Florida Hurricane Season Cleaning and Preparation Checklist

Florida's hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the most active stretch is usually mid-August to mid-October. Cleaning will not stop a storm, but a home with clear gutters and drains, a tidy yard, a clean fridge and organized documents is easier to secure, easier to document for insurance and faster to recover. This checklist covers what to do before the season, when a storm is forecast, and after it passes.

Follow official evacuation orders and county emergency guidance first. Everything below fits around them.

A year-round preparation calendar

Before the season starts

The spring window is the best time for heavier cleaning, while the weather is still dry and contractors are available.

• Gutters and downspouts: clear leaves and debris so heavy rain drains away from the roof and foundation.
• Exterior surfaces: wash siding, driveways and patios to remove mildew and salt film and to reveal cracks or loose fittings. Pressure washing starts at a $150 minimum.
• Shutters and tracks: clean, lubricate and test-fit them so you are not finding seized hardware with a storm on the way.
• Yard drains: clear pool, patio and driveway drains of sand and leaves.
• Interior deep clean: clean carpets, upholstery and closets so you start the season dry and mildew-free. A deep clean starts at $200.
• Documents and photos: photograph or video every room and major item, and store copies of policies and IDs in waterproof bags and in cloud storage.

Coastal homes face salt as well as wind. Our guide to salt damage in coastal Florida covers fixtures, screens and metal parts that corrode fastest.

When a storm is forecast: the 72-hour checklist

Outside

• Bring in or tie down patio furniture, planters, grills, decorations and tools, since anything loose can become a projectile.
• Clear gutters and drains one more time if it is safe to use a ladder.
• Install shutters or panels.
• Move vehicles away from trees where possible.

Inside

• Run the laundry so everyone has clean clothes and bedding, since power may be out for days.
• Clear spoiling food from the fridge, turn it to its coldest setting, and freeze containers of water to help keep it cold.
• Clean and fill containers with drinking water.
• Move documents, electronics and valuables off the floor and away from windows, in sealed bins.
• Charge phones and power banks, and check flashlights and batteries.
• Take fresh photos of each room as a final before-storm record.

During the storm

Your only job during the storm is safety. Stay away from windows, follow local alerts, and do not go outside during the eye. If you have a generator, never run it indoors, in a garage or near open windows. The CDC advises keeping it at least 20 feet from the home because of carbon monoxide. Note any leaks you can see safely, but leave cleanup until the storm has passed and officials say it is safe.

After the storm: a safe cleanup order

1. Check safety first. Watch for downed lines, gas smells and structural damage. Do not enter a flooded home until power is off and it has been declared safe.
2. Document before you clean. Photograph and video all damage, including water lines on walls, before removing anything. Insurers usually want to see it.
3. Remove water and start drying. The EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Open windows when it is safe, and run fans and dehumidifiers once power is back.
4. Sort porous items. Carpet, padding, mattresses and upholstery soaked by floodwater usually cannot be saved. Floodwater can carry sewage and chemicals, so wear gloves, boots and eye protection.
5. Clean hard surfaces. Wash with detergent and water, then dry thoroughly.
6. Deal with the fridge. If power was out long enough for food to warm, throw it out, then clean the interior and seals.

Where cleaning ends and remediation begins

Significant flooding, sewage backup, widespread mold or structural water damage needs a licensed water damage or mold remediation company, and often your insurer's approval. Regular cleaning crews, including ours, do not perform mold remediation or biohazard work. Once a home is dry and declared safe, a move-in style clean is a good way to get it back to normal before you settle back in.

Keeping humidity down all season

Even without a direct hit, summer storms bring days of rain and high humidity. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent. Run the AC or a dehumidifier, use bathroom and kitchen fans, and wipe condensation from windows. Our guide to deep cleaning in Florida's humidity and salt air covers the rooms that need the most attention.

Getting ready this season

The most useful step is to do the heavy work early: gutters, exterior washing, a deep clean and a full photo record before August. Between January and October 2026 we completed 112 cleaning jobs across 62 Florida towns and cities, from Orlando and Tampa to Jacksonville and St. Petersburg; our Florida locations page shows current coverage. If you want help with pre-season exterior or interior cleaning, request a quote and we will confirm the price before booking.