Hurricane country expenses nobody mentions

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Published Date 6/13/2025

“As a Florida native of 30 years, I live with the fear of getting hit with a hurricane,” says Realtor’s Liz Brumer-Smith. “However, it wasn't until I bought my first house there in 2023 that I faced another grim realization: Owning a home in a storm-prone area comes with a ton of hidden costs.”

Living in a hurricane zone comes with financial surprises that go far beyond your mortgage payment, she says. With 18.1% of U.S. homes facing potential hurricane damage—primarily in Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas—and experts predicting another "above-normal" hurricane season, understanding these costs is crucial for homebuyers no matter how much some of these properties may have depreciated in value.

Protecting your home's windows is critical but expensive, says Brumer-Smith. While plywood boarding offers the cheapest option, hurricane shutters can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars for installation on all openings. Impact windows provide the best protection but come with the highest price tag.

In some coastal counties, impact windows aren't optional—they're required by law. Homeowners Florida face quotes ranging from $14,000 to $27,000 for replacing standard windows with impact-rated ones.

Hurricane-related power outages can last days or weeks. “Generators have become essential equipment, with basic models costing around $1,000 plus ongoing fuel expenses,” she says. “More sophisticated setups include load-shed transfer switches that allow selective power distribution throughout your home, adding several hundred dollars to the initial investment.”

During the 2020 Louisiana hurricanes Delta and Laura, residents went without power for approximately 10 days, making generators invaluable for preserving food, running fans, and maintaining basic comfort.

Home insurance in hurricane zones costs significantly more than inland areas. Quotes in St. Petersburg, Florida, for a small 1,000-square-foot home ranged from $5,000 to $7,000 annually. Even with state-funded Citizens insurance, premiums exceeded $3,000.

After filing claims, expect dramatic rate increases. Brumer-Smith reports one Louisiana family saw their premiums jump 29% after hurricane damage, with total insurance payments nearly matching their mortgage. Additionally, flood insurance is mandatory in many coastal areas, adding another layer of expense.

“Hurricane damage repairs face two major cost drivers: material scarcity and contractor shortages,” she adds. “What normally costs $15,000 to $17,000 for roof replacement can surge to over $50,000 after a storm due to increased demand and limited qualified contractors.”

Even with insurance, however, homeowners often face partial coverage, especially for older homes. Verification processes with banks can delay repairs for months, while some residents have waited years for insurance companies to honor claims—or watched their insurers go bankrupt entirely.

While hurricane kits represent the smallest expense, they're essential for those staying put. Beyond basic supplies like water, food, and batteries, experienced hurricane survivors recommend investing in cast-iron cookware, portable grills, clotheslines, life jackets, and multiple coolers.

No one will deny that when the weather is calm and the sun is shining, the lure of living near water is a strong one. Living in hurricane country, however, means budgeting for more than just higher insurance premiums. Between window protection, backup power systems, inflated repair costs, and emergency supplies, the true cost of hurricane-zone homeownership extends far beyond the sticker price.

Realtor,TBWS

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American Home Lending USA, LLC - NMLS ID: 71983. To verify licensing, visit NMLS Consumer Access (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender.

Jeff Beck

President

NMLS: 19488

American Home Lending USA, LLC

240 S Buchanan St, Edwardsville IL 62025

Company NMLS: 71983

Office: 618-310-0091

Cell: 618-806-2281

Email: jbeck@ahlusa1.com

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