HURRICANE PROTECTION FOR RENTAL PROPERTY IN FLORIDA

Appfolio Websites • August 2, 2019
With approaching, it’s important that landlords are prepared for a storm and understand what to do in case an evacuation is ordered. While most Floridians are familiar with hurricanes, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on safety procedures for before, during, and after a storm.

Preparing Your Property and Your Tenants
A proactive landlord can help tenants to prepare for hurricane season by sending out an email or newsletter with hurricane protection reminders. Helpful reminders to include are:
  • Charging all cell phones, laptops, and other electronics that can be used to communicate.
  • Stocking up on water and non-perishable food items.
  • Removing furniture from decks and patios.
  • Updating emergency contact information.
  • Obeying evacuation orders.
  • Turning off power and gas before evacuating.
  • Not running generators indoors during a power outage.
  • Fueling vehicles and generators.
  • Replacing batteries.
If there’s likely to be a hurricane or even a tropical storm heading into your area, make sure there isn’t any deferred maintenance on your property which could create additional problems and expenses during and after a weather event. You’ll want to make sure the roof is intact, the gutters are cleaned of leaves, branches, and other debris, and there isn’t anything loose attached to or around the house. If your property is in a condo or an HOA, you’ll want to follow any of the rules and requirements that come from the association.

During the Storm: Staying in Touch
Make sure you know your tenant’s plans, and share your own. If an evacuation isn’t mandatory and your tenants choose to stay in place, you’ll want to be sure they have everything they need to get through a few days without power. This is a good time to gather all of your insurance paperwork in case a claim needs to be made. Give the property a quick check if you’re local before you shelter at your own home or leave town.

It’s a good idea to post periodic storm updates via text message and social media if a hurricane warning is issued. If an evacuation is ordered, landlords must turn off the gas and electricity at all rental units, distribute information regarding evacuation routes and hurricane shelters, and check in with elderly and disabled tenants to ensure they’re able to evacuate. You’ll want to record emergency voicemails for any tenants who may try to reach you. If you’re working with a property management company, make sure all of your efforts are coordinated.

After the Storm: Cleaning up and Assessing Damage

Once the storm has cleared, you’ll have to inspect your rental properties, check in with tenants, and prepare hurricane damage reports to be filed with insurance companies. The most important thing during a hurricane is your safety and the safety of your loved ones and your tenants. Once you know everyone is okay, it’s time to start thinking about any repairs that you’ll need to make to your investment.


There are a lot of benefits to living in and investing in Florida. There are also some risks, such as dramatic weather.


Hurricane preparation is an essential task for Florida landlords, and property management companies make it easier for landlords to protect their property and residents. If you have any questions or need help, please contact us at Florida Property Management Services.

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By Florida PMServices June 10, 2026
Think again !!
By Florida PMServices June 9, 2026
Welcome to this month’s Investor Newsletter. With market conditions varying widely from one metro to the next, staying informed has never been more important. This edition dives into the shift away from a one-size-fits-all housing market, highlights the hidden value of assumable mortgages, and covers the SFR headlines worth watching this month. Let’s dive in! The Death of the “National Housing Market”: Why Local Knowledge Is the New Investor Edge For years, real estate investors could rely on a familiar narrative: the housing market is hot or the market is cooling. But in 2026, that headline is becoming less and less applicable as there is no longer just one housing market. Instead, there are thousands of local markets moving at different speeds. At the national level, housing appears more balanced than it has in years. According to Realtor.com’s Housing Market Report , April contract signings rose 4.5% year over year, while new listings reached their highest level since 2022. On paper, that suggests momentum is returning, but beneath the surface, the story can change by region, metro, and even ZIP code. Realtor.com found that performance across the top 50 U.S. metros varies widely, buyer activity is picking up in some areas, while others remain slow. In fact, many of the strongest-performing housing markets in early 2026 have been concentrated in the Midwest rather than the typically strongest Sun Belt region. A recent Fortune analysis noted that affordability and home pricing are helping Midwest markets outperform many southern metros in which are now facing softer demand and rising inventory. Rental performance is becoming just as localized too. The latest SFR Index found rent growth slowing significantly compared to prior years, with standalone SFR rents increasing just 0.8% year over year nationally in February. Meanwhile, some markets continue to stabilize while others face more pressure from new supply and affordability challenges. Additionally, according to a Yardi Matrix report , areas with more new construction, particularly in parts of the Sun Belt, are seeing weaker rent growth. Local market changes often show up first in property management data. Leasing activity, renewal rates, concessions, and tenant demand tend to change at the neighborhood level long before national housing reports reflect them. One area may remain highly competitive while a nearby neighborhood sees slower leasing activity. As an investor, it may be time to look beyond national headlines and even citywide trends when evaluating markets. You may want to look at where homes are leasing fastest and which neighborhoods are seeing new supply. Competitive edge may not come from choosing the right city, but from understanding the right block. As your property management company, we are here to help, so please reach out if you have any questions about your market. Did You Know: Assumable Mortgages Everything You Need to Know in 60 Seconds! What exactly is an assumable mortgage? Instead of getting a brand-new loan, the buyer takes over (or “assumes”) the seller’s existing mortgage, including the current interest rate, remaining balance, and loan terms. Not all loans qualify, but many FHA, VA, and USDA loans do, while most conventional loans do not. Who can use this? Real estate investors, homebuyers, and sellers can all benefit. For investors, assumable loans can be attractive when today’s interest rates are much higher than the seller’s existing loan rate. On the other side, it can also be used as a major selling point. Where can investors find this? Assumable mortgages can be found nationwide, but availability depends on the financing already attached to the property. Most conventional bank loans have a "due-on-sale" clause, which means they cannot be assumed. When is the best time to use this? These loans become especially valuable when current mortgage rates are much higher than rates from previous years. Assuming a mortgage at 3% instead of getting a new loan at 7% could dramatically reduce monthly payments for investors. Why does this matter? As a buyer, an assumable mortgage can help improve cash flow, lower financing costs, and make a property more attractive to future buyers. As a seller, it acts as a massive marketing tool. Offering a built-in low interest rate allows your property to stand out. Investor Takeaway: A low-rate assumable mortgage can be a valuable opportunity when buying AND a strong selling feature when it’s time to exit an investment. SFR Trending Headlines Stay Up to Date on the Hottest SFR News & Stories Are Single-Family Rentals Climbing While Apartments Slump? The Summer Pause : Why Zillow Says the Housing Recovery Just Hit a Wall Lizzo Offloads Her Beverly Hills Compound at a Massive $4M Discount Wall Street Is Betting $15 Billion on a Brand-New Wave of Housing Supply Why Ellen DeGeneres Just Listed Her $30M Eco-Farmhouse and Left for the UK Rate Update: We've Partnered with LendingOne to Bring You The Best DSCR Rates & Terms! DSCR Loan Advantages: Rates Often Lower Than Banks No Personal Income Requirement No Tax Returns Needed Not Reported on Credit Faster Closing Times Specialized Loans for Investors Only! To Inquire about Single Family Investor loans by email us at office@properties.rent Until Next Month! The Florida Property Management Services Team
By Florida PMServices June 4, 2026
Florida HB 803 is a new law that exempts certain residential construction work valued under $7,500 from building permit requirements, effective July 1, 2026. This law aims to simplify the permitting process and reduce delays for small home improvement projects. Resources: Florida House Adam & Reese Attorneys Overview of Florida HB 803 Florida HB 803 is a new law that significantly changes the building permit requirements for residential construction in Florida. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Key Provisions Permit Exemption: Residential construction work valued under $7,500 is exempt from building permit requirements. Local Government Limitations: Local officials are restricted from inspecting exempted work. Temporary Structures: The law allows for certain temporary hurricane or flood protection walls to be built without a permit. Additional Changes Private Provider Authority: Expands the role of private providers in the permitting process, reducing local oversight. Homeowners' Associations: Prohibits HOAs from requiring permits for architectural reviews of proposed improvements. Permit Review Deadlines: Introduces mandatory deadlines for permit reviews, aiming to speed up the process. Important Considerations Written Request: Homeowners or contractors must submit a written request for exemption to the local enforcement agency. Prohibition on Project Splitting: Projects cannot be divided into smaller components to evade the $7,500 threshold. Exclusions: The exemption does not apply to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work. This law aims to streamline the permitting process, reduce costs, and encourage home improvement projects across Florida. Very Important to remember: Under Florida HB 803, residential construction work valued under $7,500 is exempt from building permits, except for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work, which still require permits regardless of cost. The exemption also does not apply to properties in flood hazard areas
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