The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season starts Sunday, June 1. If the previous 2024 hurricane season proved anything, it showed that Florida and its residents need to be ready as soon as possible.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton left a major mark on the Sunshine State in 2024, costing a combined total of $113 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
With a new hurricane season on the way, experts are predicting another above-average season.
Colorado State University has laid out the following predictions for hurricane activity this year:
- Named storms: 17 (average: 14)
- Named Storm Days: 85 (average: 69.4)
- Hurricanes: 9 (average: 7.2)
- Hurricane Days: 35 (average: 27)
- Major Hurricanes: 4 (average: 3.2)
- Major Hurricane Days: 9 (average: 7.4)
- Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE): 155 (average: 123)
- ACE West of 60 degrees longitude: 93 (average: 73)
“We’re seeing consistent patterns of above-average tropical cyclone activity that Tampa Bay residents should take very seriously in their preparation efforts,” CSU Professor Dr. Michael Bell said in a statement.
Tampa Bay area residents should have plans and preparations in place ahead of the storm. This includes evacuation plans, generators, hurricane kit supplies, and making sure your home’s windows and doors can withstand strong hurricane-winds.
Hurricane Season Evacuation Zones In Tampa Bay
Hurricane evacuation planning in Tampa Bay follows a letter-based zone, and it’s important you know ahead of time which one is yours.
The system is designed specifically for hurricane and tropical storm threats. Hurricane evacuation zones A through E are areas that are most at risk to storm surge during hurricanes, with Zone A facing the most severe flooding risk. The zones are based on hurricane storm surge models, ground elevation, and proximity to water.
Hurricane evacuation orders affect nearly half of Pinellas County residents who live in Zone A or B, making this region most vulnerable during major hurricane events in the Tampa Bay area.
Hillsborough County’s hurricane evacuation map shows significant portions of Tampa and other local communities in evacuation zones, especially areas near Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, and river watersheds susceptible to hurricane storm surge.
You can find out where your evacuation zone is through these official resources:
- Hurricane Evacuation Zones – Pinellas County
- Hurricane Evacuation Zones – Hillsborough County
- Hurricane Evacuation Zones – Pasco County
During hurricane emergencies, evacuation orders are issued by zone letter, not location name. Local officials are responsible for coordinating when to place an order based on how soon an incoming storm will make landfall, which is typically 36-48 hours ahead of time.
Hurricane Season Flood Zones In Tampa Bay
Hurricane flood zones are just as important to be aware of as evacuation zones, especially since each follows different considerations in the Tampa Bay area.
Hurricane-related flooding assessments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designate hurricane flood zones using letters and numbers. Zones AE and VE are the ones that face the highest risks during major storm events.
Hurricane flood vulnerability in Hillsborough County affects over 220,000 properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas, while Pinellas County—surrounded by water on three sides—has nearly 200,000 properties in these high-risk hurricane flood zones.
Tampa Bay has very distinct hurricane flooding vulnerability, as the bay’s shallow depth can make it easier for hurricane storm surge to increase compared to deeper coastal waters.
Hurricane preparation should include understanding your flood zone, which affects both hurricane readiness and insurance requirements:
- Hurricane Flood Zone VE: Coastal areas subject to high-velocity hurricane wave action (3+ feet waves)
- Hurricane Flood Zone AE: Areas subject to inundation by hurricane-strength 1% annual chance flooding
- Hurricane Flood Zone X: Moderate to minimal hurricane flood hazards
FEMA’s hurricane flooding research explains that homes in high-risk hurricane flood zones with federally-backed mortgages must carry flood insurance, which is separate from standard homeowners insurance.
Tampa Bay homeowners can determine their specific hurricane flood zone by visiting:
- FEMA Hurricane Flood Map Service Center
- Pinellas County Hurricane Flood Map
- Hillsborough County Hurricane Flood Map
Supply Kit Essentials To Keep For Hurricane Season
Whether you decide to evacuate or not ahead of a hurricane, you should stock up on as many necessary items as you can in a hurricane supply kit before storm season begins.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s hurricane readiness guidelines recommend Tampa Bay residents maintain a complete hurricane kit capable of sustaining all household members, including pets, for at least seven days.
Here are some items experts recommend you keep in your hurricane kit:
Water and Food Supplies
- Water supply: One gallon per person per day for seven days of potential hurricane disruption
- Non-perishable food requiring minimal preparation
- Manual can opener and basic cooking supplies
- Special dietary items for infants, elderly, or those with specific needs
Safety and Medical Items
- First aid kit with two-week supply of prescription medications
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio with NOAA hurricane alerts
- Multiple flashlights (avoid candles due to post-hurricane fire risk)
- Battery packs/portable chargers for phones and other personal devices
- An emergency whistle for signaling help
- N95 masks for post-hurricane cleanup (mold concerns)
Personal and Sanitation Items
- Hygiene items and sanitizing products
- Moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation needs
- Clothing and sturdy shoes
- Rain gear and towels
- Blankets or sleeping bags for hurricane evacuation or home use
Documentation and Financial Resources
- Waterproof container for important documents (insurance policies, identification)
- Cash reserves in small denominations (ATMs often unavailable during hurricane recovery)
- Hurricane evacuation maps with routes marked
Hurricane Season Emergency Shelters In Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay-area counties offer an extensive list of emergency hurricane shelters, many located in local schools and community centers.
Important shelter considerations:
- Pet-friendly shelters typically require proof of vaccinations and proper carriers
- Special needs shelters require pre-registration through county health departments
- Most shelters do not provide beds or cots – it is recommended you bring your own supplies
- Space is often limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis
You can find a list of Pinellas County shelters and a recommended list of important items to bring with you on the Pinellas County website.
Hurricane Season: Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays
Speaking of supplies, hurricane preparedness becomes more affordable during Florida’s annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays. These tax-free periods encourage residents to prepare for hurricane season by eliminating sales tax on qualifying hurricane supplies.
Hurricane tax holiday dates vary each year, typically taking place in the early Summer months.
During these hurricane tax holidays, these items are generally exempt from Florida’s 6% sales tax (plus applicable local taxes):
- Generators costing $3,000 or less
- Flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less
- Reusable ice costing $20 or less
- Radios costing $50 or less
- Tarps and ground anchors or tie down kits costing $100 or less
- Coolers and portable power banks costing $60 or less
- Batteries and fuel tanks costing $50 or less
- Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors costing $70 or less
Watches VS. Warnings: Know The Difference For Hurricane Season
When weather experts begin tracking a hurricane or tropical storm, they will begin issuing warnings and watches. It’s important that you know the difference between each issue.
According to NOAA, a tropical storm is when conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours. Tropical storm warning means conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours, whereas a tropical storm watch.
A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions, including sustained winds of 74 mph or higher, are possible in specific areas. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within an area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours before landfall to allow for plenty of preparation time.
Invest In Impact Windows For A Safer Hurricane Season
Hurricanes that come around Florida are not always predictable. Their paths can change and winds can get more volatile with every rotation. That’s why it’s important to ensure you have hurricane impact windows to better protect your home.
That’s why Karoly Windows & Doors is the #1 choice for hurricane impact windows in the Tampa Bay area.
Traditional windows shatter under pressure, leaving homes exposed to:
- Wind-driven debris (the #1 cause of structural damage during storms)
- Water intrusion (leading to mold, rot, and costly repairs)
- Pressure imbalances that can rip off roofs or collapse walls
Non-impact windows can’t stand up to the wind pressure and flying debris like impact windows can. They will stay intact after repeated strikes of objects and will not allow the weather or air to penetrate. The impact glass stays together within the vinyl frame from the vinyl interlayer.
Even after hurricane season is over, impact windows offer year-round benefits that make them a worthwhile investment. They provide a variety of home improvement perks such as improved noise reduction, superior energy efficiency by preventing air leakage and blocking UV rays.
Having hurricane impact windows can be the difference between preserving your safety and possessions and losing everything.
If you live in a wind-borne debris region (coastal regions of Florida), you are required to replace your windows with impact windows. There are some inland areas of Hillsborough County that do not require impact glass. You can use the ATC Hazards by Location website and enter your address for specific details on your home. If the Risk Category II is 140 mph or greater then you are required to have hurricane impact protection for your windows and other glazed openings.
- Clearwater – Risk Category II is 145 mph
- Palm Harbor – Risk Category II is 143 mph
- Largo – Risk Category II is 145 mph
- Tampa – Risk Category II is 141 mph
- St. Petersburg – Risk Category II is 145 mph
