Politics
Ruben ‘Butch’ Delgado: Quiet hurricane season? It only takes one.
Florida is well into the 2026 hurricane season, with early forecasts predicting a “below normal” number of named storms.
In fact, a new forecast from Colorado State University, a gold-standard research institution, is now predicting even fewer named storms than previously expected.
While that’s great news, homeowners should not let their guard down.
Some may recall that Hurricane Andrew, the most destructive hurricane ever to hit the Sunshine State, also occurred during a below-normal season. In 1992, Andrew destroyed over 63,500 homes, damaged another 124,000 houses and caused $65 billion in inflation-adjusted losses — equivalent to more than half of Florida’s 2026 state budget.
Tragically, 65 people also lost their lives.
Andrew was a true crisis. And like Hurricane Katrina, Michael, Milton, Helene, and so many others, the hard work of putting homes, businesses, and communities back together continues long after the storm passes.
But we don’t have to assume the worst to understand the importance of being prepared.
Consider that Colorado State’s downgraded forecast doesn’t mean there will be only one or two storms this season. It’s predicting nine named storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane.
As every Floridian knows, it just takes one.
The biggest mistake is waiting too long. When a hurricane is bearing down, it’s usually too late for anything other than panic buying and hoping for the best. A better strategy is to avoid overconfidence, solidify a safety plan, and review insurance long before a storm hits.
Knowledge will always be the first line of defense. Instead of tuning out during an expected slow season, stay reasonably informed by tuning in to reliable sources, such as the National Hurricane Center, a local emergency management agency or even a quality storm app on a mobile phone. It never hurts to check, especially as we approach peak season.
It’s also a huge advantage to have a plan in place. Do you have a hurricane plan? Most people don’t, even though Florida faces the threat of these superstorms every year.
A solid plan is more than just a to-do list; it involves thinking. If given an evacuation order, where would you go? How would you get there? What supplies and medications are needed? Do you have pets? How would you communicate with loved ones if separated?
Don’t wait to think through these questions or map evacuation routes, safe meeting points and emergency contacts. Now is the time to plan.
Now is also the time to review insurance coverage. It’s critical to understand what is and isn’t covered under an individual’s homeowners insurance policy and address any gaps, including wind damage, flooding and temporary housing expenses.
Many Florida homeowners don’t realize they have two deductibles: a standard deductible for most claims and a separate hurricane deductible. Homeowners may also not realize that flood damage is not typically covered by a standard homeowners policy and that it’s a good idea to consider a separate flood insurance policy if living in a flood-prone area.
Discounts on premiums may also apply for a newer roof, impact-resistant windows or shutters, roof-to-wall straps, updated electrical or plumbing systems and more. Homeowners should contact their insurance agent to ensure they are receiving credits and to ask any other questions before it’s too late.
It may be a quiet hurricane season for now, but it’s never too early to be prepared. Hurricanes have a mind of their own, and there’s too much at stake.
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Ruben “Butch” Delgado is a Tampa-area resident, former Tampa Police Chief and National Catastrophe Director at Heritage Insurance.
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