{"id":87076,"date":"2023-09-21T11:06:08","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T18:06:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=87076"},"modified":"2023-09-28T11:05:11","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T18:05:11","slug":"natural-disasters-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/natural-disasters-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Disasters in Florida: What Homeowners and Renters Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Florida is known for its sunshine, warm weather, and natural splendor. The state is flat and tropical, with vast forests and swamps. It has <\/span>four tropical climate zones<\/span><\/a>, ranging from humid subtropical in the northern part of the state, to rainforest in the southeast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The climate is warm and humid throughout the state, with annual rain totals of around 60\u201d in cities like Pensacola, Tampa, and Miami. However, it\u2019s generally warmer and more humid the further south you go. No matter where you live in Florida, though, you are at risk of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires. When these happen, it\u2019s essential to be prepared.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So what are the most common natural disasters in Florida, how are they changing, and what can you do to prepare? Whether you\u2019re planning a <\/span>move to Tampa<\/span><\/a> or are looking at <\/span>apartments in Miami<\/span><\/a>, read on for everything you need to know.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hurricane\"<\/p>\n

1. Florida hurricanes and tropical storms<\/span><\/h2>\n
Florida cities most at risk of strong storms<\/b><\/h5>\n
    \n
  1. Miami<\/b>: 100% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Tampa<\/b>: 100% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Jacksonville<\/b>: 100% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Pensacola<\/b>: 100% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Hurricanes are the most dangerous natural disaster in Florida and <\/span>can cause catastrophic damage<\/span><\/a>, including extensive flooding, wind damage, utility disruptions, loss of life, and more. Contrary to popular belief, hurricanes have impacted every inch of Florida\u2019s coastline and can have devastating effects further inland.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Florida generally receives hurricanes from the Atlantic Ocean, which has a <\/span>six-month hurricane season<\/span><\/a> that starts on June 1st and lasts until November 30th. The most powerful hurricanes to hit Florida in the past 100 years were the Labor Day Hurricane of 1928, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and Hurricane Michael in 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n

    According to <\/span>data from First Street Foundation<\/span><\/a>, 77% of properties in Florida are at risk of wind-related damage due to hurricanes, storms, or otherwise. This is by far the most out of any state in the US and has led to significant consequences. Hurricanes alone have cost homeowners, renters, governments, and insurance companies <\/span>hundreds of billions<\/span><\/a> of dollars. In fact, in 2022, <\/span>Hurricane Ian<\/span><\/a> cost nearly $50 billion, making it the most expensive storm in Florida history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Florida is also prone to major thunderstorms, <\/span>tornadoes<\/span><\/a>, and damaging hail, which <\/span>generally affect<\/span><\/a> the central part of the state and can <\/span>cause major damage<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    As climate change worsens, <\/span>hurricanes will get more powerful<\/span><\/a>, damaging, and costly. We\u2019ve already seen this happening in Florida; in the past 20 years, billion-dollar disasters have <\/span>increased by 92%<\/span><\/a> (from 25 between 1984-2003, to 48 between 2004-2023).<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Because Florida is at such a high risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, it\u2019s essential to <\/span>be prepared<\/span><\/a>. Whether you live on the Gold Coast or in the Florida Panhandle, here are a few tips to help:<\/span><\/p>\n