Living in South Florida means enjoying sunny days, beautiful beaches, and warm weather year-round. But it also means being prepared for hurricane season. While most homeowners carry some form of insurance, many don’t realize how their policies work when a major storm hits.

Flood insurance and windstorm (or hurricane) insurance are not the same thing—and having one without the other could leave your finances in serious trouble.

Let’s make this real.

Scenario: Hurricane Elena Hits South Florida

It’s late September. Hurricane Elena makes landfall in Broward County as a Category 3 storm. Winds are clocked at 115 mph. Your Fort Lauderdale home takes a direct hit.

• The wind tears off part of your roof, allowing rain to pour into your living room.

• Your backyard fence is blown apart, and a large oak tree crashes into your screened patio.

• Then, as the storm surge moves in, three feet of water floods your entire first floor—destroying your kitchen cabinets, furniture, and electrical outlets.

Here’s how coverage plays out:

• Your windstorm insurance covers the roof, water damage from the rain that came in through the hole, and the patio and fence destruction.

• Your flood insurance kicks in to cover the rising water damage that ruined your floors, furniture, appliances, and walls.

If you only had one policy, you'd be stuck paying tens of thousands out of pocket for the other half.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance covers damage caused by rising water from outside your home. That includes storm surge, overflowing canals, heavy rainfall that backs up into the home, or water entering through the ground level during a hurricane. It doesn’t matter if the water came fast or slow—if it entered from the outside and pooled inside your home, that’s flood damage.

It typically covers:

• Flooring, walls, and ceilings damaged by rising water

• Electrical and plumbing systems

• Major appliances like water heaters, central AC, and refrigerators

• Foundation damage due to floodwaters

• Debris removal

What it doesn't cover: Wind-driven rain (rain that comes in through windows, roofs, or vents), or water damage from leaks and busted pipes—that’s handled by your homeowner’s policy or windstorm insurance.

What Does Windstorm or Hurricane Insurance Cover?

Windstorm insurance covers damage caused by wind. In South Florida, this includes damage from hurricanes, tropical storms, or even strong thunderstorms. This coverage is either part of your homeowners policy or purchased as a separate rider—especially if you're in a coastal or high-risk area.

It typically covers:

• Roof damage or total roof loss

• Broken windows, doors, or siding

• Interior water damage caused by wind-driven rain

• Damage to detached structures like fences, sheds, or screened patios

• Cleanup of fallen trees or other wind-related debris

What it doesn't cover: Flooding. If the windstorm causes water to rise and enter your home from the ground up, you're out of luck unless you have separate flood insurance.

Why Timing Matters

Don’t wait until a storm is brewing. Once a tropical disturbance is officially named, many insurers place temporary holds on new windstorm or hurricane policies—and flood insurance usually comes with a mandatory 30-day waiting period before it even kicks in.

We’re already deep into hurricane season. If you haven’t reviewed your coverage yet, now is the time to talk to your insurance provider. Waiting any longer could leave you exposed during the peak months of August and September, when storms are most active.

The smartest move? Act now—before the next system shows up on the radar.

Final Thoughts

Hurricanes don’t care about policy limits or definitions. They bring wind and water—usually both. In South Florida, the smart move is making sure you’re covered on all sides. Check your current policies. If you’re in a flood zone (and even if you’re not), flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier may be the one thing standing between recovery and financial devastation.

Disclaimer: Always speak to a licensed insurance expert to understand exactly what your current policy covers, what’s excluded, and what gaps might leave you at risk. Coverage and requirements vary depending on the provider, your location, and the type of property you own.

Don’t assume. Don’t wait. Know what you’re covered for—before the next storm rolls in.