The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. NOAA forecasts 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes, with a 55 percent chance of a below normal season driven by El Niño. That forecast is not a reason to relax. The 1992 season produced only six named storms. One of them was Andrew. Activity peaks from mid August through October, which means the next ten weeks matter most for every rental home in Pasco and Hillsborough County.
Preparation is not complicated. It is a checklist that most people run too late. Here is what each side of the lease should handle.
What Tenants Should Do Before a Storm
First, review your renters insurance policy today, not when a cone appears on the map. Most policies cover wind damage to personal property and provide loss of use coverage if the home becomes uninhabitable. Almost none cover flood. Separate flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program carries a 30 day waiting period, so a policy purchased during a watch will not help you.
Second, look up your evacuation zone. Pasco and Hillsborough County both use zones A through E, and both counties publish an address lookup tool. Zone A evacuates first. Homes in Land O Lakes, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills sit well inland, but low lying pockets and flood plains still flood from rainfall alone.
Third, build your supply kit in June. Plan on one gallon of water per person per day for seven days, seven days of non perishable food, a two week supply of prescriptions, a charged power bank, and cash. ATMs and card readers fail when power goes out.
Fourth, secure the exterior when a watch is issued. Bring in patio furniture, grills, planters, and trash cans. Anything loose becomes a projectile at 90 miles per hour. Do not drill into siding, install shutters, or cut trees without written approval from your property manager.
Fifth, photograph the property before and after. Walk every room with your phone camera, then photograph the exterior. Timestamped video takes five minutes and settles most damage disputes later. Confirm that your phone number and email in the resident portal are current so you receive storm updates.
What Property Owners Should Do
First, schedule pre season maintenance in early summer. Inspect the roof, secure loose soffit and fascia, clean gutters and downspouts, and trim tree limbs back at least six feet from the roofline. Water intrusion drives the majority of storm claims, and most of it starts at a failure point that was visible in June.
Second, read your policy before you need it. Florida hurricane deductibles are percentage based, typically 2 to 5 percent of dwelling coverage. On a $400,000 policy, a 5 percent deductible is $20,000 out of pocket. Confirm you carry loss of rent coverage and understand that flood requires a separate policy.
Third, check your lease language. Florida Statute 83.63 addresses casualty damage. If the property is damaged through no fault of the tenant and enjoyment of the premises is substantially impaired, the tenant may terminate the lease and vacate, or vacate the unusable portion and pay reduced rent. Your lease and your insurance need to account for that outcome.
Fourth, line up vendors in advance. After a landfall, roofers, tree services, and water mitigation crews book out for weeks and pricing spikes. Owners working with an established vendor network get on the schedule first.
Fifth, communicate before the storm, not after. Send tenants a pre season notice with the emergency maintenance line, water and breaker shutoff locations, county evacuation resources, and a clear definition of what qualifies as an emergency repair. Owners who send that one message field far fewer panicked calls.
Hurricane Season FAQ
| Question | Answer |
| Is the landlord required to provide hurricane shutters or a generator? | Florida law does not require either. If shutters exist on the property, the lease should state who installs and removes them. |
| Does the tenant still owe rent if the home is damaged? | It depends on habitability. Under Florida Statute 83.63, substantial impairment allows the tenant to terminate or pay reduced rent for the usable portion. Loss of rent coverage protects the owner in that scenario. |
| Does renters insurance cover flooding? | No. Flood is excluded from standard renters and homeowners policies and requires separate coverage. |
| Who handles debris and tarping after a storm? | The owner, coordinated through the property manager. Tenants should report damage immediately with photos and avoid climbing on roofs or handling downed lines. |
Real Property Management Blue Sky Is Here to Help
Real Property Management Blue Sky manages storm readiness for owners across Pasco and Hillsborough County, from pre season inspections to post storm vendor dispatch. High Tech, High Touch. Reach us at 813-625-9595 or visit rpmbluesky.com.
Don’t Wait Until Hurricane Season Peaks
Schedule your pre-season property inspection now. Our team handles roof checks, drainage verification, vendor coordination, and tenant communication so you don’t have to track the cone yourself.
Call 813-625-9595 or visit rpmbluesky.com to get started.
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
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