Don Brown

As a long-time Florida resident and former State Representative, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of hurricanes on our beautiful state. From Andrew to Michael, these storms have reshaped our landscape, our economy, and our very way of life. Yet, despite the recurring threat, we continue to build, rebuild, and expand in vulnerable areas.

The harsh reality is that Florida’s current approach to hurricane preparedness and recovery is unsustainable. We’ve relied too heavily on artificially low insurance rates, inadequate building codes, and post-disaster federal bailouts. This strategy is akin to building a house on sand and hoping the tide won’t come in. It’s time to acknowledge that the tide is rising, and our foundation is eroding.

Consider Hurricane Michael, which devastated the Panhandle in 2018. This Category 5 storm caused $25 billion in damages, exposing the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure and disaster response systems. While the recovery efforts have been commendable, they have also highlighted the need for a more proactive, comprehensive approach to hurricane preparedness.

Florida must invest heavily in resilient infrastructure. Our building codes, while improved since Hurricane Andrew, still fall short of what is needed to withstand the storms of the future. We need to construct homes and buildings that can stand up to Category 5 winds and storm surge. This isn’t just about property protection; it’s about saving lives and reducing the enormous cost of post-storm recovery.

Additionally, while federal support is crucial in the immediate aftermath of a storm, we can’t rely on it as a long-term solution. We need robust state and local strategies that complement federal efforts, focusing on prevention and mitigation rather than just response and recovery.

All of this is exacerbated by an  insurance market in crisis. After each major storm, we see a familiar pattern: skyrocketing premiums, insurers fleeing the state, and homeowners left vulnerable. This cycle is unsustainable and unfair to Florida residents. We need to embrace actuarially sound insurance policies that accurately reflect the risk of coastal living. Yes, this may mean higher premiums in the short term, but it is necessary for long-term stability and fairness.

We also can’t ignore the elephant in the room: climate change. As ocean temperatures rise, we’re likely to see more frequent and intense hurricanes. Addressing climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a matter of economic survival for Florida. We need to be at the forefront of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

It’s time for a paradigm shift in how we approach hurricane risk. We need:

1. A culture of preparedness that is ingrained in every Floridian.
2. Stricter zoning laws that limit development in the most vulnerable areas.
3. Significant investment in natural barriers like mangroves and wetlands.
4. A comprehensive public education campaign about the true risks of coastal living.
5. Innovative financial solutions that spread risk more equitably.

Critics might argue that these measures will stifle growth and make living in Florida unaffordable. But I contend that continuing on our current path is far more costly in the long run. We’re merely delaying the inevitable, and each year we wait, the price tag grows.

As Floridians, we have never shied away from a challenge. We have faced hurricanes before and rebuilt stronger. Living in Florida is a choice we make, knowing the risks and rewards. But we have a responsibility to face those risks honestly and prepare for them adequately. The true cost of paradise isn’t just measured in insurance premiums or property values; it’s in our commitment to building a resilient, sustainable future for generations to come.

We stand at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of short-term thinking and reactionary policies, or we can embrace a new approach that prioritizes long-term resilience and sustainability. Our paradise is worth protecting, but it requires courage, foresight, and a willingness to face hard truths. The next hurricane is coming. The question is: Will we be ready?

Don Brown is a former Florida state representative and insurance agent based in DeFuniak Springs.