Hurricane Prep for Florida Vacation Rentals: Owner Checklist

Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30 in Florida, with peak activity in August through October. Every Florida vacation rental owner needs a complete hurricane preparedness plan that protects the property, protects guests, and minimizes revenue loss. Here is the plan.

What Should You Do Before Hurricane Season Starts?

Complete these tasks by May 15, before the June 1 season start:

Property hardening:

• Inspect and inventory hurricane shutters — ensure you have shutters for every window and door
• If using plywood, pre-cut panels for every opening and label them
• Store shutters or plywood at the property in an accessible location
• Inspect the roof for loose shingles, damaged flashing, or vulnerable areas
• Trim trees and remove dead branches that could become projectiles
• Clean gutters and downspouts to handle heavy rainfall
• Inspect and reinforce the lanai screen enclosure (these are the first casualty in high winds)
• Secure or prepare to bring in all outdoor furniture
• Check that the garage door is rated for hurricane wind loads
• Verify the pool pump and equipment can be quickly secured
• Test the generator if you have one

Insurance review:

• Verify your property insurance covers wind damage
• Confirm you have flood insurance (not included in standard homeowner policies)
• Check your STR insurance covers lost revenue during forced closures
• Document your deductible amounts (hurricane deductibles are typically 2-5% of insured value)
• Update your home inventory with photos and values of all furnishings and equipment
• Store insurance documents and property photos in the cloud (not only at the property)

Emergency supplies at the property:

• Flashlights (at least 3) with extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days — stock for your maximum guest count)
• Non-perishable food (granola bars, crackers, canned goods with a manual can opener)
• First aid kit
• Waterproof bags for electronics and documents
• Printed evacuation routes and shelter locations
• Printed emergency contact numbers (cell towers may be down)

What Should Your Guest Communication Plan Be?

Pre-booking communication (in listing description): "Our property is fully prepared for Florida's hurricane season. We maintain hurricane shutters, emergency supplies, and a comprehensive safety plan. In the unlikely event of a storm, we provide detailed guidance and flexible rebooking options."

When a storm enters the forecast (3-5 days out): Send a proactive message to any guests with upcoming stays:

"We are monitoring [Storm Name] and wanted to keep you informed. As of today, [the storm is not projected to impact our area / the storm may affect our area around DATE]. We are watching forecasts closely and will update you daily. Your safety is our top priority."

When a hurricane watch is issued (48 hours before potential impact): "A hurricane watch has been issued for our area, meaning hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. Here are your options:

1. Continue your stay — we have hurricane supplies on-site and will provide safety instructions
2. Modify your dates to avoid the storm period
3. Cancel and receive a full refund under Airbnb's/VRBO's extenuating circumstances policy Please let us know your preference."

When a hurricane warning is issued (36 hours before expected impact): "A hurricane warning has been issued for our area. We strongly recommend:

• If you have not yet arrived: delay your arrival until the storm passes. We will rebook or refund your stay.
• If you are currently at the property: consider evacuating to a shelter or a location outside the warning area. [Provide specific evacuation routes and shelter locations.]
• If you choose to stay: review the hurricane safety guide in your welcome book. Stay inside during the storm. Do not go outside until authorities give the all-clear."

How Do You Protect the Property When a Storm Is Coming?

72 hours before projected impact:

• Monitor National Hurricane Center forecasts (nhc.noaa.gov)
• Alert your cleaning team, maintenance contacts, and any local property manager
• Contact current or upcoming guests with your communication plan

48 hours before:

• If the property is vacant: install hurricane shutters or plywood on all windows and glass doors
• Bring all outdoor furniture, grills, pool floats, and loose items indoors or into the garage
• Turn off the pool pump and turn off the power to pool equipment
• Secure the lanai screen door open (a closed screen enclosure can act as a sail in high winds)
• Ensure refrigerator and freezer are set to coldest settings (preserves food longer if power is lost)
• Fill bathtubs with water (for flushing toilets if water service is interrupted)
• Take pre-storm photos of the entire property interior and exterior for insurance documentation

24 hours before:

• Final property check
• Confirm shutters are secure
• Verify emergency supplies are accessible
• Set AC to 70 degrees (pre-cool the property in case of power loss)
• Unplug non-essential electronics to protect against power surges
• Turn off gas (if applicable) at the meter

If guests are present during the storm:

• Ensure they have access to emergency supplies
• Provide your phone number for direct communication
• Instruct them to stay in interior rooms away from windows during the storm
• Remind them not to go outside during the eye of the storm (conditions will resume)
• Confirm they have charged their phones and have portable chargers

What Do You Do After the Storm Passes?

Immediate assessment (within 24 hours of the all-clear):

1. Contact any guests who were at the property — confirm safety
2. Visit the property as soon as it is safe to do so
3. Document all damage with photos and video before touching anything
4. Check for structural damage: roof, walls, windows, doors
5. Check for water intrusion: ceilings, walls, floors, closets
6. Check utilities: power, water, gas
7. Inspect the pool and pool equipment
8. Check landscaping for downed trees and debris
9. Check the screen enclosure for damage

Insurance claims (within 48 hours):

• Contact your insurance company to file a claim
• Provide pre-storm and post-storm photos
• Document every damaged item with photos, descriptions, and estimated values
• Keep all receipts for emergency repairs
• Do not make permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected (temporary protective measures are fine)

Guest communication post-storm:

• If the property is undamaged: "Great news — the property came through the storm without damage. We are ready to welcome you on [date]."
• If minor damage occurred: "The property experienced minor damage that we are repairing. Your booking on [date] will not be affected."
• If major damage occurred: "Unfortunately, the property sustained significant damage that requires repair. We will need to cancel your booking and process a full refund. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience."

Revenue recovery:

• Resume bookings as quickly as possible after the property is safe and clean
• Post-hurricane demand often increases as displaced residents, insurance adjusters, and construction workers need short-term housing
• Consider offering flexible cancellation policies for the remainder of hurricane season to encourage bookings
• Update your listing photos if any property improvements were made during repairs

How Do You Budget for Hurricane Season?

Annual hurricane preparedness costs:

• Hurricane shutters or plywood (one-time): $500-3,000
• Emergency supplies (annual refresh): $100-200
• Tree trimming (annual): $200-500
• Generator (optional, one-time): $500-2,000
• Flood insurance premium: $500-3,000/year
• Windstorm insurance deductible reserve: Set aside your deductible amount

Revenue impact:

• Budget for 1-2 weeks of potential lost bookings per season
• At $200/night, that is $1,400-2,800 in potential lost revenue
• In most years, no storms will directly impact your property
• But when they do, preparation makes the difference between a minor disruption and a financial disaster

Hurricane preparedness is non-negotiable for Florida STR owners. The cost of preparation is minimal compared to the cost of being unprepared. Build your hurricane plan alongside your overall property maintenance system and review it every May before the season starts.