What is a 2% hurricane deductible in Florida?

It's 2% of your dwelling coverage, not of the claim. On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% hurricane deductible is $6,000.

Does a tropical storm trigger my hurricane deductible?

Only damage from a hurricane during the hurricane deductible period falls under it. Damage from a tropical storm that never becomes a hurricane generally falls under your regular deductible. Check your policy wording.

Can I choose a $500 hurricane deductible?

Florida insurers must offer a $500 option along with 2%, 5% and 10%, though it costs more in premium.

Florida hurricane deductibles: how the 2%, 5% and 10% options work

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

The short answer

A Florida hurricane deductible is a separate deductible that applies to hurricane damage. Insurers must offer options of $500, 2%, 5% or 10% of your dwelling coverage. A percentage deductible is based on your dwelling limit, not the size of your claim, so a 2% deductible on a $300,000 home means you pay the first $6,000 of hurricane damage.

The options insurers must offer

According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, insurers must offer hurricane deductible options of $500, 2%, 5% or 10% of the policy's dwelling limit. For higher-value homes, insurers may offer different percentage options. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your premium but raises what you pay after a storm.

Worked example

If a hurricane causes $20,000 of covered damage, you'd pay the first $6,000 with a 2% deductible, $15,000 with 5%, and the full $20,000 with 10%.

Dwelling coverage: $300,000
2% hurricane deductible: $6,000
5% hurricane deductible: $15,000
10% hurricane deductible: $30,000

When the hurricane deductible applies

The Florida Department of Financial Services describes the hurricane deductible period as beginning when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for any part of Florida, and ending 72 hours after the last hurricane watch or hurricane warning ends. Damage from a hurricane in that window falls under the hurricane deductible; other wind damage generally falls under your regular deductible.

It applies per calendar year

According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, the hurricane deductible applies on an annual basis to all covered hurricane losses in the calendar year. If you meet it in full on your first hurricane claim, later hurricane claims that year use your regular (all other perils) deductible. Ask your agent how your policy handles a deductible that was only partly used by an earlier storm.

Common questions

What is a 2% hurricane deductible in Florida?: It's 2% of your dwelling coverage, not of the claim. On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% hurricane deductible is $6,000.
Does a tropical storm trigger my hurricane deductible?: Only damage from a hurricane during the hurricane deductible period falls under it. Damage from a tropical storm that never becomes a hurricane generally falls under your regular deductible. Check your policy wording.
Can I choose a $500 hurricane deductible?: Florida insurers must offer a $500 option along with 2%, 5% and 10%, though it costs more in premium.

Sources

This guide is general information, not insurance advice. Florida Coverage Compare is not an insurance company or agent. Rules change; confirm details with a licensed agent or the official source. See our editorial standards.