🌀 Your 2025 Hurricane Season Guide for Northeast Florida
Stay ready, stay safe, and stay informed. Here’s what every Florida homeowner needs to know.
Whether you’re new to Florida or you’ve weathered a few storms, hurricane season is never something to take lightly. From stocking the right supplies to knowing your evacuation zone, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s your go-to guide for getting ahead of the 2025 hurricane season in Northeast Florida.
📅 When is Hurricane Season in Florida?
Florida’s hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30, with the peak activity usually between mid-August and late October.
According to NOAA’s 2025 outlook, we’re in for an above-average season, so now’s the time to prepare—before the storms are named.
✅ Best Practices Before the Storm
Preparation isn’t just for doomsday preppers—these are the everyday steps every homeowner should take in the early summer months:
-
Know Your Evacuation Zone
Check your address at: FloridaDisaster.org/Know
Zones A and B are the most common for early evacuation notices. -
Review Your Home Insurance
Make sure your hurricane and flood coverage is up to date.
Wind damage and flood claims are often separate policies. -
Secure Your Property
-
Trim trees and clear loose yard debris
-
Test shutters or buy plywood to cover windows
-
Check roof integrity and gutter flow
-
Anchor any outdoor furniture
-
-
Back Up Important Documents
Scan and upload copies of your insurance policies, IDs, deeds, and medical info to a secure cloud location.
🧃 What to Include in Your Hurricane Supply Kit
Plan for at least 3–5 days without power, and potentially without running water or access to stores.
Emergency Kit Essentials:
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Food & Water | Non-perishable food, 1 gal water per person per day, can opener |
| Power | Flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, solar power banks |
| Health & Safety | First aid kit, hygiene products, medications, face masks |
| Paperwork | Insurance documents, IDs, cash (ATMs may be down) |
| Comfort & Kids | Games, comfort food, baby needs, pet food and leashes |
| Extras | Duct tape, tools, whistle, rain gear, trash bags |
👉 Pro Tip: Freeze water in ziplock bags to keep your fridge cool longer if power goes out.
🚗 Evacuation Planning in Northeast Florida
Evacuation doesn’t have to be chaotic. A little pre-planning means less stress when it’s go-time.
📍 Key Routes for Nassau, Duval, and St. Johns Counties:
-
I-95 & I-10: Primary interstate routes out of the region.
-
US-1 & US-301: Useful for avoiding congestion.
-
State Road A1A: May close during storm surges—don’t rely on this route late in the game.
📦 What to Bring if You Evacuate:
-
Your full supply kit (above)
-
Pet crates and vet papers
-
Blankets and clothes for 3–5 days
-
Gas (keep your tank at least half full during hurricane season)
🏢 Know Your Shelters:
Local counties post open shelter information as storms approach:
-
Duval: www.jaxready.com
-
Nassau: nassaufl-em.com
-
St. Johns: sjcfl.us/hurricane
Many shelters are pet-friendly but check requirements (vaccinations, leashes, crates).
📲 Stay Informed with These Trusted Sources
-
NOAA National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
-
Florida Storms App: Real-time alerts and radar
-
Local Alerts: Sign up for county-specific alerts via text or email
🏡 Hurricane Season & Your Real Estate Plans
If you’re buying or selling a home during hurricane season, you’ll want to:
-
Add storm clauses into contracts (for delays, damage, insurance holds)
-
Do a roof and drainage inspection before closing
-
Ask about past flood zones and elevation certifications
As a local Realtor, I help my clients stay informed—not just about the market, but about living safely and confidently in Florida.
🌴 Final Thoughts
Hurricanes are part of Florida life—but panic doesn’t have to be.
Preparation = peace of mind.
And remember, if you ever have questions about buying, selling, or protecting your property here in Northeast Florida, I’m always just a phone call (or text) away.
Carrie Ann Kilpatrick, Realtor
📍 Northeast Florida Real Estate
📞 904-601-2216 | 📧 realtor@carrieannkilpatrick.com
🌐 www.letsbeerealtygirl.com
