The 2026 hurricane season has already begun on June 1 and will last until November 30. If you own a small business in Florida, now is the perfect time to make sure your company is protected and can survive any storm that comes your way.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2026 hurricane season could be especially active, with forecasts indicating between 14 and 20 named storms. Of these, 6 to 10 are expected to become hurricanes, and 3 to 5 could reach major hurricane status (category 3 or higher). These numbers are above the historical average of 14 named storms per season.

Why is this important for your business?

As a hardworking immigrant in Florida, you’ve probably built your business with a lot of effort. Whether you have a cleaning service, a food truck, a construction company, or any other type of business, a hurricane can cause significant damage that could shut your business down for weeks or even permanently.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports that approximately 25% of small businesses never reopen after a major natural disaster. In addition, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 40% of small businesses do not have any insurance that covers business interruptions.

Essential steps to protect your business this June

1. Review your insurance coverage NOW

This is the first and most important step. Many business owners discover too late that their policy does not cover flood damage or that they have a very high hurricane deductible.

You need to review:

• Commercial property insurance: Covers the building if you own it, or the contents if you rent
• Business interruption insurance: Helps you pay expenses while your business is closed for repairs
• Flood insurance: VERY IMPORTANT – Regular insurance does NOT cover floods, and in Florida, floods are the #1 cause of hurricane damage

Key fact: According to FEMA, there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect. If you wait until a storm is announced, it will already be too late to buy coverage.

At La Familia Multiservices, we can help you understand what insurance you need and find options that fit your budget. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

2. Create an emergency fund for your business

June is a good month to start setting aside money specifically for emergencies. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recommends that small businesses have at least 3 to 6 months of operating expenses saved.

I know this sounds like a lot of money, but you can start little by little:

• Set aside 5-10% of your weekly income
• Open a separate savings account just for business emergencies
• Consider this money “untouchable” unless it’s a real emergency

3. Document everything you have

Before any storm arrives, you need to have a complete record of:

• All your inventory (products, materials, tools)
• Equipment and machinery
• Furniture and decor in your location
• Important business documents

Take photos or videos of EVERYTHING. Save these images in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) so you don’t lose them if your phone or computer is damaged.

4. Prepare a business continuity plan

This means having a written plan of what you’ll do if a hurricane hits your area. Your plan should include:

• List of important contacts: employees, suppliers, main clients, insurance company
• Communication plan: How will you notify your clients that you’re temporarily closed? Do you have their phone numbers or emails?
• Alternative location: If your location is damaged, where could you operate from temporarily?
• Backups of information: Copies of all your financial records, licenses, permits

5. Physically protect your location

If you already have a physical location, there are things you can do now in June:

• Install shutters or have plywood cut to size
• Inspect the roof and repair any damage
• Clean gutters and drains
• Identify which equipment or inventory you can move to a safer place if a storm comes

Special considerations for different types of businesses

If you have a food truck or mobile business:

• Identify where you can park safely during a storm
• Make sure your commercial vehicle insurance covers hurricane damage
• Have a plan to protect or move your perishable inventory

If you work from home:

• Your homeowners insurance typically does NOT cover business equipment or inventory
• You need a separate policy or an endorsement (add-on) to your home insurance
• Consider where you’ll store important documents and equipment

If you have employees:

• Have a clear communication plan
• Know your legal obligations regarding paying employees during emergency closures
• Consider if you need Workers’ Compensation insurance

Financial resources available after a disaster

If the worst happens and a hurricane damages your business, help is available:

SBA Disaster Loans:

The SBA offers loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property, with interest rates as low as 4% and terms up to 30 years. In 2024, after Hurricane Ian, the SBA approved over $4.2 billion in disaster loans for businesses in Florida.

FEMA Assistance:

While FEMA mainly focuses on helping individuals, some programs also support small businesses, especially if you operate from home.

Florida State Programs:

Florida has several economic recovery programs that are activated after major disasters.

Actions you can take THIS WEEK

Don’t put this off. Here’s what you can do this very week:

Monday/Tuesday:

• Review your current insurance policies
• Make a list of everything you need to document

Wednesday/Thursday:

• Take photos/videos of your inventory and location
• Upload everything to the cloud

Friday:

• Write a basic emergency contact list
• Schedule an appointment with us at La Familia Multiservices to review your insurance

The cost of not preparing

According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricanes have caused more than $1.1 trillion in damages in the United States since 1980. In Florida alone, Hurricane Ian in 2022 caused approximately $112.9 billion in damages, becoming the most expensive hurricane in the state’s history.

For a small business, even “minor” damages can be devastating:

• Replacing damaged inventory: $5,000-$50,000+
• Repairs to the location: $10,000-$100,000+
• Loss of income during closure: $2,000-$10,000 per week
• Replacing equipment: $3,000-$30,000+

Without proper insurance and preparation, these costs come directly out of your pocket.

How La Familia Multiservices can help you

At La Familia Multiservices, we understand the unique challenges Latino small business owners face in Florida. We can help you with:

Business Insurance:

• We explain in Spanish what coverages you need
• We compare options from different companies
• We find policies that fit your budget
• We help you understand the terms and conditions

Business Services:

• Making sure your LLC or corporation is in good standing
• Helping you keep your records in order
• Advising you on the right legal structure to protect your personal assets

Financial Planning:

• Strategies for creating an emergency fund
• Tips on managing cash flow during the off-season
• Tax planning that considers hurricane preparation expenses

A final message: Don’t wait

June is the perfect month to prepare because:

• We’ve just entered hurricane season
• You still have time to buy insurance before a storm forms
• Contractors and suppliers still have availability
• You can plan calmly, without the pressure of an approaching storm

Remember: the best time to prepare for a hurricane is BEFORE one is on the radar. Once a storm is announced, stores run out of supplies, insurance companies stop selling new policies, and prices go up.

Your business represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and dreams. Don’t let a hurricane destroy everything you’ve built.

Visit or call us today

At La Familia Multiservices, we’re here to help you protect your business and your future. We offer free consultations to review your insurance and business planning needs.

No matter if your business is big or small, if you’re just starting out or have been operating for years, we can help you create a protection plan that works for you.

Call us today or visit our website www.lafamiliamultiservices.com. Because your business is not just a source of income, it’s the legacy you’re building for your family.

Prepare now. Protect your investment. Secure your future.

References:

• NOAA Climate Prediction Center. (2026). "2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook"
• Small Business Administration. (2024). "Disaster Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses"
• Insurance Information Institute. (2025). "Small Business Insurance Fact Book"
• FEMA. (2025). "National Flood Insurance Program Overview"
• National Hurricane Center. (2025). "U.S. Hurricane Damage Statistics 1980-2024"
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2025). "Small Business Emergency Preparedness Toolkit"