Florida hurricane season Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

Aerial view of extensive debris and destroyed buildings on Fort Myers Beach, Florida, one month after Hurricane Ian.

NOAA predicts ‘below-normal’ 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

The federal agency’s outlook anticipates up to 14 named storms for the six-month season that begins June 1.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 21, 2026May 21, 2026

Hurricane experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hope people don’t become complacent as the agency is the latest to forecast a “below-normal” storm season. Highlighting new drone technologies and changes in the forecast cone at an event in Lakeland, the federal agency’s outlook anticipates up to 14 named storms for the six-month season […]

DeSantis signs bill that pulls $2.1 billion back from reinsurance that was to be used to pay hurricane claims

Money needed for the RAP program is now projected to be about $900 million, clearing the way for lawmakers to pull back $1.1 billion.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida July 8, 2025August 10, 2025

When it comes to getting FEMA funds for hurricane season, Rick Scott says he’ll do ‘everything I can’

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix May 30, 2025June 6, 2025

Experts worry Florida’s 2024 hurricane season could wipeout recent homeowners insurance ‘fixes’

The damage could run into the billions.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix October 14, 2024November 18, 2024

Florida kicks off another sales-tax holiday ahead of peak hurricane season

The holiday periods are part of a tax package (HB 7073) that lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved this year.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida August 26, 2024September 24, 2024

As hurricane season revs up, Florida’s state-backed property insurance continues to pile on policies

State leaders have long sought to limit the number of policies in Citizens.

by News Service of Florida July 2, 2024August 20, 2024

Citizens, Florida’s state-backed property insurance of ‘last resort,’ adds more than 5,000 policies before hurricane season

State leaders have long sought to reduce the size of Citizens, at least in part, because of financial risks if Florida gets hit by a major hurricane or multiple hurricanes.

by News Service of Florida June 4, 2024June 19, 2024

Florida’s gas prices are expected to drop this summer, hurricane permitting

A summer price decrease is expected, though the hurricane season, which starts Saturday, is forecast to include an above-average number of storms.

by News Service of Florida May 29, 2024July 3, 2024

‘All of the ingredients are there’: Florida residents told to prepare for ‘very intense’ hurricane season

The six-month season officially begins June 1.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 23, 2024July 7, 2024

DeSantis approves $200 million boost for My Safe Florida Home grant program

The program offers inspections and grants up to $10,000 to help residents upgrade homes.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida April 24, 2024May 29, 2025

Forecasters predict ‘extremely active’ 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

The hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida April 5, 2024September 12, 2024

Florida’s storm season ends, but recovery to take time

State lawmakers are expected to see requests for more money. And further tweaks are needed to state and local storm-recovery planning.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida November 27, 2023August 6, 2024

As the 2023 hurricane season kicks off, a tropical disturbance heads toward Florida

The system appeared to have “only marginally favorable” conditions for additional development, according to the center.

by News Service of Florida June 1, 2023August 3, 2023

As 2023’s ‘near normal’ hurricane season looms, Ian leaves behind lessons learned

Last week, NOAA forecast that the six-month hurricane season would 12 to 17 named storms, with winds of 39 mph or higher.

by Jim Turner, Tom Urban and News Service of Florida May 31, 2023September 11, 2024

Florida officials hope new beer line will remind people to keep gas tanks half full during hurricane season

A “Halfway Full, Halfway There” six-pack could be another item for people’s disaster-plan checklists.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida February 17, 2023February 15, 2025

The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be ‘above-normal,’ says forecasters

The forecast also gave a “high chance” of a system forming before the June 1 start of the season.

by News Service of Florida March 31, 2022August 3, 2023