Florida Hurricane
Preparedness Guide
Bradenton and Sarasota sit squarely in the bullseye zone. From Helene to Milton, Gulf Coast homeowners have learned what happens when coverage gaps meet Category storms. Know your policy, know your plan.
Hurricane Action Checklist
A storm-by-storm guide for Bradenton and Sarasota area homeowners, renters, boaters, and business owners.
Before the Storm Checklist
Pull out your homeowners, flood, and auto policy declarations pages
Know your deductibles — FL wind deductibles are typically 2–5% of dwelling value, not a flat dollar amount
Photograph and video every room, appliance, and outdoor structure
Upload to cloud storage so it survives even if your devices don't
Confirm your flood policy — it's separate from homeowners
NFIP has a 30-day waiting period. Don't wait until a storm is named.
Store policy numbers and your agent's contact info offsite (email, cloud, printed copy)
Bulls Insurance: (941) 685-5467
Know your evacuation zone (A–F) and your local shelter locations
Manatee County zones: ManateeReady.com | Sarasota County: SafeZoneSarasota.com
Confirm boat / marine coverage and marina haulout procedures
Most marina policies require 48–72 hr notice before named storm haul-out
Assemble emergency kit: 7 days of water/food, medications, important docs, cash
FEMA recommends 1 gallon of water per person per day
Board up windows, secure outdoor furniture, trim overhanging trees
Unsecured outdoor items are typically excluded from wind claims
Know Your Coverage Before the Storm Hits
Different storm events trigger different policies. Here\'s what each coverage type handles — and the gaps you need to know about.
Homeowners
Wind & hail damage to your structure, detached garage, fence, and personal belongings inside.
Hurricane deductible is separate — typically 2–5% of your dwelling's insured value.
Flood Insurance
Storm surge, rising rivers, flash flooding — all excluded from homeowners. Requires a separate policy.
30-day waiting period. After Ian, Helene & Milton, flood coverage isn't optional in FL.
Auto Insurance
Comprehensive coverage on your vehicle covers hurricane-related damage (wind, flood, debris).
Liability-only policies do NOT cover storm damage to your own vehicle.
Boat & Marine
Named storm haul-out, marina storage, on-water wind & surge damage, sinking coverage.
Most policies require haul-out 48–72 hrs before landfall or cover becomes void.
Contractors
Tools, equipment, contractor vehicles, and builder's risk on open job sites during storms.
Post-hurricane demand surge means contractor jobs spike — make sure your GL is current.
Trucking & Fleet
Physical damage and cargo loss for commercial vehicles during named storm events.
Fleet operators should have a named storm parking protocol in their safety plan.
Warning: Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Scams After Storms
After every major hurricane, door-to-door contractors flood Bradenton and Sarasota neighborhoods asking homeowners to sign AOB (Assignment of Benefits) documents. An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor — meaning they can settle directly with your insurer, often for inflated amounts, and you lose control of your own claim.
Never sign an AOB. Call Bulls first at (941) 685-5467 — we\'ll protect your rights through the entire claims process.
Local Emergency Resources
Official preparedness and evacuation resources for the areas we serve
Is Your Coverage Storm-Ready?
Don\'t wait for a storm to find out you have coverage gaps. Bulls Insurance will review every policy — homeowners, flood, auto, boat — and make sure your Bradenton or Sarasota property is fully protected before June 1.