Florida is the most hurricane-exposed state in the continental United States. From the Panhandle to the Keys, nearly every county lies within 100 miles of the coast — and storm surge doesn't care about your elevation. Hurricane Andrew (1992) caused $27 billion in damage and destroyed 63,000 homes. Hurricane Ian (2022) killed 146 people and caused $112 billion in damage. Hurricane Milton (2024) struck as a Category 3 and left millions without power across the peninsula. The 2026 season is forecast to be above average. If you live in South Florida, the Gulf Coast, or anywhere from Jacksonville to Key West — this guide is for you. We cover FEMA's 5 supply categories, the highest-risk counties, and the most complete $197 kit on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Hurricanes
State-specific answers for Florida households.
When does hurricane season start in Florida?
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Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 every year. Florida sits at the top of the damage cost list for any US state — NOAA's National Hurricane Center tracks an average of 7 named Atlantic storms per season, with 3 making Florida landfall. Don't wait for a cone — get your kit now.
What's the cheapest hurricane kit that actually covers FEMA guidelines?
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The PrepStock Hurricane Ready Bundle at $197 covers all 5 FEMA-recommended supply categories: water (LifeStraw + purification tablets), food (3,600-calorie emergency rations), light (hand-crank flashlight + LED lantern), first aid (60-piece kit), and communication (NOAA weather radio). No other kit at this price point is this complete.
Do I need a generator for Florida hurricanes?
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For Category 1-3 storms that cause 1-3 day outages: the flashlight, radio, and phone charger in the $197 bundle will get you through. For Category 4-5 events with power out for 2+ weeks: a portable generator is a smart addition. PrepStock sells portable power stations and fuel generators at prepstockpolsiaapp.polsia.app/shop. Start with the $197 bundle, add power independence after.
What are the most hurricane-prone counties in Florida?
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Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties represent Florida's highest hurricane risk. These coastal counties have taken direct hits from every major storm this century. If you live in one of these counties, your evacuation timeline is short — do not wait until a storm is named.
What should I put in my Florida hurricane kit besides food and water?
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Florida hurricanes bring storm surge, not just wind. FEMA's 5 categories are: (1) Water — 1 gallon/person/day for 3+ days; (2) Food — non-perishable, 3,600+ calories per person; (3) Light — hand-crank or battery flashlight with extra batteries; (4) First Aid — 60-piece minimum; (5) Communication — NOAA weather radio for storm updates when cell towers go down. The $197 PrepStock bundle covers all five.
How long should my Florida hurricane kit last?
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FEMA recommends 72 hours minimum — but after Ian (2022) left parts of Lee County without power for 6 weeks, many Floridians now aim for 7-10 days. The $197 PrepStock bundle is designed for 72 hours for a family of 4. Add water storage and freeze-dried food pouches from prepstockpolsiaapp.polsia.app/shop to extend to 7 days.
Should I evacuate or shelter in place for a Florida hurricane?
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It depends on your zone. Florida's evacuation zones A-F are based on storm surge risk, not wind. If you're in Zone A or B, evacuate — storm surge kills. If you're inland in a concrete block home, sheltering in place with a full kit is often safer than fighting traffic. Check your zone at flfloridadisaster.org/knowyourzone. Always have the kit ready before the order comes.
What's the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?
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A hurricane watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours — start preparing now. A hurricane warning means sustained winds of 74+ mph are expected within 36 hours — finish preparations and follow local orders. When a warning is issued for your county, you typically have 12-24 hours to leave before roads become impassable. The $197 kit should be in your hands before June 1.
What critical documents should I protect before a Florida hurricane?
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FEMA recommends keeping these in a waterproof bag: passport or Real ID, insurance policies (home, auto, health), deed or lease, bank account numbers, prescription list with dosages, family contact list, and photos of each room in your home for insurance claims. Digitize everything and store in a cloud backup too.