By David Charitat, 5 November 202

So … you’re dreaming of year-round sunshine, low cost of living, golf, tennis, watersports, Orlando attractions, great schools, low crime, and the overall Florida coastal lifestyle, but you have visions of Weather Channel personalities standing in knee-deep waters in front of ruined buildings as 100-mile-per-hour winds and torrential rains storm around them. Unfortunately, for many people considering a move to Florida, hurricanes loom large in the imagination.

But here’s the truth: while hurricanes are a real part of Florida life, they’re not a reason to abandon your dream. With the right mindset, preparation, and understanding, hurricanes are just a colorful and entertaining part of the Florida lifestyle. Despite the myths and the media hype, living with the possibility of a hurricane affecting your life is nowhere near the difficulty or concern that you might think.

First, Florida is big – not every part of the state is equally vulnerable. Here in Central Florida and the Space Coast, hurricanes are not just infrequent, but also less severe than in other areas of the state like the Gulf Coast, Miami, or the Keys. Second, even in more vulnerable parts of the state, direct hits are actually pretty rare. Most hurricanes weaken before landfall and continue to weaken after they contact land.

Second, modern forecasting is excellent. Invariably, Floridians and others in vulnerable areas have ample warning before a storm arrives, giving them plenty of time to prepare by securing the homestead and, if necessary, evacuating to relative safety.

Third, modern homes in Florida, especially those nearer to the coast, are constructed to withstand hurricanes and provide safety and security to residents. In accordance with statutes and codes, homes in possible hurricane areas invariable include such features as wind-resistant building materials, elevated foundations, redundant power and power back-ups, impact windows, and hurricane shutters.

Fourth, preparedness for hurricanes is part of the culture in Florida. Information abounds about what steps to take to be ready and to recover in damaged areas. Hurricane supplies are abundant; evacuation routes are well established and clearly marked; local leaders are well-versed and knowledgeable, prepared to make sound decisions, and to provide advice and information as necessary.

Fifth, we pretty well know what areas are potential hurricane spots. In short, the closer to the Atlantic or the Gulf, the more vulnerable a location or a home is. You don’t need to locate very far inland to be basically protected from major hurricane concerns. What that means is that, if you’re really concerned about hurricanes, you can simply elect to live a bit further inland and still enjoy the Florida lifestyle – even live on the (non-coastal) water in most parts of the state.

Finally, community support and cooperation, before, during, and after storms hit, is strong in Florida. Neighbors help neighbors; locals with hurricane experience help implants who may not be intimately familiar with the intricacies of preparation and protection during hurricanes. This is also part of the culture in Florida.

So … much like dealing with snow storms in areas further North or the possibility of tornadoes in the Midwest, living with and handling the possibility of hurricanes in Florida is just a part of daily life. It’s not something to worry incessantly about and certainly not a reason to avoid moving to Florida. Clearly, the positives of sunshine, lifestyle, and opportunity outweigh the unlikely occurrence of hurricanes negatively affecting your life.
So if you’re thinking about moving to Florida, go ahead and chase that dream. Don’t let the remote possibility of hurricanes keep you from exploring your desires and obtaining the lifestyle you want.

Questions? Need more info? Contact David Charitat at Life in the Sun Luxury Homes at 321.831.6222 or dave(at)luxuryinthesunrealestate(dotted)com.