Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma — Frequently Asked Questions

How much damage did Hurricane Irma cause?

Hurricane Irma (2017) caused $77 billion in total damages, with $27 billion in insured losses. Approximately 25,000+ homes were flooded. FEMA issued $1.3 billion in individual assistance grants to affected homeowners.

What are the key lessons from Hurricane Irma for homeowners?

Key lessons from Hurricane Irma: Irma's track shifted from FL's east coast to west coast within 48 hours — evacuation plans must be flexible; Naples and Fort Myers (historically 'safer' inland) received catastrophic storm surge — west coast FL is underinsured relative to actual risk; 6.3 million Floridians evacuated — the I-75 and I-95 corridors gridlocked for 24+ hours, stranding some in the storm path; Many Irma claims were disputed over wind vs water damage — the same 'who pays' problem as Katrina, especially in the Keys.

Does homeowners insurance cover damage from events like Hurricane Irma?

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage from events like Hurricane Irma. 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 $1.3 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 Irma?

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.