Hurricane season isn’t just a possibility in Pensacola, it’s a reality. Every year from June through November, residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast keep one eye on the Gulf of Mexico and another on the weather alerts.
Storm preparedness should be part of your annual summer checklist if you own or rent property in Pensacola, especially near Bayou Texar, Downtown, Gulf Breeze or the barrier islands. As a property management company serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, we’ve seen the difference proper planning can make.
Here’s your 2025 guide to hurricane prep for landlords and tenants, designed to protect your people, property, and peace of mind.
🌊 1. Why Pensacola Properties Are at Risk
Pensacola is no stranger to hurricanes. In 2020, Hurricane Sally caused more than $7 billion in damages across the Gulf Coast, flooding neighborhoods and damaging hundreds of homes in areas like Scenic Highway and Gulf Breeze.
Why the risk is high:
- Proximity to the Gulf = higher surge and wind threats
- Low-lying areas (like Navy Point and Perdido Key) often flood quickly
- Older properties may not meet updated building codes
Whether you manage a waterfront rental or a downtown bungalow, understanding the storm risk is the first step in being prepared.
🏠 2. Essential Hurricane Prep for Landlords
If you’re a landlord in Pensacola, your hurricane prep should start long before a storm is named.
Key actions:
- ✅ Inspect the roof for loose shingles or weak spots
- ✅ Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding
- ✅ Trim back large trees to reduce the risk of falling limbs
- ✅ Update insurance policies and take dated photos of the property (inside and out)
- ✅ Share your emergency plan with tenants—include who to contact, what’s covered, and where to go in case of evacuation
💡 Tip: We recommend including storm prep language directly in the lease agreement and revisiting it annually with tenants.
🧳 3. Tenant Responsibilities During Storm Season
While the structural prep is up to the landlord, tenants have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their belongings.
Tenants should:
- 📦 Bring in outdoor furniture, grills, and potted plants
- 🔌 Know where the circuit breaker is in case of flooding
- 🧼 Back up digital documents and unplug electronics
- 📍 Monitor local evacuation orders and routes (especially for renters on Pensacola Beach or East Hill)
Landlords can support tenants by offering checklists, recommending nearby shelters, and clarifying expectations if an evacuation occurs.
🧰 4. Storm Prep Essentials for Gulf Coast Rentals
Consider putting together a basic Hurricane Ready Kit in every rental property.
Suggested items:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Basic first aid kit
- Emergency water and snacks
- Sandbags (check Escambia County for free distribution points)
- Contact info for local emergency services
Bonus: Partner with a local handyman or storm shutter company (like Panhandle Hurricane Protection) to secure homes quickly if a major storm approaches.
🔧 5. After the Storm: Inspection, Repairs, and Communication
Once the skies clear, the real work begins.
Post-storm checklist for landlords:
- 📸 Document damage before beginning repairs
- 🛠️ Prioritize safety-related repairs first (roof leaks, power outages)
- 💬 Keep tenants informed—especially if the home is uninhabitable
- 📝 File insurance claims promptly, and keep receipts
If a tenant must vacate due to damage, work with your property manager to find short-term solutions or coordinate temporary relocation.
✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the First Storm to Hit
In Pensacola, being hurricane-ready isn’t optional; it’s essential. Whether you own one rental or manage a portfolio of properties, advanced preparation protects your investment and the people who call it home.
Need help getting your rental hurricane-ready this season?
📞 Contact Hometown Properties of the Gulf Coast today for a complimentary storm readiness checklist or to schedule an inspection.
We’re proud to help Pensacola landlords safeguard what matters most.
