CFO Blaise Ingoglia urges Floridians to prepare early for the dangers of the 2026 hurricane season

Florida – As Florida prepares for another hurricane season, state leaders are urging residents not to wait until a storm appears on the radar before taking action.

With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially beginning on June 1 and continuing through November 30, Blaise Ingoglia released a new round of preparedness guidance focused on helping Floridians protect their homes, finances and families before severe weather strikes.

The warning comes as emergency officials continue stressing that hurricanes can intensify rapidly, often leaving little time for last-minute planning. State leaders say preparation remains one of the most effective ways to reduce damage, confusion and financial hardship during and after major storms.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “We have seen time after time the devastating consequences Floridians face every year because of hurricanes. The best course of action we can take is to be prepared. As we go into another hurricane season, don’t wait, be proactive, and make a plan before a storm strikes.”

Florida has experienced repeated hurricane impacts over the years, from catastrophic flooding and storm surge to prolonged power outages and property destruction. In many cases, officials say the difference between a manageable recovery and a devastating loss often depends on how prepared households were before the storm arrived.

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One of the key recommendations from state officials involves reviewing insurance coverage early. Residents are encouraged to check both homeowners and flood insurance policies and compare available options to ensure they have adequate protection before peak hurricane activity begins later in the summer.

Emergency management officials also recommend creating a complete home inventory. Taking photographs and video of both the inside and outside of a property can become critical when filing insurance claims after storm damage occurs.

Important documents should also be stored in waterproof or dry containers, according to the guidance. Financial preparations are another major focus, with officials encouraging residents to keep emergency cash available in case electronic payment systems or ATMs become unavailable following severe weather.

State Senator Corey Simon said preparation before landfall can make recovery efforts significantly easier once storms pass.

“Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, and the more prepared Floridians can be, the easier the hurricane recovery process is. I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for his commitment to keeping Florida safe and making sure that Floridians have the information they need ahead of hurricane season.”

The state’s emergency management division is also emphasizing the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, especially in an era of rapidly changing weather patterns and warmer ocean temperatures that can fuel stronger storms.

Kevin Guthrie warned that residents may not always have days to react once a storm begins strengthening.

“Hurricanes can strengthen and intensify quickly, which often gives us little to no time to react. It is important for Floridians to prepare now, rather than wait for a warning. By taking the necessary steps and precautions, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property before it is too late.”

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Beyond preparing homes and emergency supplies, officials are also focusing heavily on what residents should do after a storm moves through.

Insurance experts and emergency responders say confusion often follows hurricanes, creating opportunities for fraud, scams and costly mistakes. Residents are being reminded to report damage to their insurance providers as quickly as possible and to document any emergency repairs that are necessary to prevent further property damage.

Photos, videos and written notes are strongly encouraged during the recovery process because detailed records can help support insurance claims and reduce disputes later.

Officials are also warning residents to be cautious when approached by contractors, adjusters or individuals offering immediate repair assistance after a storm.

According to the state guidance, homeowners should verify licenses before hiring contractors and avoid rushing into agreements, especially those involving public adjusters. Residents are advised to carefully review any contract before signing and to avoid individuals demanding cash-only payments.

The guidance further notes that legitimate contractors should carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, and residents should ask for proof before work begins.

Flooded vehicles also present hidden dangers after storms. Officials warned that even cars appearing to have only minor water damage could be unsafe to operate. Drivers are encouraged to contact insurance companies first and follow claim instructions rather than attempting to drive water-damaged vehicles.

Gene Sanders said community preparedness plays an important role in helping emergency personnel respond more effectively during severe weather events.

“Our firefighters are ready for when severe weather occurs, but when residents are prepared for hurricane season, it makes our jobs a lot easier. By applying simple hurricane safety tips, this can prevent future emergencies from happening.”

Officials are also encouraging residents to keep records of all communications with insurance adjusters and companies during the recovery process. Maintaining organized documentation can help resolve disputes and track claim progress more efficiently.

The state’s Consumer Services Helpline remains available for residents seeking insurance assistance or guidance after storms. Officials say the service can help answer questions, explain policy issues and assist consumers dealing with claim-related concerns.

While hurricane forecasts and storm tracking technology continue improving each year, state leaders say no system can fully eliminate the risks posed by powerful storms. Because of that, they continue urging Floridians to prepare well before severe weather threatens the state.

For emergency officials, the message entering the 2026 season remains straightforward — preparation cannot wait until the skies darken or evacuation orders are issued.

Instead, they say the safest approach is simple planning done early, before a hurricane has the chance to turn into a disaster.