Welcome to Part 3 in our Fort Myers hurricane readiness series. If you've read Parts 1 and 2, you understand the damage hurricanes cause and how to prepare your property. But here’s where it gets tricky:
👉 Who’s responsible for the work? 👉 Who pays for it? 👉 What role does your insurance actually play?
Let’s break down what every Fort Myers-area landlord should know about liability, logistics, and legal clarity—especially if you're out of state.
1. Who Should Be Doing the Work?
In short: it depends on the type of work and who is qualified.
✅ Property Manager or Hired Vendor
Window coverings (plywood, shutters, hurricane mesh)
Sandbag installation (especially near doors or garages)
Trimming dangerous trees or overgrowth
Removing lanai furniture or heavy objects
These are tasks that require tools, time, and experience. They shouldn’t fall ALL on tenants.
⚠️ Tenants (If Willing & Available)
Bringing personal items inside
Moving lightweight furniture indoors
Closing built-in shutters (if simple and safe)
Always use a general liability waiver if tenants volunteer to help. It protects everyone involved.
❌ Who Should NOT Do the Work
Tenants using power tools, climbing ladders, or handling structural tasks
Friends or family who are uninsured or unqualified
Anyone rushing the job last minute—rushed prep causes mistakes
2. What Work Needs Pre-Approval?
Whether it’s the landlord or the tenant initiating action, certain tasks should be discussed in advance or noted in the lease:
Installing or removing hurricane shutters
Making changes to landscaping (cutting branches, trimming trees)
Adding sandbags or modifying drainage paths
Draining a pool pre-storm
Tip: If your lease doesn’t mention storm prep, then consider it as part of your lease preparation. Clear roles = less stress.
3. Insurance: What’s Actually Covered?
🔍 Key Terms to Know:
Wind Damage Deductible: Usually 2–5% of the insured value. Only triggered if a hurricane watch/warning is issued.
Flood Insurance: Separate from standard landlord policies. Often not required, but increasingly smart and expensive.
Loss of Use: Covers income loss if the rental home is uninhabitable—but check your policy details carefully.
⚠️ Surprising Insurance Realities:
Rain damage from unnamed storms may fall under your standard deductible
Tenants’ personal items are not covered normally under your landlord policy
If a renter damages the property trying to help—and there’s no waiver—you may have to accept the damage
🧾 Post-Storm Claims Tip:
Document everything with photos and videos
Communicate clearly with your property manager
Submit claims early; insurers get swamped
Consider an insurance adjuster.
“Hurricane insurance isn’t just about what’s covered—it’s about when and how you act.” — Michael, Red Fortress PM
4. Legal + Risk Tips for Fort Myers Property Owners
Update your lease language each year to include storm prep responsibilities
Keep liability waivers on file for any renter involvement
Know your zone: Evacuation zones are about life safety, flood zones are about property risk
Don’t delay reporting damage. Time matters in both insurance and local response
FAQ: Work & Insurance in a Hurricane
Can I reimburse a tenant for doing prep work?
Yes—but only if it's agreed to ahead of time and documented with a waiver.
Does insurance cover window damage from wind?
Yes—under the hurricane or windstorm deductible (if a warning/watch is issued).
Who’s liable if a tenant is injured during prep?
If there’s no signed waiver: possibly you. Always defer risky work to insured vendors.
How do I know what kind of insurance I need?
Talk to your agent before storm season. Flood + wind policies vary by zone, year, and property type.
Coming Next: Part 4 - What We Do As a Management Company & Final Thoughts
We’ll walk through our storm protocols, post-storm support, communication practices, and how Red Fortress helps protect both your tenants and your investment.
Stay tuned.
