Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian — Frequently Asked Questions

How much damage did Hurricane Ian cause?

Hurricane Ian (2022) caused $112 billion in total damages, with $60 billion in insured losses. Approximately 700,000+ homes were flooded. FEMA issued $2.0 billion in individual assistance grants to affected homeowners.

What are the key lessons from Hurricane Ian for homeowners?

Key lessons from Hurricane Ian: Ian's 18-foot storm surge destroyed reinforced concrete structures — height matters more than building type for surge survival; Cape Coral and Fort Myers Beach were built in high-surge-risk zones with minimal setback requirements — prior decades of permitting contributed to losses; Florida's insurance market had already lost 6 private carriers before Ian — claims were handled by Citizens Insurance or Demotech-rated carriers with limited capital; Inland Orlando flooding from Ian's rainfall showed 150 miles of separation from landfall does not equal safety.

Does homeowners insurance cover damage from events like Hurricane Ian?

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage from events like Hurricane Ian. This type of damage — surface water flooding from hurricanes and storm surge — requires separate NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) or private flood insurance. FEMA disaster assistance (average $2.0 billion per event) provides limited supplemental help for uninsured losses, but is far below typical replacement costs.

How do I apply for FEMA assistance after a disaster like Hurricane Ian?

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 within 60 days of the federal disaster declaration for your county. You will need your Social Security number, property address, insurance policy information, and a description of damages. FEMA will schedule a home inspection. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for initial determination. If denied, you have 60 days to appeal with additional documentation.