Florida has experienced more tropical and subtropical cyclones than any other state since recordkeeping began in 1851. Only eighteen hurricane seasons have passed without a storm touching the peninsula. Nearly one third of them arrived in September, but history shows that destructive storms have come in almost every month outside of January and March.
The great hurricane of 1928 was among one of the deadliest. Communities around Lake Okeechobee, including Belle Glade and Moore Haven, were devastated. Thousands of lives were lost when storm surge breached levees and drowned entire neighborhoods.
In 1921, a Category 4 hurricane struck near Tarpon Springs. It destroyed homes, flooded Tampa Bay, and killed at least eight people. Even as officials rushed to rebuild, the storm revealed how quickly Florida’s growing communities could be brought to their knees.
The damage to Delray Beach’s Seacrest Hotel in 1947 serves as a stark reminder of how often Florida has endured the force of powerful hurricanes.
On August 24, 1992, infamous Hurricane Andrew made landfall near Homestead as a Category 5 storm. It was one of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the United States. More than 730,000 structures were damaged or destroyed and 44 Floridians lost their lives. Damage in south Florida alone topped $25 billion in 1992 dollars.
Andrew’s aftermath changed Florida forever. It forced sweeping reforms in building codes, strengthened emergency planning, and created a greater culture of hurricane preparedness. The storm revealed how vulnerable unprepared communities were and sparked reforms that continue to protect lives today.
In 2022, Hurricane Ian became the costliest storm in Florida history. It slammed into the southwest coast, destroying homes and infrastructure from Fort Myers to Orlando. Ian caused more than $111 billion in damages and took 161 lives. It was the deadliest hurricane to strike Florida since the Labor Day hurricane of 1935.
Each storm has left scars on Florida’s landscape and in its communities. By looking back at more than a century of storms, we gain a deeper appreciation for both the risks we face and the strength of the people who call this state home.
You can help keep Florida’s wildlife and residents safe during the upcoming hurricane season by donating to our FWC Employee Assistance Fund, which provides necessary equipment to those on the front line of storm clean-up.
