Many Florida homeowners assume their deductible is a fixed number, like $2,000. Often it is not. A hurricane deductible is commonly expressed as a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit, and it applies per named storm.
Why that matters
If your dwelling coverage is $400,000 and your hurricane deductible is 5%, your deductible is $20,000 — not $2,000. On a $25,000 claim, you would receive roughly $5,000.
Find yours now, not after
Open your declarations page and look for "hurricane deductible." It may be shown as a percentage, a dollar figure, or both. Check:
- Whether it is a percentage or a flat amount
- What it is a percentage of (dwelling coverage, not the claim amount)
- Whether it applies per storm or per season
- Whether a separate, smaller "all other perils" deductible applies to non-hurricane damage like water or fire
The practical consequences
- Small damage may fall entirely under your deductible and be your responsibility. Know that before you decide how to handle repairs.
- Flood is separate. A homeowners policy generally excludes flood, and flood insurance is a separate policy — usually through the National Flood Insurance Program. See Flood Insurance Has a 30-Day Waiting Period.
- Documentation still matters even below the deductible, because you may need to prove the cause of loss later.
This is general information, not insurance advice, and deductibles vary by policy. Confirm your actual terms on your declarations page or with your insurer, and see the Florida Department of Financial Services for consumer guidance and complaints.