We’re Entering Peak Hurricane Season: Why Florida & Georgia Homeowners Should Quote Flood Insurance Now
Even if August felt “quiet,” hurricane season is only now reaching its busiest stretch. Historically, the Atlantic peaks around September 10, with the most activity from mid-August through mid-October. (NOAA)
This year’s outlook reinforces the point: NOAA’s August update continues to call for an above-normal season with 13–18 named storms, 5–9 hurricanes, and 2–5 major hurricanes. (NOAA, Climate Prediction Center) In August alone we saw Dexter, Erin, and Fernand—systems that mostly stayed offshore but underline how quickly conditions can ramp up as we enter the seasonal peak. (Yale Climate Connections, New York Post, AccuWeather)
And the National Hurricane Center continues to monitor new disturbances in the tropical Atlantic as warm sea-surface temperatures fuel development—recent outlooks showed medium-to-high formation odds within a week. (National Hurricane Center, FOX 13 Tampa Bay, Miami Herald)
Why Consider Private Flood Insurance Today?
Whether you live on the coast or well inland in places like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port St. John/Cocoa, Jacksonville, Savannah, or the Atlanta suburbs, flood risk is spreading with heavier rain events and rapid-onset flooding. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood.
Barefoot Insurance Brokers represents 23+ flood insurance carriers across multiple states—including Florida and Georgia—so we can shop options quickly and match coverage to your property and budget.
Neptune Flood Advantage: Shorter Waiting Periods
A key reason to act now: Neptune Flood (one of our private-market partners) generally has a 10-day waiting period, with no wait if you’re purchasing for a real estate closing or rolling over an existing flood policy. The NFIP typically requires 30 days. That difference can mean everything if a storm forms next week. (Neptune Flood)
Who Needs Flood Insurance?
- Homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas (AE, VE): Your lender may require coverage, but you still choose which policy.
- “X-zone” & inland properties: A “low-to-moderate” map label doesn’t mean “no risk.” Many claims come from outside high-risk zones.
- Condominium & townhome owners: An HOA master policy (if any) may not fully protect the interior of your unit or personal property.
- Landlords & investors: Protect rental income and unit interiors; some private policies include optional enhancements.
What Can Private Flood Insurance Cover?
While details vary by carrier, private flood options commonly include:
- Dwelling/Building coverage (often with higher limits than NFIP)
- Contents coverage (replacement cost options may be available)
- Additional living expenses (when a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable)
- Loss of rent for investment properties (where available)
- Flexible deductibles to tailor price vs. protection
Because coverage terms vary by insurer, we’ll compare forms from multiple carriers (including NFIP) to find the right fit for your property and risk tolerance.
Timing Matters: Don’t Wait for the Cone
Recent systems—Dexter, Erin, and Fernand—developed and intensified over open water with shifting tracks. That’s typical this time of year; storms can spin up and turn quickly, and policy waiting periods still apply once a disturbance is on the map. Secure coverage before there’s a named threat near Florida or Georgia. (Yale Climate Connections, New York Post, AccuWeather)
Quick FAQs
Is flood insurance required?
Lenders often require it in high-risk zones, but many owners choose coverage voluntarily due to growing inland and urban flood risks.
How long is the waiting period?
- Neptune Flood: typically 10 days; 0 days for closings or policy rollovers. (Neptune Flood)
- NFIP: typically 30 days. (Neptune Flood)
Why is everyone saying the season was ‘quiet’?
A slower early season is normal. The long-term climatology shows activity peaks now, around September 10. (NOAA)
What’s the current forecast?
NOAA’s August 7, 2025 update still expects 13–18 named storms, 5–9 hurricanes, and 2–5 major hurricanes this season. (NOAA, Climate Prediction Center)
Get a Flood Quote in Minutes
Barefoot Insurance Brokers can quote private flood (including Neptune Flood) and NFIP side-by-side for homes and condos across Florida and Georgia. With 23+ flood carriers, we’ll help you compare coverage, waiting periods, deductibles, and pricing—so you’re protected before the next advisory.
- Call: 954-368-0060 (ask for our Flood team)
- Email: craig@barefootins.com (Flood Specialist)
- Service area: Florida & Georgia (and additional states via our carrier network)
Suggested Bing-Friendly Metadata
- SEO Title (≤60 chars): Peak Hurricane Season: Florida & Georgia Flood Insurance
- Meta Description (≤155 chars): It’s peak season. Compare private flood vs. NFIP with 10-day waits from Neptune. Get a fast quote in FL & GA from Barefoot Insurance Brokers.
- Target Keywords: Florida flood insurance, Georgia flood insurance, private flood insurance quote, Neptune Flood 10-day waiting period, NFIP vs private flood, flood insurance Fort Lauderdale, flood insurance Savannah, condo flood insurance Florida, flood insurance Cocoa/Port St. John
Sources: NOAA August update and climatology; NHC outlooks; reporting on Dexter, Erin, and Fernand; Neptune Flood waiting periods. (NOAA, Climate Prediction Center, National Hurricane Center, Yale Climate Connections, New York Post, AccuWeather, Neptune Flood)
About the Author
Craig Appleman is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers, bringing 12 years of experience in personal lines coverage to Florida homeowners and families. His areas of expertise include flood insurance, homeowners insurance, personal umbrella policies, and auto insurance. Craig is known for helping clients navigate complex risk exposures with clarity and confidence. You can reach him directly at craig@barefootins.com or call/text 954-637-3481 to discuss your insurance needs.