Florida Hurricane Deductible Explained

By the Florida Homeowner Toolkit editorial team · Updated 2026-10-27

Most Florida homeowners policies have two deductibles: a regular one for ordinary claims and a separate hurricane deductible that is usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage.

How the percentage works

Instead of a flat amount, the hurricane deductible is calculated from your dwelling coverage (Coverage A). Common options are 2%, 5%, and 10%. Some insurers also offer a flat-dollar option, typically at a higher premium.

Try your own numbers in the hurricane deductible calculator.

An example

A home has $400,000 in dwelling coverage and a 5% hurricane deductible, so the deductible is $20,000. A storm causes $60,000 of covered damage. The homeowner pays the first $20,000 and the insurer pays the remaining $40,000, subject to the policy's other terms.

When it applies

The hurricane deductible applies to hurricane losses as defined in your policy. Florida policies commonly tie this to National Hurricane Center watches and warnings, with the deductible applying to damage during that window. Read your own policy language, since details matter.

Florida law also generally applies the hurricane deductible once per calendar year, with any unused portion available against later storms that year. Confirm how this works for your policy with your agent.

Choosing a level

• Lower deductible, higher premium. Predictable costs after a storm, but you pay more every year.
• Higher deductible, lower premium. Saves money each year, but you need enough cash to cover it when a storm hits.
• Be honest about your cash. A 10% deductible that you cannot fund can delay repairs.

Questions to ask your agent

1. What exactly triggers the hurricane deductible?
2. Does it apply to wind only, or also to water damage from the storm?
3. How much would my premium drop going from 2% to 5%?
4. Is there a flat-dollar option, and what does it cost?