Florida is one of the most sought-after destinations for those looking to relocate, offering beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and no state income tax. However, it also comes with a significant downside: hurricanes. If you have never lived in Florida before, this is one of the biggest factors you need to consider before making the move.

 

In this article, we’ll explore the impact of hurricanes in Florida, the preparation required, and which areas are most at risk. We’ll also discuss how Florida’s infrastructure and policies help mitigate hurricane damage and why St. Augustine, FL, may be one of the best locations in the state for avoiding severe storms.

 

Why Hurricanes Are a Major Concern for Florida Residents

 

Florida’s geographical position makes it highly vulnerable to hurricanes, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Hurricanes can bring:

 

• High-speed winds exceeding 100 mph
• Storm surges that cause severe flooding
• Torrential rainfall leading to inland flooding
• Power outages that can last for days or weeks
• Disruptions to infrastructure and essential services

While many longtime residents are accustomed to hurricane preparedness, newcomers often underestimate the stress, cost, and time required to properly prepare for and recover from a major storm.

 

The Hassle of Preparing for Hurricanes

 

Hurricane preparedness is not just about stocking up on bottled water and flashlights. It’s an extensive process that requires foresight and planning. Some of the necessary steps include:

 

1. Home Preparations

• Installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows
• Reinforcing garage doors to prevent structural damage
• Clearing yard debris that can turn into projectiles
• Ensuring roofs are properly secured to withstand high winds
• Sandbagging around doors and entry points to prevent flooding

   

2. Evacuation Planning

• Knowing your evacuation zone and nearest shelter
• Mapping out alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion
• Ensuring your vehicle has a full tank of gas in case of an emergency
• Identifying pet-friendly shelters if you own animals

   

3. Emergency Supplies

• At least three days’ worth of food and water per person
• First-aid kit and essential medications
• Backup power sources (generators, battery packs, etc.)
• Important documents (insurance papers, identification, property deeds) in waterproof containers

Even if a storm doesn’t directly hit, the psychological toll of watching forecasts, making last-minute plans, and preparing for the worst-case scenario is exhausting.

 

Which Areas in Florida Are Most Affected by Hurricanes?

 

Not all parts of Florida experience hurricanes equally. Some regions get hit far more frequently than others.

 

Hurricane Risk Map by County

 

Florida counties can be divided into high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk hurricane zones based on historical data from 1900 to 2024.

 

High-Risk Areas (Most Hurricane Landfalls)

• Florida Keys (Monroe County) – 33 hurricane landfalls
• Miami-Dade County – 25 hurricane landfalls
• Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg – 22 hurricane landfalls
• Naples & Fort Myers (Southwest Florida) – 18 hurricane landfalls

These regions are highly vulnerable due to their coastal locations and low elevation, making them prone to storm surges.

 

Moderate-Risk Areas

• Orlando (Central Florida) – Occasionally impacted by hurricanes that weaken after landfall
• Tampa & St. Petersburg – At risk but slightly protected due to its unique bay geography
• Jacksonville (Northeast Florida) – Less frequent direct hits but still affected by storms traveling up the East Coast

   

Lower-Risk Areas (Fewest Hurricane Landfalls)

• St. Augustine (St. Johns County) – Historically hit only four times since 1900
• Gainesville & Ocala – Inland regions that experience reduced hurricane intensity
• Panhandle & Tallahassee – Experiences storms but is less vulnerable than South Florida

   

If you’re looking for a safer area in Florida with a lower hurricane risk, St. Augustine is one of the best options.

 

How Florida Handles Hurricanes

 

1. Improved Building Codes

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Florida adopted some of the strictest building codes in the country. Homes built after 2002 are required to:

• Withstand winds up to 120-150 mph (depending on the region)
• Include hurricane-resistant roofing and impact-resistant windows
• Follow strict elevation requirements in flood-prone areas

2. Statewide Emergency Response

Florida’s emergency management team is one of the most experienced in the U.S. Before a hurricane hits, mandatory evacuations are issued for the most vulnerable zones, and shelters are opened across the state.

 

50,000+ linemen from across the U.S. are pre-positioned before major hurricanes, ensuring power restoration begins immediately after a storm passes.

 

3. Flood Control Measures

• Elevated roads and drainage systems in high-risk flood zones
• Sandbagging efforts in coastal areas
• Ongoing beach renourishment projects to reduce storm surge impact

   

Why St. Augustine, FL, is One of the Best Places to Move in Florida

 

While no place in Florida is completely hurricane-proof, St. Augustine offers a lower risk compared to other coastal cities. Here’s why:

 

• Fewer direct hurricane hits than South Florida
• Elevated land areas reduce flood risk
• Moderate climate with cooler winters compared to South Florida
• Lower cost of living compared to Miami, Naples, and Fort Lauderdale
• Growing job market and strong community infrastructure

If you’re considering moving to Florida but want to minimize hurricane-related risks, St. Augustine is one of the most strategic locations to consider.

 

Should You Move to Florida?

Hurricanes are a major downside of living in Florida, but they don’t necessarily mean you should avoid the state entirely. The key is choosing a location that balances safety, affordability, and lifestyle benefits.

 

If you’re looking to move to Northeastern Florida, specifically St. Augustine, reach out to our team. We specialize in helping buyers and investors find the right properties while ensuring they are fully informed about hurricane risks and preparedness strategies.