How high was Milton's storm surge in Sarasota County?

The National Hurricane Center's report lists 4 to 6 feet from Longboat Key to Venice.

Do I pay two hurricane deductibles for Helene and Milton?

Florida's hurricane deductible applies per calendar year. If you met it in full on your Helene claim, a Milton claim the same year uses your regular deductible.

Sarasota County

Home and auto insurance in Sarasota County after Hurricane Milton

By the Florida Coverage Compare editorial team · Last updated October 31, 2026

The short answer

Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center's final report lists storm surge of 4 to 6 feet from Longboat Key to Venice. It came two weeks after Helene's surge had already battered the same coast.

Milton's landfall

According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton came ashore near Siesta Key on the evening of October 9, 2024, with estimated maximum winds of about 115 mph. Its surge of 4 to 6 feet affected the coast from Longboat Key to Venice, where erosion and debris from Hurricane Helene two weeks earlier made the damage worse.

Barrier islands and flood coverage

Homes on Siesta Key, Longboat Key and the other barrier islands face the most surge exposure. Surge is flood damage, excluded from homeowners policies, so a flood policy is essential, and NFIP coverage usually takes 30 days to start.

Two storms in one season

Florida's hurricane deductible applies per calendar year. If Helene's claim used up your full hurricane deductible, a Milton claim later in 2024 would use your regular deductible instead. Keep separate records for each storm.

Auto insurance in Sarasota County

Sarasota County drivers carry Florida's minimums: $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. Comprehensive coverage pays for surge or flood damage to your car.

Common questions in Sarasota County

Where did Hurricane Milton make landfall?: Near Siesta Key in Sarasota County on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 hurricane.
How high was Milton's storm surge in Sarasota County?: The National Hurricane Center's report lists 4 to 6 feet from Longboat Key to Venice.
Do I pay two hurricane deductibles for Helene and Milton?: Florida's hurricane deductible applies per calendar year. If you met it in full on your Helene claim, a Milton claim the same year uses your regular deductible.

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General information, not insurance advice. Florida Coverage Compare is not an insurance company or agent. Confirm details with a licensed agent or the official source.