Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Orlando Homeowners

How Do Hurricanes Affect Orlando?

Orlando is located in Central Florida, roughly 40 to 60 miles inland from each coast. This inland location means the city is not at risk for storm surge, the most destructive element of a hurricane. However, Orlando is still affected by hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and power outages when a major storm crosses the state.

Key risks for Orlando homeowners:

• High winds. Sustained winds of 60 to 100+ mph can damage roofs, down trees, and break windows. Wind damage is the primary risk for inland homes.
• Heavy rain and flooding. Hurricanes can drop 10 to 20 inches of rain in a short period. Street flooding, drainage backups, and rising water in low-lying areas are common.
• Power outages. Hurricane-force winds knock down power lines. Outages can last from a few days to two weeks or more after a major storm.
• Tornadoes. Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes in Central Florida, especially in the outer rainbands. These tornadoes are typically short-lived but can cause localized damage.
• Tree damage. Orlando has many mature oak, pine, and palm trees. Falling limbs and uprooted trees are a major cause of property damage during hurricanes.

While Orlando does not face the same level of risk as coastal communities, preparation is still necessary. A direct hit from a major hurricane is rare in Central Florida, but it is possible. The most recent direct impact was Hurricane Charley in 2004, which crossed Central Florida as a Category 4 storm.

2026 Hurricane Season: What Has Happened So Far

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been notably quiet, but it is not over. NOAA's outlook, issued May 21, 2026, predicted a below-normal season with 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. In its August 6, 2026 update, NOAA kept the below-normal call and lowered the ranges to 7 to 13 named storms, 2 to 6 hurricanes, and 0 to 2 major hurricanes, with a 75% chance of below-normal activity overall.

Through late September 2026, the season had produced six named storms, Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, and Fay, and no hurricanes. None of them made landfall in Florida. The closest brush with Central Florida came in early September 2026, when the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly brought a stretch of heavy rain to the region after weeks of dry weather.

A quiet start does not guarantee a quiet finish. The season runs through November 30, and October has produced some of Florida's most damaging storms. The practical takeaway for newcomers: keep your supply kit, insurance documents, and roof and tree maintenance on schedule all the way through late fall, even in a quiet season.

Before Hurricane Season: Prepare Your Home

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The best time to prepare is before the season starts, not when a storm is approaching.

Exterior preparation:

• Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows if you do not already have them. See our Insurance Guide for a comparison of impact windows vs. shutters.
• Trim trees and remove dead limbs. Prune branches that overhang your roof or could fall on your home.
• Secure loose outdoor items: patio furniture, grills, potted plants, garbage cans, and decorations. Any unsecured item can become a projectile in high winds.
• Check your roof for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, or signs of wear. A roof inspection before hurricane season is a good investment.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under your roof line during heavy rain.
• Reinforce your garage door. A garage door is the largest opening in your home's wind envelope. An unbraced garage door can fail in high winds, allowing wind pressure to enter and damage the roof structure.

Inside preparation:

• Identify the safest room in your home. An interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet, is the best shelter during a hurricane.
• Know how to turn off your gas and water if needed.
• Have a manual can opener for food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a supply of batteries.
• Keep important documents (insurance policies, IDs, deeds, medical records) in a waterproof, portable container.

Insurance Requirements for Hurricane Coverage

Standard Florida homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage from hurricanes, including damage from wind-driven rain if the roof or windows are compromised. This coverage is included in your policy, but there are important details to understand.

Hurricane deductible. Florida policies have a separate hurricane deductible that applies to hurricane-related claims. This deductible is typically 1% to 5% of your home's insured value (dwelling coverage limit). For a home insured for $400,000, a 2% hurricane deductible means you pay the first $8,000 of hurricane damage. This deductible applies per hurricane season, not per storm. Check your policy declarations page to confirm your hurricane deductible percentage.

What is not covered. Standard policies do not cover flood damage from storm surge or heavy rain. Flood insurance is a separate policy. See our Florida Homeowners Insurance Guide for details on flood insurance requirements.

What to do after a storm. Document damage with photos and video before making temporary repairs. Contact your insurance company promptly to file a claim. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs, as your policy may cover reasonable temporary measures.

Evacuation Zones in Central Florida

Orlando and the surrounding counties have designated evacuation zones. Being inland, most of the Greater Orlando area is not in a mandatory evacuation zone for storm surge. However, the following situations may require evacuation:

• Mobile homes and manufactured homes. These are the most vulnerable structures in high winds. County emergency management agencies typically order mandatory evacuations for mobile homes when a hurricane watch or warning is issued.
• Low-lying and flood-prone areas. Homes in designated flood zones (A, AE, or V zones) may be advised to evacuate if heavy rain and storm surge from nearby lakes or rivers cause flooding concerns.
• Coastal evacuations. If you live near the coast (Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Tampa area), mandatory evacuation orders are more common. Many Central Florida residents evacuate inland, but that means Orlando may receive evacuees from coastal areas.

To find your specific evacuation zone, check your county's emergency management website. Each county maintains a searchable map by address.

If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, leave early. Do not wait until the storm is approaching. Follow the routes designated by county officials.

Emergency Supplies Checklist

Prepare a hurricane supply kit that can sustain your household for at least 7 to 10 days. Here is what to include:

• Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. For a family of four, that is 28 to 40 gallons for a week.
• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit, peanut butter, crackers, and other items that do not require cooking. Include a manual can opener.
• First aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, prescription medications (at least a 30-day supply), and any medical supplies your family needs.
• Flashlights and batteries: LED flashlights are more efficient than incandescent. Do not use candles, as they are a fire hazard, especially if a gas leak occurs.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: A NOAA weather radio is ideal. During a storm, cell service is often unreliable, and radio may be your only source of information.
• Power bank or portable charger: Charge all devices before the storm arrives. A solar-powered charger is a useful backup.
• Cash: ATMs and card readers may not work during and after a storm. Keep enough cash for several days of expenses.
• Gasoline: Fill your vehicle's gas tank before the storm. Gas stations may lose power or run out of fuel.
• Important documents: Insurance policies, home deed, identification, medical records, and a list of emergency contacts, stored in a waterproof bag.
• Pet supplies: Food, water, medications, leash, carrier, and vaccination records for your pets.
• Baby supplies: Diapers, formula, wipes, and baby food if applicable.
• Cooler and ice packs: For refrigerated food if power goes out.
• Mosquito repellent and sunscreen: After a storm, mosquito populations surge, and you may be outdoors for cleanup.
• Wet bags and tarps: For temporary roof repairs to prevent further water damage.

Power Outage Preparation

Power outages are the most common impact of hurricanes in Central Florida. Duke Energy and OUC both have extensive tree-trimming and grid-hardening programs, but a major hurricane can still knock out power to hundreds of thousands of customers.

What to expect:

• Duration. After a Category 1 or 2 storm, power may be restored within a few days. After a Category 3 or higher, outages can last 7 to 14 days or more in the hardest-hit areas.
• Food safety. A refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours without power. A full freezer keeps food frozen for about 48 hours. Do not taste food to check if it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Generator safety. If you use a portable generator, never operate it indoors, in a garage, or near windows. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of hurricane-related deaths. Place the generator at least 20 feet from your home with the exhaust facing away from doors and windows.
• Whole-house generators. Many Florida homeowners install automatic standby generators that run on natural gas or propane. These cost $5,000 to $15,000 installed but provide seamless backup power. If you work from home, have medical equipment that requires power, or simply want peace of mind, a standby generator is worth considering.

During the Storm: What to Do

• Stay indoors and away from windows, glass doors, and skylights.
• Go to your designated safe room (an interior room without windows).
• Monitor weather updates through a battery-powered radio or NOAA weather radio. Do not rely on cell service.
• Do not go outside during the eye of the storm. The winds will return rapidly from the opposite direction, often stronger than before.
• If you are in a mobile home or a structure that is not wind-safe, evacuate to a county shelter before the storm arrives.
• Keep your emergency supply kit with you in the safe room.
• Unplug major appliances to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored.

After the Storm: Recovery

• Stay inside until officials confirm it is safe. Downed power lines, flooded roads, and structural damage are hidden dangers.
• Document damage. Take photos and videos of all damage before making any repairs. This is essential for your insurance claim.
• Make temporary repairs. Cover broken windows, holes in the roof, and damaged doors with tarps or plywood to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for materials.
• Contact your insurance company. File a claim as soon as possible. Be prepared for high call volume and potential delays.
• Check on neighbors. Especially if they are elderly, have medical conditions, or have special needs.
• Be cautious of scams. After a hurricane, unlicensed contractors may go door-to-door offering repair services. Verify licenses and insurance before hiring anyone.
• Boil water if advised. If your water supply is compromised, local officials will issue a boil water notice. Follow instructions from your county utilities department.
• Dispose of spoiled food. If power was out for more than 4 hours, refrigerated food may be unsafe. Dispose of it properly.

Protecting Your Property Before a Storm

If you have time before a hurricane arrives, these steps can reduce damage:

• Install hurricane shutters or board up windows with plywood. Pre-cut plywood that fits your window frames is faster to install at the last minute.
• Bring all outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans, and loose items inside. Do not leave anything in the yard that could become a projectile.
• Secure your boat, RV, or other vehicles. Move them to higher ground if possible.
• Fill your bathtub and large containers with water for sanitation and flushing toilets if the water supply is interrupted.
• Charge all phones, laptops, and power banks. Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting.
• Fill your vehicle's gas tank.
• Park vehicles in a garage if available, or away from trees.
• Disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor faucets to prevent freezing if cold weather is expected after the storm (rare in Orlando but possible).
• Close all interior doors. This can help contain wind pressure if the roof or windows are breached.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Preparedness

Does Orlando get hurricanes?

Direct hits from major hurricanes in Orlando are rare, but the city is affected by tropical storms and hurricanes that cross the state. The most recent direct impact was Hurricane Charley in 2004. Since then, Orlando has experienced tropical storm force winds and heavy rain from several hurricanes and tropical storms.

Do I need to evacuate from Orlando during a hurricane?

Most of Orlando is not in a mandatory evacuation zone. However, residents of mobile homes, manufactured homes, and flood-prone areas may be ordered to evacuate. When a hurricane warning is issued, stay informed through your county's emergency management office.

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?

Standard Florida homeowners insurance covers wind damage from hurricanes, but it does not cover flood damage. You will need a separate flood insurance policy for flood coverage. Florida policies also have a hurricane deductible, typically 1% to 5% of the dwelling coverage limit. See our Florida Homeowners Insurance Guide for more details.

What should I do with my car during a hurricane?

Park in a garage if available. If you do not have a garage, park away from trees, power lines, and fences. Do not park in low-lying areas that may flood. A carport provides limited protection.

How long do power outages last after a hurricane in Orlando?

After a Category 1 or 2 storm, expect outages of 1 to 4 days. After a Category 3 or higher, outages can last 7 to 14 days or more in the hardest-hit areas. Duke Energy and OUC prioritize critical infrastructure and hospitals for restoration.

Should I buy a generator for my Orlando home?

A portable generator ($400 to $1,500) is a practical investment for most homeowners. A whole-house standby generator ($5,000 to $15,000) is worth considering if you work from home, have medical equipment needs, or want seamless backup power. Read the generator safety guidelines above before purchase.