Living in Fort Myers means embracing coastal charm, palm-lined streets, and year-round sun. But it also means preparing for hurricane season—every single year. With rising premiums, more intense storms, and new insurance regulations in Florida, understanding your hurricane insurance has never been more important.
Whether you’re a long-time local or new homeowner, this guide will help you protect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind in 2025.
Why Hurricane Insurance Matters in Fort Myers
Southwest Florida sits in the bullseye of the Atlantic hurricane corridor. The region has seen its share of powerful storms, but Hurricane Ian in 2022 was a wake-up call—inflicting over $113 billion in estimated damages across the state. Fort Myers Beach alone saw roughly 97% of structures damaged or destroyed. Many homeowners who thought they were covered discovered major gaps in their insurance.
Here’s the hard truth: if your policy isn’t hurricane-ready, you could be left footing a six-figure repair bill—or worse.
What Makes Hurricane Insurance Different?
Most Florida homeowners policies include windstorm coverage, but hurricane deductibles are treated separately from your general deductible.
Key Terms to Know:
- Hurricane Deductible: Usually 2%–5% of your dwelling’s insured value.
- Example: If your home is insured for $400,000 with a 5% hurricane deductible, you’re responsible for the first $20,000 in hurricane-related damages before your insurer pays.
- Windstorm Coverage: Covers damages from hurricane-force winds (e.g., roof, siding, windows, screen enclosures).
- Named Storm Clauses: Some policies only activate hurricane deductibles if the storm is officially “named” by the National Weather Service.
Understanding how these apply to your policy could mean the difference between financial survival and disaster recovery chaos.
What’s Changing in 2025?
The Florida insurance market is still adjusting after the fallout from Ian. In 2025, here’s what Fort Myers homeowners are seeing:
- Premium Increases: Many carriers raised rates by 15–30% from 2022–2024 due to catastrophic claims volume and inflation.
- Stricter Underwriting: Some insurers now require updated roofs (often under 10 years old) and wind mitigation reports.
- Fewer Options: Several national insurers have reduced or pulled back from issuing new coastal policies.
- Policy Consolidation: Independent agencies like Lott & Gaylor play a larger role in finding carriers willing to insure coastal properties.
This makes it even more important to work with a local expert who understands both your home’s risks and the current market conditions.
How to Prepare Your Insurance Policy Before Hurricane Season
June through November is hurricane season in Florida. But your prep work should start much earlier. Here’s how to make sure your policy is truly ready.
1. Review Your Hurricane Deductible
- Can you afford your out-of-pocket responsibility?
- Would you be better off with a lower deductible and slightly higher premium?
2. Confirm You Have Windstorm Coverage
Some budget policies exclude wind or limit payout caps. Ensure your coverage includes:
- Roof damage
- Broken windows or doors
- Detached structure damage (e.g., pool cages, carports, sheds)
3. Ask About Wind Mitigation Discounts
If your home has:
- Impact-resistant windows/doors
- Hurricane shutters
- Roof straps or clips
- Reinforced garage doors
You could qualify for hundreds in annual savings. Ask your agent about getting a wind mitigation inspection.
4. Document Your Home
- Take photos/videos of each room, including major systems
- Save receipts for high-value items
- Keep a digital backup (cloud drive or email)
This will make filing a claim easier—and faster—if disaster strikes.
Real-World Example: “We Thought We Were Covered”
A Fort Myers homeowner whose home was valued at $450,000 had a 5% hurricane deductible—totaling $22,500. After Ian damaged their roof and flooded the lanai, they discovered:
- Their policy excluded wind damage to screen enclosures
- They hadn’t installed roof straps, so no wind mitigation discount
- They didn’t have flood coverage (handled under a separate policy)
They paid over $30,000 out-of-pocket for repairs. A yearly policy review could have prevented most of that.
Why Work with a Local Insurance Agency
Lott & Gaylor Insurance has been protecting Fort Myers families for over 40 years. As an independent agency, we:
- Compare multiple insurers to find the best coverage
- Explain complex hurricane deductibles in plain language
- Help clients take advantage of wind mitigation credits
- Provide real-time support when it’s time to file a claim
We don’t sell you a policy and disappear—we’re here before and after the storm.
Ready for Hurricane Season? Let’s Review Your Policy
Hurricanes aren’t a matter of if—they’re when. Don’t wait until a storm is on the radar to find out your coverage is incomplete.
Call Lott & Gaylor today for a complimentary hurricane insurance review—or fill out our quick online quote form.
Protect your home, your family, and your future.
FAQs – Hurricane Insurance In Fort Myers, FL
1. Does homeowners insurance in Fort Myers cover hurricane damage?
Most Florida homeowners insurance policies include windstorm coverage, but hurricane damage is often subject to a separate hurricane deductible. This deductible typically ranges from 2% to 5% of your home’s insured value. Coverage may also depend on whether the storm is an officially named hurricane. Always review your policy details and work with a local agent to ensure you’re fully protected.
2. What is a hurricane deductible, and how does it work in Florida?
A hurricane deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurer covers hurricane-related damage. It is usually 2% to 5% of your home’s insured value, not a fixed dollar amount. For example, if your home is insured for $400,000 with a 5% hurricane deductible, you would pay the first $20,000 in storm damage costs before insurance coverage kicks in.
3. What’s changing with hurricane insurance in Florida in 2025?
In 2025, Fort Myers homeowners can expect higher premiums, stricter underwriting standards, and fewer insurance options. Some carriers now require newer roofs and wind mitigation reports. Others have exited the coastal market entirely. Working with a local, independent agency like Lott & Gaylor can help you navigate policy changes and secure reliable hurricane insurance coverage.
4. How can I lower my hurricane insurance premium in Fort Myers?
You may be eligible for wind mitigation discounts if your home has features like:
- Impact-resistant windows or shutters
- Roof straps or clips
- Reinforced garage doors
- A wind mitigation inspection can lead to hundreds of dollars in annual savings. Contact your agent to see if your home qualifies.
How do I get ready for hurricane season with my insurance policy?
Prior to hurricane season (June–November), homeowners must:
- Check their hurricane deductible
- Verify windstorm coverage is present
- Check for wind mitigation discounts
- Photograph and inventory their home with receipts
- These actions facilitate more straightforward claims processing and lower out-of-pocket costs in case of a storm.
