2025 Hurricane Season Kicks Off: How Residents Can Prepare Now

June 1st marks the official start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, and whether you're new to Florida or a longtime resident, emergency officials say now is the time to prepare.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with activity typically increasing throughout the summer before reaching its peak during August, September, and October. Historically, the season experiences two periods of heightened activity, one in mid-September and another in mid- October, before winding down.

Forecasters are predicting a below-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2026, due largely to the influence of a developing El Niño weather pattern. El Niño often creates stronger upper-level winds across the Atlantic basin, increasing wind shear that can disrupt tropical storm development and reduce the number of storms that form.

NOAA's 2026 Outlook calls for a 55% chance of a below-normal season and is forecasting 8–14 named storms, 3–6 hurricanes and 1–3 major hurricanes. While those numbers suggest a relatively quiet year, meteorologists emphasize that seasonal forecasts do not determine local impacts. It only takes one storm making landfall to create a major disaster.

Although El Niño may help limit storm formation, Atlantic Ocean temperatures remain warmer than average, providing fuel for any storms that do develop. That's why emergency management officials encourage residents to focus less on seasonal predictions and more on personal preparedness. Preparing now helps avoid last-minute rushes, empty store shelves, and unnecessary stress when a storm threatens.

Build Your Hurricane Supply Kit Now

Experts recommend assembling enough supplies to sustain your household for several days following a storm. Your emergency kit should include:

• Drinking water

• Prescription medications

• Nonperishable food

• Phone chargers and backup power banks

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Cash

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Important documents stored in a waterproof container

• First-aid supplies

• Special supplies for children, older adults, and pets

Good News: Hurricane Supplies Are Tax-Free Year-Round

Florida residents now have an added incentive to prepare early. The state's disaster-preparedness sales tax exemptions have been made permanent, allowing many hurricane-related preparedness items to be purchased tax-free throughout the year. Many grocery staples, bottled water, and first-aid supplies were already exempt from sales tax. Eligible tax-free items include:

• Batteries

• Gas cans

• Portable generators

• Waterproof tarps

• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms

• Tie-down kits and ground anchors

• Fire extinguishers

• Insect repellent

Looking Ahead

Forecasters will continue monitoring ocean temperatures, atmospheric conditions, and storm activity throughout the season, updating their outlooks as conditions change. But regardless of what the forecasts predict, emergency officials share the same message every year, prepare before a storm is on the horizon.

Hurricane season is inevitable. Being unprepared doesn't have to be. A few simple steps today can help protect your home, safeguard your family, and provide peace of mind throughout the months ahead.