Moving in the Rain and During Hurricane Season on the Emerald Coast

Rain and storms are part of moving on the Emerald Coast. Here is our rain policy, and the official dates, zones and rules to plan around in hurricane season. It's general information; for your own safety decisions, follow your county's emergency management.

Do movers move in the rain? We do, unless it risks your things

We work in the rain. What we won't do is carry your things through weather that puts them at risk, and when it's close, we call you and decide together before anyone starts. A passing summer shower is a different day from a band of tropical rain, and you know which of your pieces can't take a drop.

• Put old towels or mats inside every door the crew will use.
• Pack documents, photos and electronics in plastic bins, or bag the boxes.
• Keep packed boxes off garage floors and porches that take water.
• Clear a dry staging spot near the door at both ends.

Hurricane season: the dates

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. The peak is September 10, and most activity falls between mid-August and mid-October (National Hurricane Center). If you can choose your date, December through February is the calm stretch: after the season ends November 30 and before the spring rental rush.

Know your evacuation zone before you sign a lease or close

In Walton County, zones reflect storm surge, not wind or storm category; there are five, A through E, and alerts come through AlertWalton. Okaloosa County's public safety director notes that the zones can change from year to year; its alerts come through AlertOkaloosa, or text OKALOOSAFL to 888777. Moving to Bay or Santa Rosa County? Check that county's emergency management site. Look up the zone for your new address before move day, and sign up for alerts the day you get keys.

Insurance timing for a new home

Flood insurance is usually a separate policy. A new National Flood Insurance Program policy typically has a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so buy it well before a storm is named; there's no waiting period when you buy it as part of closing on a mortgage (FEMA). Okaloosa County's hurricane guide tells homeowners to check coverage before the season starts June 1 and to photograph or video the home's contents, and reminds renters they can buy renter's insurance to protect their belongings.

If a storm is forecast near your move date

Follow official evacuation orders first; no move is worth staying behind for. If a storm is forecast near your date, call us: we work it out with you case by case, before anything is decided. Keep important documents waterproofed, with digital copies, and pack them yourself so they ride with you. If it turns into a scramble, see same-day and short-notice moves.

Price-gouging rules during a declared emergency

During a declared state of emergency, Florida bans unconscionable prices for essential commodities, including services needed because of the emergency and self-storage. The yardstick is the average price in the 30 days before the declaration (Fla. Stat. §501.160). Report gouging in the declared area to the Florida Attorney General at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226). For checking a mover any time of year, see how to check a Florida mover.