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)
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.
Service area: Florida & Georgia (and additional states via our carrier network)
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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.
FR-44 Insurance Made Simple with Barefoot Insurance Brokers
If you’ve been convicted of DUI in Florida and need an FR-44 filing to reinstate your driver license, Barefoot Insurance Brokers can help—quickly and affordably. We shop a broad network of Florida carriers that file FR-44s so you get a competitive price without the hassle. Based in Broward & Brevard, we serve drivers in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, and Margate every day.
What is an FR-44?
An FR-44 is a certificate your insurer files with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to prove you carry higher-than-standard liability limits after certain alcohol-related convictions (like DUI). In Florida, FR-44 policies must carry at least $100,000 / $300,000 for bodily injury liability and $50,000 for property damage (or a $350,000 combined single limit) and must be maintained for 3 years after license reinstatement.
SR-22 vs. FR-44: Both are proof-of-insurance filings, but an FR-44 requires higher liability limits than an SR-22 because it’s tied to DUI convictions. In some states, an alcohol related conviction is handled through an SR22 but Florida requires the heightened FR44 insurance requirement.
Who needs an FR44 Insurance Filing in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek & Margate?
If a Broward County court record shows a DUI conviction and your license is suspended, you’ll need an FR-44 on an active Florida auto policy (or a qualifying non-owner policy if you don’t own a car) before FLHSMV will reinstate your driving privilege. This needs to be maintained for 3 continuous years to satisfy the requirement.
What affects your FR-44 price?
Driving record & violation history
Vehicle type and garaging ZIP (e.g., 33065, 33071, 33076, 33063, 33066, 33068)
Coverage selections & deductibles
Prior insurance and any lapses
Because rates vary widely between companies, shopping multiple FR-44 carriers is the #1 way to save. That’s where we come in. We work with Bristol West, Kemper, Progressive, National General, GEICO and Dairyland — all of the most competitive insurance providers of the FR44 filing in Florida.
Why Barefoot Insurance Brokers
We shop the market: We compare rates across many Florida carriers that file FR-44s to target the most competitive price for your situation.
Fast filing: We coordinate the FR-44 electronic filing to help you move from quote → bind → filing with minimal downtime. (Processing times vary by carrier.)
Owner & non-owner FR-44 options: Whether you own a vehicle or just need to satisfy the requirement to drive, we’ll guide you to the right policy type.
Local guidance: Clear, judgment-free help from a Florida independent agency that knows Broward and the surrounding areas.
What you’ll need to get started
Driver license number and DUI details (conviction/reinstatement dates)
Vehicle information (if you own one)
Address in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate or elsewhere in FL
Prior insurance info (if any)
FAQs
How long do I need to keep the FR-44? Three years from the date you reinstate your privilege. If you cancel or lapse during that period, your license can be suspended again.
What limits are required? At least 100/300/50 or a $350,000 combined single limit, per FLHSMV. Choosing higher limits can better protect your assets.
Is a non-owner FR-44 available? Yes—if you don’t own a car, a non-owner liability policy can often satisfy the filing requirement. (Availability/eligibility vary by carrier; we’ll advise case-by-case.)
Ready to file your FR-44 in Broward?
Call Barefoot Insurance Brokers at 954-368-0060 or start at barefootins.com. We’ll compare the market for you and file the FR-44 fast—so you can focus on moving forward.
Sources: Key FR-44 requirements from FLHSMV (liability limits and 3-year maintenance) flhsmv.gov
What Every Florida Boater Needs to Know Before the Next Storm
As hurricane season rolls into Florida, one of the top questions we hear at Barefoot Insurance Brokers is: “Can I insure my boat for hurricane damage?” The short answer? Yes—but timing is everything.
Boat insurance in Florida can include hurricane and named-storm coverage, but most carriers place binding restrictions once a storm is approaching. That means once a system is named or enters the forecast cone, it’s too late to get or change your coverage.
🌪️ What Does Hurricane Coverage Include?
When you add hurricane coverage to your Florida boat policy, you may be protected from:
Wind and wave damage caused by named tropical storms or hurricanes
Damage from storm surge or flooding (depending on policy type)
Cost to salvage or remove your boat after a storm
Emergency haul-out or storage reimbursement to protect your vessel before landfall
Policies differ by insurer, but we work with top marine carriers like Progressive, Ahoy!, GEICO, and American Integrity to find options that best suit your location, boat type, and storage method.
⚠️ Don’t Wait for a Storm to Get Coverage
Insurance companies shut down new policies or coverage changes when a storm is near. That means if you wait until a storm is already on the radar—you’re out of luck.
At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we strongly recommend Florida boaters lock in coverage well before June 1st or at least early in the season. We’ll help you understand named-storm exclusions and how to protect your investment year-round.
🌴 Serving Coastal Brevard County Boaters
We proudly serve Florida’s boating community in Brevard County, including these five most populated coastal regions:
City
ZIP Codes
Palm Bay
32905, 32907, 32909
Melbourne
32901, 32935, 32940
Cocoa Beach
32931
Titusville
32780, 32796
Satellite Beach
32937
Lowest priced zip codes for boat insurance in Brevard County, Florida
From riverfront docks to Atlantic marina slips, we help Space Coast boaters secure peace of mind with the right coverage at the right price.
💰 Affordable Boat Insurance Starting at Just $75/Year
Through Progressive, some annual marine insurance policies start at just $75! Rates depend on:
Boat size, age, and type
Storage location (marina, trailer, lift, or dry dock)
A recent Sun Sentinel article (August 16, 2025) raised a critical question: should high-rise residents stay during a Category 5 hurricane—or evacuate? While some concrete-and-steel buildings are designed to endure extreme winds, experts caution that evacuation is often the safest choice due to risks like flooding, power outages, debris, and limited emergency response access.
Why Evacuation Is the Safer Option
Category 5 winds exceed 157 mph, capable of causing catastrophic building damage—especially when combined with storm surge and flooding Wikipedia.
Even structurally sound high-rises can become unsafe due to broken glass, elevator failures, prolonged power loss, or compromised emergency systems.
Emergency officials consistently advise evacuating when warned, as delays can become life-threatening AP News.
Insurance: Know What’s Covered—and What’s Not
If you’re a high-rise condo owner in Florida, it’s crucial to understand how insurance works before disaster strikes:
Condo Association (Master) Policy Typically covers the building’s exterior and common elements, like walls, roof, and lobby. Windstorm and hazard coverage is mandatory for Florida coastal associations—though some may attempt to exclude wind coverage, this generally requires member approval Williams Law.
Your Individual HO‑6 (Unit‑Owners) Policy Covers what’s inside your bare walls—including walls, floors, ceilings, personal belongings, loss of use, liability, and assessments from damage to shared areas Slide InsuranceMerlin Law Group.
It’s vital to confirm that your policy includes windstorm damages, hurricane deductibles, and loss assessment coverage.
Hurricane Deductible Details Florida requires insurers to offer hurricane deducibles—often fixed dollar amounts ($500) or percentages (2%, 5%, 10% of dwelling limit) myfloridacfo.com. Know your deductible and how it applies to each claim.
Coverage Gaps Can Be Costly Without proper HO-6 coverage, you could be left footing the bill for interior repairs, replacement of belongings, temporary living expenses, or fees levied by your association.
What You Can Do Now
Review both your association’s policy and your HO-6 policy—especially coverage for wind, content, loss assessments, temporary living expenses, and liability.
Clarify your hurricane deductible: Understand its amount, how it’s applied, and if it resets each storm season.
Assess gaps or overlaps—for example, if your unit’s walls-in coverage is inadequate or if your personal property isn’t fully protected.
Let Barefoot Insurance Brokers Help
Improve your storm preparedness and peace of mind with expert guidance:
Schedule a policy review with Barefoot Insurance Brokers to ensure your HO-6 coverage aligns with your building association’s master policy.
We also offer tailored quotes for your condominium association’s insurance, helping you compare and secure the right scope and pricing.
Located in Florida, we specialize in hurricane-savvy coverage—our clients get clarity and confidence before the next storm hits.
In summary: Evacuating during a Category 5 storm is the prudent choice—even in well-built high-rises. But beyond evacuation, being insurance-ready is just as critical. Don’t wait until it’s too late—connect with Barefoot Insurance Brokers now to review and shore up your coverage.
About the Author Julia Dourvetakis is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers, bringing over 30 years of experience to the insurance industry. She specializes in coastal property insurance, workers’ compensation, Condo Association Packages, general liability, and professional liability coverage. Julia is licensed to sell commercial insurance products in Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Colorado. To connect with Julia for tailored insurance solutions, email her at julia@barefootins.com or call/text 954-866-5723.
Florida boaters face more than just sunshine and salty air. From hurricane season to theft risks and boating injuries, the right boat insurance policy isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we work with leading carriers like Progressive, GEICO, Ahoy!, and American Integrity to help you find the best coverage at the best price. If you’re searching for boat insurance in Broward County, read on to learn what your policy should cover—and why it matters.
🛥️ So, What Does Florida Boat Insurance Actually Cover?
Here’s what most standard Florida boat insurance policies include:
✅ 1. Liability Coverage
Covers bodily injury or property damage to others if you’re at fault in a boating accident. Required by many marinas and highly recommended in high-traffic areas.
✅ 2. Physical Damage
Pays for repairs or replacement of your boat due to collisions, sinking, fire, vandalism, or theft. Can apply to the hull, motor, electronics, and more.
✅ 3. Theft & Vandalism
Florida has one of the highest boat theft rates in the country. Your policy can cover stolen boats, trailers, or onboard items, depending on the carrier.
✅ 4. Hurricane & Storm Damage
Yes—hurricane coverage is available through many of our insurers, but you need to act early in the season before storm restrictions apply.
✅ 5. Medical Payments & Guest Liability
Helps cover medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured while on the water.
✅ 6. Fuel Spill & Wreckage Removal
Covers cleanup costs if your boat leaks fuel or sinks—something not always included by default.
🌴 Serving Coastal Broward County Boaters
We’re proud to insure boat owners in the five most populated coastal areas of Broward County, including:
City
ZIP Codes
Fort Lauderdale
33301, 33304, 33305, 33308
Hollywood
33019, 33020, 33021
Pompano Beach
33060, 33062, 33064
Deerfield Beach
33441, 33442
Dania Beach
33004, 33312
South Florida Zip Codes with Affordable Pricing
Whether you’re docked at home, in a marina, or trailering your boat to the Keys, we’ll help make sure you’re covered from bow to stern.
💰 Rates Start at Just $75 Per Year
Yes, you read that right—boat insurance through Progressive starts at just $75 annually for eligible vessels. Premiums vary based on your boat’s value, age, use, and ZIP code, but we shop multiple carriers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
📞 Ready for a Quote?
Let Zack Epstein at Barefoot Insurance Brokers help you compare quotes and find the perfect marine policy for your boat, lifestyle, and budget.
