Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, and if you're a boat owner in South Florida, that's not just a date on a calendar — it's a call to action. Whether you keep your vessel at a marina in Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, or Miami, the time to prepare is before the storm clouds gather, not after.
At InterMarine, we've seen firsthand what a well-executed plan can mean for protecting your investment. Here's what every boat owner in Florida needs to know this season.
What Does Hurricane Season Actually Mean for Florida Boaters?
Florida sits in one of the most active hurricane corridors in the world. While the full season stretches six months, the peak window runs from August through October, when warm Atlantic waters fuel stronger, faster-developing storms. The National Hurricane Center tracks these systems closely, but the reality is that storms can intensify rapidly and leave very little time to react.
For boat owners, that means the window to act is now — while the weather is still calm and your options are open.
What's at Risk If You're Not Prepared?
Even a tropical storm that never reaches hurricane strength can cause serious damage to vessels left unprotected. Here's what's on the line:
- High winds that snap lines and slam hulls against docks or neighboring boats
- Storm surge that can lift a vessel completely off its slip and deposit it onto land
- Flooding that overwhelms marinas and damages onboard electronics and engines
- Flying debris from other boats, docks, and structures
The financial and emotional toll of storm damage is significant — but the good news is that most of it is preventable with the right plan in place.
Choosing the Right Hurricane Storage Option
One of the most critical decisions you'll make as a boat owner is where your vessel will ride out a storm. Not all options offer the same level of protection, and the right choice often depends on your boat's size.
- Trailering to covered storage is a solid option for smaller boats — typically those under 30 feet — and can provide excellent protection when done correctly and early enough.
- Staying in a marina slip is common for larger vessels, but not all marinas are built equal. Protection from surge, wind exposure, and the quality of dock lines all make a major difference.
- Dry storage / haul-out is widely considered one of the safest options for boats of all sizes. Getting your vessel out of the water and properly blocked eliminates the risk of flooding and surge almost entirely.
- For very large yachts, some captains choose to reposition the vessel outside of the storm's projected path a viable strategy when planned well in advance.
Whatever route you choose, the most important thing is to have a clear plan before a watch is issued. Once conditions deteriorate, your options shrink fast.
How InterMarine Can Help: The Hurricane Club
InterMarine offers a Hurricane Damage Mitigation Plan, commonly known as the Hurricane Club, to give our clients peace of mind from the moment the season starts. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so early enrollment is strongly encouraged.
Here's how it works:
Reservation Fee (one-time, annual fee to secure your space):
| Vessel Length | Reservation Fee |
| 20' – 25' | $1,200 |
| 26' – 34' | $1,600 |
| 35' – 40' | $2,000 |
| 41' – 50' | $3,000 |
Per-Occurrence Fee (covers all services rendered for each individual storm event):
| Vessel Length | Per-Occurrence Fee |
| 20' – 25' | $1,500 |
| 26' – 34' | $2,000 |
| 35' – 40' | $2,500 |
| 41' – 50' | $3,500 |
All fees are subject to 7% sales tax and a 3% administration fee. The Reservation Fee is non-refundable.
What's included in each Per-Occurrence service:
-Haul-out and proper blocking
-Removal of canvas and covers
-Battery shutoff confirmation
-Drain plug removal
-Ground storage for the duration of the storm (up to 5 days)
-Relaunch or return to storage racks after the storm passes
The best part? Most insurance providers will reimburse the Per-Occurrence Fee. We strongly recommend checking with your insurance carrier — it's often covered.
Please note: Upon enrollment, you will need to provide proof of full insurance coverage naming InterMarine, Inc. as additionally insured. Vessels without an insurance policy on file will not be hauled. Once a Hurricane Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, marina operations cease and all preparations must be completed prior to that point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I sign up for the Hurricane Club? As early as possible. Enrollment is first-come, first-served, and spaces fill up quickly once the season starts. Don't wait for a named storm to prompt you — by then, it may be too late to secure your spot. Signing up at the beginning of June gives you full-season coverage and peace of mind.
Q: What triggers the Per-Occurrence Fee — and will my insurance cover it? The Per-Occurrence Fee is activated when the National Weather Service declares a Hurricane Watch for your area. That's your signal to get your vessel to us. As for insurance: the majority of marine insurance policies do reimburse this type of storm preparation fee, but coverage varies. We recommend reaching out to your provider before the season begins to confirm your benefits.
Q: What happens if I don't pick up my boat within 5 days after the storm? Ground storage is included for up to 5 days post-storm at no additional charge. After that, a storage fee of $4.00 per foot per day applies. We'll communicate with you as soon as conditions are safe and marina operations resume.
Q: Is this only available to InterMarine clients, or can anyone enroll? The Hurricane Club is offered to InterMarine clients. If you purchased your boat through us or have an existing relationship with one of our locations — Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Jupiter, or Miami — reach out to your sales or service contact to get enrolled. Not yet a client? This is a great reason to become one.
Don't Wait for a Storm Warning — Get Ready Now
The best hurricane plan is the one you make before you need it. At InterMarine, we're here to help you protect your vessel, your investment, and your peace of mind all season long.
Enroll in the InterMarine Hurricane Club today and be ready before the season catches up to you.
Contact your nearest InterMarine location — Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Jupiter, or Miami — to secure your space. Availability is limited.
June 05, 2026
