Florida hurricane deductible rules

When the hurricane deductible applies in Florida and what it can be, summarised from official state sources.

Florida in brief

Florida law requires insurers to offer hurricane deductibles of $500, 2%, 5% and 10% of the dwelling limit, applies the hurricane deductible once per calendar year, and defines the hurricane period as starting when a hurricane warning is issued for any part of Florida and ending 72 hours after the last watch or warning ends.

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When the hurricane deductible applies

Under section 627.4025 of the Florida Statutes, the hurricane period begins when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for any part of Florida and ends 72 hours after the termination of the last hurricane watch or hurricane warning for any part of Florida. The storm must be one the National Hurricane Center has declared a hurricane.

Deductible choices insurers must offer

Section 627.701(3) requires insurers to offer alternative hurricane deductibles of $500, 2%, 5% and 10% of the policy dwelling limits, with limited exceptions. The written offer must say which hurricane deductible applies if the policyholder does not actively choose one.

Once per calendar year

Section 627.701(5) says the hurricane deductible applies on an annual basis to all covered hurricane losses in a calendar year. For a later hurricane in the same year, the insurer may apply the greater of the remaining hurricane deductible or the deductible for other perils.

What a 2% deductible costs

A percentage deductible is applied to the dwelling coverage limit (Coverage A), not to the damage. On $300,000 of dwelling coverage a 2% deductible is $6,000; on $500,000 it is $10,000. Covered storm damage below that amount is paid by the homeowner.

Example 2% deductible: $300,000 of dwelling coverage gives $6,000; $500,000 gives $10,000.
A visual summary of the examples below. The text, applicable periods, sources and limitations on this page govern.

Read your own declarations page and deductible endorsement: the policy wording, together with state law, decides which deductible applies to a loss. This page summarises the official state guidance only.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Florida hurricane deductible apply to every storm?

No. Florida applies the hurricane deductible on an annual basis to all covered hurricane losses in a calendar year. For a later hurricane in the same year the insurer may apply the greater of the remaining hurricane deductible or the other-perils deductible.

When does the hurricane deductible start and stop in Florida?

It starts when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for any part of Florida and ends 72 hours after the last hurricane watch or warning for any part of Florida is terminated.

What hurricane deductible options must Florida insurers offer?

Insurers must offer $500, 2%, 5% and 10% of the dwelling limit, subject to limited exceptions in section 627.701(3).

Hurricane deductible rules in other states

New York · Louisiana · Mississippi · Rhode Island · Maryland · Connecticut · North Carolina · New Jersey · Texas · South Carolina · Massachusetts

All states · Hurricane deductible calculator

Sources & further reading

Figures read from the official sources below and checked: October 20, 2026. Worked examples are our calculations, not benefit awards.