|
Quick Answer Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Palm Beach County homeowners should complete a pre-season roof inspection by mid-May, clear gutters and debris, trim overhanging branches, document the roof’s current condition for insurance with dated photos, and address any loose tiles or shingles immediately. Most storm-related roof damage starts as small, ignored issues that get torn open by 80+ mph winds. |
The 2026 hurricane season at a glance
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 every year. NOAA’s seasonal outlook is released in late May. Regardless of the forecast, Palm Beach County homeowners should treat every season as an active one — South Florida is one of the most hurricane-exposed regions in the country, and a single storm at the wrong angle can do major damage even in a “quiet” year.
8-step pre-season checklist
- Schedule a professional roof inspection. The best window is March through mid-May, before roofers get fully booked.
- Clear gutters and downspouts. Blocked gutters force water under the roof edge during heavy rain.
- Trim overhanging branches. Anything within 6 feet of the roof becomes a projectile in 80+ mph winds.
- Replace or repair any cracked, slipped, or missing tiles or shingles.
- Check flashing, vents, and skylights for cracked sealant or rust.
- Verify attic ventilation is clear — blocked vents can build pressure during a storm.
- Document the roof with dated photos and video from multiple angles. Store them in the cloud, not just on your phone.
- Locate and re-read your homeowners policy. Note your wind deductible, which is often a percentage of the dwelling coverage, not a flat dollar amount.
What to do mid-season
Once hurricane season is active, watch the National Hurricane Center and your local emergency management. When a storm is 3 to 5 days out, secure or store anything that could become airborne, double-check that gutters are still clear, and re-photograph the roof if you haven’t recently. Do not attempt roof repairs in the 48 hours before a storm — get out of the way and let the storm pass.
After a storm: inspect, document, claim
Once it’s safe to go outside, walk the perimeter of your home (do not climb on the roof yourself). Look for visible tile or shingle displacement, debris on the roof, and any obvious damage. Photograph everything with timestamps. Call a licensed local roofer for a professional inspection before you file an insurance claim — claims with documentation and a professional assessment move faster and settle better.
Common mistakes homeowners make
- Waiting until a storm is on the radar to schedule an inspection.
- Ignoring a single missing tile or shingle — it’s the entry point for storm water.
- Hiring a door-to-door storm chaser after the storm instead of a verified local roofer.
- Filing an insurance claim before getting a professional inspection.
- Not having dated photos of the roof from before the storm.
Frequently asked questions
When does hurricane season start in Florida?
Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30 every year, though storms can occasionally form outside that window. Peak activity for South Florida is typically August through October.
Should I file an insurance claim for minor roof damage?
Not always. If the damage is below your wind deductible, filing a claim can hurt your renewal without recovering meaningful funds. Get a licensed roofer to estimate the repair first, then compare to your deductible.
How do I document my roof for insurance?
Take dated photos and video of every section of the roof from the ground using a zoom lens or drone — top, sides, valleys, and flashing. Update the photos every spring, before each hurricane season. Store them in cloud backup, not only on your phone.
What is a wind mitigation inspection and is it worth it?
A wind mitigation inspection documents features of your roof (deck attachment, roof shape, secondary water barrier, etc.) that reduce hurricane risk. In Florida, it almost always pays for itself in homeowners insurance discounts — many homeowners save several hundred dollars a year.
Last updated: May 2026.
