Buying & Selling Homes During Hurricane Season in Central Florida: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Central Florida between June and November, you’ll quickly discover that hurricane season adds a few extra layers of complexity to the process. Don’t worry—it doesn’t mean you can’t move forward, but it does mean you need to be prepared for some unique scenarios.

At The West Collection, we walk clients through this every year. Whether you’re relocating from out of state or have lived here for years, understanding how storms affect real estate transactions will help you avoid delays and surprises.

🌀 Key Considerations for Buyers

1. Insurance Must Be Bound Early

This is the most important step. Once a named storm is within a certain distance of Florida, insurance companies “close the box” and stop binding new policies. If you haven’t locked in your policy yet, your closing could be delayed until after the storm passes.
👉 Tip: Work with your agent and insurance provider to secure coverage as soon as you go under contract.

2. Possible Delays with Lenders

If a hurricane is approaching, lenders may put closings on hold until appraisers re-inspect homes to confirm no damage occurred. Expect a potential delay of a few days to a week, depending on the severity of the storm.

3. Flood Insurance Awareness

Even if the home you’re buying isn’t in a designated flood zone, hurricane flooding is always a possibility. Ask about flood coverage early, and consider adding it for peace of mind.

🏡 Key Considerations for Sellers

1. Property Condition & Documentation

After a storm, buyers may want to confirm the home is in the same condition as when they went under contract. Keeping receipts for roof maintenance, storm prep, or recent repairs shows that your home is well cared for.

2. Flexibility with Closing Dates

The standard Florida real estate contract includes a force majeure clause. This allows for extensions if a hurricane prevents closing (due to power outages, courthouse closures, or storm damage). Sellers should be aware that closing timelines may shift through no fault of either party.

3. Curb Appeal & Safety Prep

A well-prepared home not only shows better to buyers but also reduces potential storm damage. Trim trees, secure outdoor furniture, and ensure gutters are clear before a storm.

⚖️ What Buyers & Sellers Have in Common

• Final Walkthroughs Matter: Buyers should always do a walkthrough after a storm to ensure the property is still in contract condition. Sellers should be ready to make repairs if damage occurs.

• Communication Is Key: Title companies, lenders, and insurance providers all work together during hurricane season. Staying in close contact helps everyone adjust quickly if a storm impacts your timeline.

• Expect the Unexpected: A little patience goes a long way. Having realistic expectations helps reduce stress if timelines shift.

✅ The Bottom Line

Buying or selling during hurricane season in Central Florida is absolutely doable—you just need to be proactive and flexible. For buyers, the most critical step is binding your insurance policy as early as possible. For sellers, it’s about keeping your property in good condition and being prepared for possible delays.

At The West Collection, we guide our clients through these unique challenges every year. We’ll help you navigate insurance, inspections, and timelines so your transaction stays on track—storm or no storm.