When you’re hosting in South Florida, hurricanes aren’t a matter of if, but when. While guests dream of sunshine and sea breezes, owners and managers know the season from June through November brings a very real risk: wind, rain, flooding—and costly disruptions if you’re unprepared.
The good news? A short-term rental that’s hurricane-ready protects more than your property—it protects your bookings, your guests, and your peace of mind. This expert-backed checklist blends local South Florida requirements with FEMA guidance, tech tips, and platform-specific best practices to help STR owners stay one step ahead.
Whether you’re a local operator or managing remotely, this is your go-to guide for hurricane readiness in 2025.
1. Strengthen the Property Against Storm Damage
Exterior & Structural Checklist:
- Inspect roof, gutters, and downspouts for wear or loose components
- Trim trees, remove weak limbs, and clear debris near the home
- Install or check hurricane shutters (accordion, roll-down, or panels)
- Anchor or store outdoor furniture, grills, and décor
- Elevate AC units and check for flood-resistant HVAC placement
- Confirm pool safety: cover, secure furniture, test drains

Interior Precautions:
- Seal windows and doors (check weather stripping)
- Elevate electronics and valuables in flood-prone zones
- Place towels or water blockers at door thresholds before storms
- Unplug sensitive appliances and install surge protectors

2. Prepare Emergency Supplies & Guest Kits
What Every STR Should Have On-Hand:
- Battery-powered flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries
- NOAA weather radio (manual or battery-operated)
- Portable power banks (pre-charged)
- First-aid kit and basic tools (multi-tool, duct tape)
- Bottled water and shelf-stable food (3+ days’ worth)
- Copies of emergency instructions (laminated or in digital binder)

Optional (But Recommended):
- Sandbags for doors/windows in ground-level units
- Manual can opener and disposable utensils
- Towels, cleaning wipes, and sanitation supplies
- Water buckets or filled bathtubs for manual toilet flushing if needed

3. Update Your Emergency Plan & Local Info
Guest-Focused Materials:
- A printed or digital “Hurricane Readiness One-Pager” with:
- Evacuation routes by ZIP code
- Nearest shelters by county (especially for Monroe, Miami-Dade)
- Emergency contact numbers (county, hospital, utilities)
- Host or local co-host number
- What to do if power or water goes out

For Your Team (PMs, Cleaners, Contractors):
- A local hurricane prep checklist: who secures what, when
- Assign pre-storm inspections, post-storm walkthroughs
- Save vendor contacts (roofers, tree removal, electricians)
- Store shared documents in cloud folders for remote access

4. Use Tech to Stay in Control—Even Remotely
STR-Ready Tools:
- Smart locks: Remote code changes during evacuations or after damage
- Outdoor cameras: For post-storm visual checks (never indoor)
- Smart thermostats: Pre-cool property, monitor post-storm humidity
- Water sensors: Detect leaks or flooding in real-time
- Messaging automation tools: Broadcast updates via PMS or apps
Pro Tips:
- Create hurricane-specific message templates now (e.g., “Storm Approaching” or “Mandatory Evacuation”)
- Enable guest alerts via Airbnb/Vrbo systems and SMS
- Consider shared WhatsApp or Signal groups for emergency updates
- Back up power where possible (small generators or power stations)

5. Insurance & Financial Protections
Policy Essentials:
- Verify active windstorm/hurricane insurance
- Ensure flood insurance is in place—even outside FEMA zones
- Add business interruption coverage if possible
- Take pre-season property photos and inventory (store in cloud)
- Understand your deductibles (windstorm often = 2–5% of property value)
Claims Preparation:
- After a storm, take post-damage photos immediately
- Save receipts for emergency expenses (e.g., tarping, clean-up)
- File claims as early as possible—adjuster queues get long
- Communicate through email/documented channels for record-keeping

6. Know the Platform Rules (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com)
During Hurricane Season:
- Airbnb & Vrbo treat hurricanes as “foreseeable”—you may not be covered for cancellations unless there’s an official disaster declaration
- Mandatory evacuations or storm-related power outages typically activate their emergency refund policies
- Communicate proactively: Airbnb and Vrbo recommend hosts message guests early when storms are expected
- Booking.com uses “Force Majeure” but only in extreme events—be ready to cancel manually and explain
Best Practice:
Even when not required, offering partial refunds or reschedules for safety concerns builds long-term guest trust.

7. Timing: Your Seasonal Game Plan
May–Early June (Pre-Season):
- Update insurance, inspect property, refresh emergency kits
- Send informational message to upcoming summer guests
July–August (Peak Readiness):
- Track systems in the Atlantic and monitor local alerts
- Pre-load your guest communication templates
- Confirm all vendors are on-call and available
48–24 Hours Before Storm:
- Install shutters, bring in outdoor items, set AC to coolest
- Begin guest evacuation support (if needed)
- Send formal guest notifications and refund policy details
- Turn off utilities if required, secure all interior areas
After the Storm:
- Conduct a full safety inspection before accepting new guests
- File any claims, block calendar as needed
- Update listings to reflect property status or downtime

In South Florida, hurricane prep isn’t just about protecting property—it’s about ensuring continuity, guest safety, and your reputation as a responsible host.
By following this checklist each year, you’ll not only reduce potential damage—you’ll also deliver the kind of peace of mind that travelers and investors alike will remember. In a region where weather is part of the lifestyle, preparedness is the ultimate amenity.






























































































































































































































