Florida doesn’t get a classic leaf-crunching autumn. We get something trickier: warm afternoons, sticky air, pop-up downpours, and—most years—at least a few late-season tropical systems. That mix makes “fall prep” less about raking and more about managing moisture, moving water away from the house, and hardening your home for wind and power issues. If you’re looking for a straightforward, high-level plan you can actually use, this guide is for you.

Quick note: Every home—and every insurance policy—is different. This guide is practical information, not a promise of coverage. If you have questions about your specific policy, talk with your local agent.

In many parts of the country, fall is about staying warm. In Florida, it’s about staying dry, staying powered, and staying ahead of humidity. September and October remain storm-prone, and even when the tropics are quiet, afternoon thunderstorms and high dew points put pressure on roofs, seals, and electrical systems. The goal isn’t to chase perfection; it’s to reduce the little risks that tend to add up: a lifted shingle here, a clogged condensate line there, a flimsy surge strip hanging off the TV. A few hours now can prevent expensive headaches later.

Think of preparation in three tracks:

1. Keep water out. Roofs, gutters, downspouts, drainage, and window/door seals.
2. Control moisture inside. A/C service, dehumidification, bath fans, and a clean condensate drain.
3. Protect power and belongings. Surge protection, safe generator use, documented inventory, and smart storage of valuables.

If you’re short on time, work through the sections below in order. They’re designed for Florida homes first and foremost—single-family houses with shingle or tile roofs, block or frame walls, and the usual assortment of lanais, screened enclosures, and backyard gear.

When life is busy, a long checklist feels like homework. Breaking it into two focused weekends keeps things moving.

Weekend 1: The Outside Basics

• Walk the roof (or hire it): From the ground with binoculars—or a licensed roofer up close—look for missing or cracked tiles, lifted shingles, popped nails, and worn flashing. Catching small issues early is the cheapest repair you’ll ever make.
• Clean the gutters and send water away: Scoop, flush, and confirm downspouts discharge 4–6 feet from the foundation. Add temporary extensions if needed. Watch where water goes in a heavy rain; you want it moving past the slab, not pooling near it.
• Check soffits and fascia: Loose soffits can become wind entry points. Replace rotted fascia and confirm soffit vents are intact and screened.
• Tune up openings: Open and close every exterior door and window. Replace brittle weatherstripping. Adjust thresholds so daylight disappears at the bottom.
• Look at the garage door: It’s the biggest opening on most Florida homes. Verify you have a wind-rated door or a tested bracing system and that all hardware is tight.
• Trim what could fall: Keep limbs away from the roof and service lines. If a limb would require climbing or cutting near wires, hire a pro.

Weekend 2: The Inside + Systems

• Service the A/C and attack humidity: Swap filters, vacuum the condensate line, and check that the float switch works. If your thermostat shows humidity, aim for ~50% indoors. Problem room? A small dehumidifier can help.
• Surge protection and safety: Press “Test” on GFCI outlets; add quality point-of-use surge protectors to electronics. If the panel doesn’t have a whole-home surge device, discuss it with a licensed electrician.
• Laundry and leaks: Clean the dryer vent end-to-end. Replace washer supply hoses with braided stainless. Label your main water shutoff so anyone can find it fast.
• Storm kit and digital paperwork: Top off water, shelf-stable food, pet supplies, medications, and batteries. Photograph rooms for a quick home inventory and save files to the cloud.

Finish those two weekends, and you’ve handled the big risks most Florida homes face each fall.

Roof: Small Fixes, Big Returns

Your roof doesn’t have to leak to be vulnerable. The common weak points are flashing (around chimneys, skylights, and vent stacks), fasteners that have worked loose, and sealant that’s past its prime. If you notice lifted shingles or broken tiles, fix them now—wind can get under even a tiny gap, and water follows. If a reroof is on the horizon, ask about a secondary water barrier (a peel-and-stick membrane under the roof covering) and the current standard for roof-to-wall connections; both can improve resilience, and certain features may qualify homes for wind-mitigation credits where available.

Gutters: Not Just for Leaves Up North

Gutters have a simple job—carry water away from the structure—but in Florida’s downpours the details matter. Keep them clean, make sure hangers are secure, and confirm downspouts don’t dump right beside the slab. A $10 extension is often the difference between a dry wall and a soggy baseboard. If you’re constantly battling palm fronds or oak leaves, look into guards compatible with your roof type.

Ground Drainage: Let Water Pass, Don’t Trap It

Look at how your yard is graded. Water should have a clear path away from the house. Keep swales open and avoid building landscape beds that act like dams. If water lingers in a low spot, a little regrading or a small catch basin with solid piping to daylight may solve it. In neighborhoods with street inlets, check that the grate near your home isn’t clogged with leaves before a big rain.

Weatherstripping and Caulk

Air and water find the same gaps. Replace flattened weatherstripping on doors, add a door sweep if you see daylight, and re-caulk exterior penetrations—cable lines, hose bibs, dryer vents—using materials suited to stucco, fiber-cement, or wood. Around windows, look for hairline cracks in the stucco—small ones can be sealed before they grow.

Impact Protection You’ll Actually Use

Whether you have impact-rated windows/doors or shutters, the best system is the one that’s ready. For shutters, label panels, store hardware in one tote, and do a dry run before you need it. Lubricate tracks on accordions and roll-downs. If your home relies on plywood, pre-cut and drill it now, then keep it dry and off the floor.

The Garage Door’s Outsized Role

In high winds, a failed garage door can allow internal pressures to rise and lead to severe damage. If your door isn’t wind-rated, ask about reinforcement kits or consider upgrading when it’s time. Check the bottom seal; if it’s brittle or split, replace it to keep wind-driven rain from creeping under.

Service the System, Not Just the Filter

A clean filter helps, but a fall service visit goes further: coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, and confirmation that the condensate drain is clear and the float switch shuts the system off if the pan fills. A clogged line is one of the most common sources of interior water damage in Florida homes.

Aim for ~50% Indoor Humidity

If your thermostat displays humidity, treat ~45–55% as the sweet spot. Too high invites mold and musty smells; too low isn’t usually a Florida problem. Help the system by running bath fans for 15–20 minutes after showers and keeping interior doors cracked so air can move.

Hunt for “Moisture Pockets”

Closets on exterior walls, under-sink cabinets, and tight spaces behind dressers or bookcases can trap humid air. Peek monthly. If you notice mildew, increase airflow, add a small desiccant tub, or consider a compact dehumidifier. Address any plumbing drips immediately.

Florida leads the nation in lightning activity, and late summer into fall is prime time. Power issues don’t always mean a full outage—voltage spikes can damage sensitive electronics even when the lights stay on.

• Whole-home surge protection: A device at the electrical panel helps absorb big surges before they reach your appliances. It’s not a DIY project—ask a licensed electrician.
• Point-of-use protection: Use reputable surge strips for TVs, computers, modems, and routers. If the indicator lights show “not protected,” replace the strip.
• GFCI/AFCI testing: Press “Test” monthly on ground-fault and arc-fault breakers/outlets and make sure they reset properly.
• Generator safety: Operate outside, away from doors and windows. Never back-feed a panel. If you use a portable unit, store fuel safely and run the generator on a level surface.

These aren’t flashy upgrades, but they’re the ones people are happiest to have after a storm passes.

You don’t have to live in a designated high-risk flood zone to experience flooding in Florida. Tropical systems, king tides, stalled thunderstorms, and drainage backups all contribute.

Smart, Simple Steps

• Know your elevation and zone: Understanding your property’s elevation and evacuation zone helps you plan. If you’re new to the area, your county’s website is a good starting point.
• Store smarter: Elevate small appliances and electronics off the floor on the lowest level of the home. Keep irreplaceables on higher shelves.
• Temporary barriers: Simple sandbags or reusable water-filled barriers at door thresholds and the garage can redirect shallow sheet flow.
• Vehicle planning: If heavy rain is forecast, avoid parking at the bottom of a sloped driveway or in a low-lying street.

If you’re curious about flood coverage, ask your agent about available options and any waiting periods that might apply. Homeowners policies typically do not include flood coverage. If this protection matters to you, ask your agent about available flood insurance options and any waiting periods that may apply.

Trees and Landscaping

Healthy trees handle wind better than stressed ones. Remove deadwood, trim branches away from the roof, and avoid creating “sails” by excessively thinning the middle of the canopy. Don’t over-lift palms—those fronds are part of the tree’s health. Before a forecast storm, avoid aggressive cutting; let a licensed arborist handle structural work during calm weather.

Drainage-Friendly Yard Habits

Keep fence pickets a little above grade so water can pass underneath, and don’t block neighborhood swales with decorative borders. If you add hardscape, consider permeable options—pavers with joints or a gravel strip—to reduce pooling.

Pools, Cages, and Waterfront

• Pool basics: Don’t drain the pool—it needs water weight. Remove loose furniture and secure equipment. If flooding is likely, shut off power at the breaker.
• Screen enclosures: Check for loose fasteners, bent members, and torn screens. Replace rusting anchors where appropriate.
• Docks and lifts: Secure kayaks, ladders, and dock boxes early. Take photos for your records before a system approaches.

• Detectors and extinguishers: Test smoke alarms monthly and replace units older than 10 years. If you have gas appliances or use a generator, add carbon monoxide alarms. Keep at least one multipurpose fire extinguisher accessible and make sure everyone knows how to use it.
• Dryer vent: Lint buildup reduces efficiency and raises fire risk. Clean the full run at least once a year.
• Attic hatch and recessed lights: Weatherstrip the attic hatch to limit moisture migration. Ensure recessed lights in insulated ceilings are rated for the application.
• Window coverings: Florida sun is no joke. Interior shades or reflective films in problem areas can reduce heat gain and lighten the load on your A/C.

None of these take long individually, but together they steady the day-to-day comfort of a Florida home.

Every policy is different, and options vary. Here are conversation starters for a fall review so you understand your choices:

• Hurricane or named-storm deductibles: Many Florida homeowners policies include separate deductibles for certain storm events. Know the numbers and how they apply.
• Wind mitigation features: Ask about credits that may be available for features such as impact-rated openings, specific roof deck attachments, a secondary water barrier, or roof-to-wall connections. If it’s been years since your last wind mitigation inspection, an update may help you understand your home’s risk profile.
• Roof age and condition: Insurers look closely at roofs. If yours is nearing the end of its expected service life, proactive planning can prevent a scramble later.
• Water backup and equipment breakdown: Some policies offer optional endorsements for water backup from sewers or drains and for certain types of equipment breakdown (A/C, appliances). Availability varies; your agent can outline what’s offered.
• Flood coverage: Flood is generally excluded from homeowners policies. If you want protection from storm surge or rising water, ask about flood policy options and waiting periods.
• Special items: Jewelry, collectibles, or fine art often have specific limits. If you’ve added or upgraded items, review whether scheduling them makes sense.

The goal of this conversation isn’t to buy everything. It’s to be clear on what you have, what you don’t, and what matters most to your household.

Prefer a quick pass after reading? Use this simplified list as you walk the property:

Exterior & Water

• Roof looked at; small repairs scheduled
• Gutters cleaned; downspouts extended
• Soffits tight; fascia sound; vents screened
• Windows/doors weatherstripped; thresholds adjusted

Penetrations

• All cable, hose bib, and vent penetrations caulked
• Yard graded to drain away from slab; swales clear
• Trees trimmed clear of roof and lines

Openings & Protection

• Shutters/impact systems tested and lubricated
• Garage door wind-rated or braced; bottom seal replaced if needed

Systems & Safety

• A/C serviced; filter swapped; condensate line cleared
• Indoor humidity around 50%   |   GFCI/AFCI tested; surge protection in place
• Smoke/CO alarms tested; batteries fresh   |   Dryer vent cleaned end-to-end
• Main water shutoff labeled; leak sensors placed where helpful

Storm Readiness

• Hurricane kit topped off (water, food, meds, pets, batteries)
• Evacuation zone/routes confirmed   |   Home inventory photos/videos updated and cloud-saved
• Patio, pool, and dock gear staging plan set before storms
• Work through what you can yourself and hire licensed professionals for the rest.

Does Florida really have a “fall” to prepare for?

Yes, even if it doesn’t feel crisp. Temperatures start to moderate and humidity slowly improves, but September and October can still bring strong storms. That’s why Florida’s fall prep leans toward water management, humidity control, and power protection.

When should I prune trees?

Avoid major cutting right before a forecast storm. Use calm weather to remove deadwood and reduce risk. For big limbs or anything near power lines, hire a licensed arborist.

What’s the simplest way to cut indoor humidity?

Keep the A/C maintained, run bath fans for 15–20 minutes after showers, and keep interior doors open when possible. If one room is always musty, a small dehumidifier can help.

Do I need flood insurance if I’m not in a high-risk zone?

Flood can occur outside mapped high-risk zones. If it’s important to you to have protection from storm surge or rising water, ask about flood coverage options and any waiting periods.

Are hurricane shutters required?

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and building code. Many Florida homes use either impact-rated windows/doors or shutters. Whatever system you have, keep it ready and practice installing it.

How can I reduce insurance costs without cutting corners?

Maintain the roof and systems, address small repairs quickly, and ask about potential credits for wind-mitigation features. Choosing deductibles that fit your budget and risk tolerance can also make a difference. Your agent can walk you through trade-offs.

What should I do with my pool before a storm?

Don’t drain it. Remove loose items, secure equipment, and turn off power at the breaker if flooding is possible. After the storm, rebalance chemicals and inspect before restarting.

Preparing your house for fall in Florida isn’t complicated when you focus on the big levers: keep water out, control moisture inside, and protect your power and electronics. A couple of well-spent weekends can make your home feel sturdier, safer, and more comfortable.

If you’d like a local policy review or want to better understand your options, Comegys Insurance Agency can walk you through available choices and answer your questions. We’re here to help you feel informed and prepared for the season ahead.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice and is not a guarantee or offer of coverage. Coverage availability, terms, limits, and pricing vary by carrier, policy, industry, location, and applicable law. Requirements (including workers’ compensation) vary by business type and headcount. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed insurance professional and, for lease/contract language, your attorney.