Hurricane Preparation and Insurance in Brevard County

Brevard hurricane history in plain numbers

Brevard County has been hit by named storms more than 80 times since 1851. Most are tropical storms. The major hurricanes that shaped local building codes and insurance pricing include Hurricane Frances and Jeanne (2004, both Category 2 at landfall), Matthew (2016, Category 4 just offshore), and Ian (2022, with significant rainfall and flooding even though landfall was on the Gulf side).

What this history means for buyers: every home built or substantially renovated in Brevard after 2002 was built to a more rigorous Florida Building Code. Homes built after 2010 are even stronger. The age of the home and its post-construction upgrades drive insurance pricing more than almost anything else.

What wind mitigation actually saves you

A wind mitigation inspection is the single most cost-effective document a Florida homeowner can carry. Each credit on the report is a discount on your premium. The big credit categories:

Total wind mitigation savings on a Brevard home can range from a few hundred dollars per year to over $2,000 per year depending on the home. The inspection itself runs $75 to $125 and credits are valid for up to five years.

Impact windows vs shutters

The two paths to opening protection credits are impact rated windows and doors, or hurricane shutters. They both work. The choice usually comes down to budget, aesthetics, and how often you want to deal with deployment.

What new residents should know

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in August, September, and October. As a new Brevard resident, here is what to expect:

• Watch the National Hurricane Center. nhc.noaa.gov is the source of truth. Local TV stations relay NHC info but with hype layered on. Go straight to the source.
• Sign up for Brevard County Emergency Management alerts. brevardfl.gov has a notification signup. They will text you about evacuation orders, shelter locations, and curfews.
• Know your evacuation zone. Brevard uses zones A through E. Coastal barrier island residents are typically Zone A and evacuate first.
• Stock essentials before storm season. Water (one gallon per person per day for 7 days), batteries, flashlights, a portable charger, non-perishable food, prescription medications, important documents in waterproof storage.
• Know your insurance hurricane deductible. Florida policies have a separate hurricane deductible that runs 2 to 5 percent of the dwelling coverage. On a $500,000 home, a 2 percent deductible is $10,000 out of pocket before insurance pays.

How to evaluate a home for storm readiness during showings

When you tour homes in Brevard, look for these features as you walk through:

1. Roof age. Ask the listing agent for the roof permit date. Anything over 15 years is an insurance issue.
2. Hip vs gable roof. Look at the shape from the curb. Hip = all sides slope. Gable = two triangular peaks at the ends.
3. Window stickers. Impact rated windows have a permanent etched marking in the corner that says something like Large Missile Impact or PG (performance grade) followed by a number.
4. Shutter hardware. Look for shutter tracks above and below windows or for stored shutter panels in the garage.
5. Garage door bracing. A reinforced or impact rated garage door is a major credit.
6. Generator hookup. A whole house generator transfer switch on the side of the house is a big quality-of-life feature in Brevard.
7. Construction type. Concrete block (CBS) walls insure cheaper than frame.

Hurricane insurance basics

Hurricane wind damage in Florida is covered under your standard homeowners policy, but with a separate hurricane deductible. Flood damage is NOT covered by your homeowners policy and requires a separate flood policy through NFIP or a private flood carrier.

The implication: if a hurricane rolls through and your roof tears off, your homeowners insurance pays for the wind damage. If storm surge floods your first floor, only flood insurance pays. Many Brevard properties need both, especially east of US 1.

For a deeper look at how Florida homeowners insurance works, see livingspacecoast.com/florida-homeowners-insurance-explained/. For flood zones, see livingspacecoast.com/flood-zones-brevard-county/.