can lift the roof from the inside.

Inspect your roof annually and after any significant storm. Loose or damaged shingles, cracked tiles, and deteriorating flashing are all vulnerabilities that a hurricane will exploit. If your roof is more than 15 years old for shingles or 25 years for tile, consider replacement before hurricane season — a new roof also dramatically improves your insurance situation. Trim trees and remove dead branches that could become projectiles in high winds. Clear your gutters and downspouts so water drains properly.

Power Resilience

Power outages after a hurricane can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks depending on the severity of the storm. A portable generator is essential for keeping refrigerators running, charging devices, and powering medical equipment. Generators under 10,000 watts are sales-tax exempt in Florida year-round. If you use a portable generator, never run it indoors or in an enclosed garage — carbon monoxide poisoning kills people every hurricane season. Store fuel safely and have extension cords rated for outdoor use.

Whole-home standby generators with automatic transfer switches are a significant upgrade and can keep your entire house running during an extended outage. They run on natural gas or propane and start automatically when the power goes out. While they cost $8,000 to $15,000 installed, they are increasingly common in the Bradenton-Sarasota market and add real resale value.

Document Everything for Insurance

Before hurricane season, walk through your home and take video and photos of every room, including closets, the garage, and storage areas. Open cabinets and drawers to document electronics, jewelry, and other valuables. Store this documentation in the cloud — not on a device that could be damaged in the storm. This home inventory is invaluable when filing an insurance claim because it provides proof of what you owned and its condition before the storm.

Keep digital copies of your insurance policy, mortgage documents, identification, and medical records in a secure cloud location. Store physical copies in a waterproof, fireproof container. Know your insurance agent's phone number and your policy number. After a storm, document all damage with photos and video before making any temporary repairs, and keep receipts for any emergency repairs you make.

Emergency Supplies: Stock for Seven Days Minimum

Florida emergency management recommends keeping at least seven days of supplies on hand during hurricane season. Your emergency kit should include one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food and a manual can opener, a 30-day supply of prescription medications, a first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio, cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers will not work without power), personal hygiene items, and pet supplies if applicable.

Many hurricane prep essentials are sales-tax exempt year-round in Florida, including batteries, tarps, and generators under 10,000 watts. Stock up early in the season — stores run out of water, batteries, and plywood quickly once a storm enters the Gulf.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Manatee County uses evacuation zones labeled A through E based on storm surge risk. Zone A faces the highest surge risk and is evacuated first. Know which zone your home is in — you can look it up on the Manatee County emergency management website or call their office. Have a plan for where you will go if evacuation is ordered: a friend or family member's home inland, a hotel outside the evacuation zone, or a public shelter. Map out your evacuation route before you need it, and have a backup route in case your primary road is flooded or congested.

72 Hours Before a Storm

When a hurricane is forecast to affect the Bradenton-Sarasota area, take action 72 hours out. Fill your vehicle's gas tank and withdraw cash. Close hurricane shutters or install panels on all openings. Bring in or tie down all outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants, decorations, and anything else that could become a projectile. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets if water service is disrupted. Charge all devices and portable battery packs. Move vehicles into the garage if possible.

The Bottom Line

Hurricane preparedness is not a one-time event — it is an annual routine that should start before June 1 and continue throughout the season. The homeowners who come through storms with the least damage and the fastest recovery are the ones who prepared before the forecast cone appeared on the screen.

If you are new to the area or buying your first Florida home, John Belt with Keller Williams On The Water can help you understand the specific risks and preparation needs for any property in Manatee or Sarasota County.