Hurricane Preparedness for Florida Businesses: Contractors, Property Owners, and Restaurants/Bars

Running a business in Florida means keeping one eye on the skies during hurricane season. Storms don’t just bring wind and rain, they bring unexpected financial setbacks, safety concerns, and insurance challenges. At Pelican Shield Insurance Group , based in St. Petersburg and serving all of Florida and Virginia, we’ve helped restaurants, contractors, and property owners navigate the risks that come with hurricane season. Our approach is simple: we do what we say we’re going to do. Learn more about who we are or explore our commercial insurance options.

This guide covers what to do before and after a hurricane - and which coverages to confirm now - so your business is ready when the storm arrives.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters

Florida sees more hurricanes than any other state. When one makes landfall, the damage is rarely limited to buildings:

Restaurants and bars face closures from spoiled food and power outages.
Contractors must stop jobs, protect equipment, and later handle an influx of repair demand.
Property owners risk both building damage and rental income loss if tenants can’t safely occupy space.

Preparation is about more than boarding up windows. It’s about ensuring your coverage and your plan line up to keep your business running.

Restaurants & Bars: Keep Food, Staff, and Operations Protected

Storms often hit restaurants and bars where it hurts most: perishable food, liquor inventory, and the ability to stay open. Even a short power outage can cause substantial losses.

Coverages to confirm before hurricane season:

Business Interruption Insurance – Replaces lost income when your business is closed due to storm damage or unsafe conditions.
Spoilage Coverage – Protects food and beverage inventory when power fails.
Equipment Breakdown – Covers kitchen equipment if damaged by surges or outages.
Property Insurance – Safeguards the building itself, from roof damage to flooding caused by wind-driven rain.

What to do before a storm:

Back up digital records of menus, orders, and payroll.
Ensure freezers and coolers have thermometers and document temperatures.
Review evacuation and reopening plans with staff.

Having the right coverage in place ensures you’re not left footing the bill while waiting to reopen.

Contractors: Protect Crews, Projects, and Subcontractor Relationships

For contractors , hurricanes create both risks and opportunities. Job sites and equipment are vulnerable before a storm, and demand for repairs spikes afterward. The challenge is managing both safely and profitably.

Coverage to have in place before the storm:

Contractors’ Equipment Insurance – Covers tools and machinery damaged by wind or flooding.
General Liability – Protects your company if materials or debris cause damage to others.
Builder’s Risk Insurance – Safeguards projects under construction against storm-related damage.
Workers’ Compensation – Protects your employees during cleanup and repair operations.

Best practices before the storm:

Secure job sites, materials, and equipment.
Back up contracts, blueprints, and project documents digitally.
Communicate storm response plans to crews.

After the storm:

Document all damage to your own projects and equipment before starting work.
Collect Certificates of Insurance from all subcontractors, with your business listed as Additional Insured.
Confirm workers’ compensation coverage is active; remember you could be liable if a sub lacks it.
Use written subcontractor agreements with hold-harmless provisions and keep detailed records for audits.

Bottom line: Rushing to hire help without these safeguards can leave you responsible for costly injuries or liability claims.

Commercial Property Owners & Lessor Risks: Protecting Buildings and Income

Property owners face a unique challenge: even if the building stands, it may not be safe for tenants to occupy. A roof breach, wind driven rain, or loss of utilities can make a property non-habitable, leaving tenants unable to operate and owners without rental income.

Coverages to review now:

Property Insurance – Covers physical damage to the building, including roof, walls, and systems.
Business Income Coverage – Replaces lost rental income if tenants cannot use the property due to damage or unsafe conditions.
Tenant Improvements & Betterments – Protects upgrades tenants have added inside their space.
Liability Insurance – Covers injuries to tenants or visitors if conditions during or after the storm lead to accidents.

Preparation steps for property owners:

Confirm emergency contacts and procedures with tenants.
Inspect and maintain roofs, windows, and drainage before peak season.
Review leases for repair responsibilities and tenant insurance requirements.

When a storm makes a property unsafe, both owners and tenants look for answers quickly. Having a clear insurance strategy in place prevents disputes and keeps revenue flowing.

Practical Checklist for Businesses

No matter the industry, every Florida business should:

Review deductibles and policy exclusions before hurricane season.
Secure important documents and back them up digitally.
Build relationships with contractors, restoration companies, and suppliers before you need them.
Communicate storm procedures to employees and tenants.
Schedule a pre-season insurance review with your agent.

Final Word: Preparation Now Means Recovery Later

Hurricanes are part of doing business in Florida, but they don’t have to sink your plans. By preparing before the storm and knowing how to respond after, your business can recover faster and minimize losses.

At Pelican Shield Insurance Group, we’ve built our reputation on keeping businesses ready for whatever comes their way. Whether you’re a restaurant, a contractor, or a property owner, we’ll make sure your insurance is ready when the winds pick up. Visit Pelican Shield Insurance Group , read more resources on our Blog , or contact us at 727-369-9077 to talk about your hurricane plan.

We do what we say we’re going to do.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of insurance should Florida businesses review before hurricane season?

Businesses should review property insurance, business interruption, spoilage coverage (for restaurants), contractors’ equipment insurance, builder’s risk, and loss of rents for property owners.

2. Why is business interruption coverage important during hurricanes?

Business interruption insurance replaces lost income when operations are shut down due to storm damage, power outages, or unsafe conditions. It helps businesses cover payroll, rent, and expenses while closed.

3. How can contractors in Florida prepare their insurance for hurricane season?

Contractors should confirm coverage for equipment, job sites, and workers’ comp. They should also secure subcontractor COIs, use hold-harmless agreements, and document damage before starting post-storm work to avoid liability issues.

4. What steps can commercial property owners take to reduce hurricane losses?

Owners should inspect roofs and drainage, confirm tenant insurance requirements, review business income coverage, and communicate emergency procedures with tenants before storms hit.

5. Does standard property insurance cover flood damage in Florida?

No. Standard property insurance usually excludes flooding. Property owners and tenants should consider separate flood insurance or private market options to fill this gap.

6. Why work with a local Florida agency for hurricane preparedness insurance?

Pelican Shield Insurance Group, based in St. Petersburg and serving Florida and Virginia, understands storm risks, policy exclusions, and local underwriting requirements. We help restaurants, contractors, and property owners secure the right coverage before hurricane season begins.