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Florida · Risk Readiness
Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what Florida throws at different parts of the state.
See FL hazardsFL hazard profile
Florida is the most hurricane-exposed state in the country. The panhandle faces Gulf storms; the peninsula faces both Atlantic and Gulf threats. Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. Know your evacuation zone — floridadisaster.org has county-level zone maps. Don't wait for the mandatory order. Storm surge — not wind — is the deadliest hurricane hazard. A Category 4 hitting Tampa Bay could push 15-20 feet of water inland. Even outside hurricane season, South Florida's summer rain season causes routine flash flooding. Much of Miami-Dade sits at 6 feet above sea level or less. Florida averages 66 tornadoes per year — more than any other southeastern state. They occur year-round (unlike the Midwest's spring peak) and often form from tropical bands with little warning. Central Florida is the most active zone.
Direct landfalls and tropical moisture bring catastrophic wind, surge, and inland flooding.
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Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.
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Occur across most of the state, often embedded in severe thunderstorm lines and tropical systems.
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Damaging straight-line winds, large hail, and lightning — March through October.
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Extreme heat events endanger vulnerable residents and stress power infrastructure.
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Official tools
Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.
Source: FEMA
Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.
Source: USGS
Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.
Source: USFS
Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.
Source: USGS WaterWatch
Weekly drought conditions by county.
Source: US Drought Monitor
Water quality guidance for households on private wells.
Source: EPA
Insurance gaps
Standard homeowner's policies in Florida exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.
Not in your standard policy
Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy
Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement
Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)
Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded
Next steps
During an emergency
NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.
Local EmergencyGet prepared
Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Florida.
FL Checklists