Hurricane Season Checklist for Florida Property Managers (2026)

Policy audit: verify coverage limits, deductibles, and flood zone designation for every property

Do this per-property — coverage gaps are almost never discovered until after a loss.

Document baselines: dated photo and video of every roof, exterior elevation, HVAC unit, fence, and outbuilding

Pre-storm evidence removes an adjuster's ability to claim damage was pre-existing.

Vendor pre-qualification: secure written agreements with a licensed roofer, water extraction company, and general contractor

After a major storm, pre-vetted vendors are booked within hours. Get on file now.

Tenant communication: send pre-season notice to all tenants outlining storm protocols, evacuation info, and contacts

Claims portal: set up your LossHQ account and import all property records, insurance policy numbers, and adjuster contacts

Insurance contacts: verify adjuster contact info for every active policy and store it in one accessible place

Send tenant storm protocol notice including shelter locations, evacuation zone info, and emergency contact numbers

Document current property conditions — another full photo round, timestamped, for every property in the storm path

This creates a "just before" baseline that can be compared against post-storm damage.

Secure or remove loose exterior items: patio furniture, signage, dumpsters, satellite dishes, portable equipment

Confirm flood zone status for each property and communicate evacuation requirements to tenants if applicable

Charge all devices and confirm you have login credentials for every insurer portal, property management system, and LossHQ

Conduct a safety inspection of every affected property before tenants re-enter — check for structural damage, gas leaks, electrical hazards

Do not allow re-entry until you have confirmed the property is safe.

Photo and video document ALL visible damage before any cleanup, tarping, or debris removal begins

This is the single most important step. Insurers cannot dispute what is documented before cleanup.

Notify your insurer of a potential claim within 24 hours of the storm — even if you are not yet sure of the full extent

Early notification protects your rights. You can supplement later.

Open a damage log in LossHQ for each affected property and begin entering documentation, photos, and notes

Do NOT authorize permanent repairs before the insurer's adjuster has conducted their inspection — emergency mitigation only

Permanent repairs before inspection can give insurers grounds to dispute the claim.

Contact your pre-vetted water extraction vendor if there is any sign of water intrusion — mold can begin in Florida heat within 24–48 hours

File a formal claim with each insurer — Florida law gives a 1-year window from the date of loss, but early filing gives you more leverage

Track every adjuster visit, every phone call, and every written communication — date, time, name, summary

Communication gaps are where claims stall. A written record protects you at every stage.

Keep all receipts for emergency mitigation work (tarping, water extraction, board-up) — these costs are typically fully reimbursable under most policies

Request the insurer's estimate in writing and compare it line-by-line against your pre-vetted contractor's scope of repair

Gaps between the insurer's estimate and actual repair costs are the basis of a supplemental claim.

Watch for signs of mold — especially in Florida's heat and humidity. Mold remediation is a covered loss if it stems from storm water intrusion

If the insurer's offer seems low, do not accept or cash a check marked as "final settlement" without consulting a public adjuster or attorney