Florida's hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Smart preparation before the season starts can mean the difference between staying connected and losing critical communication abilities.
Essential Pre-Season Steps
Document Your Setup: Take photos of your modem/router configuration and cable connections
Save Account Information: Screenshot or print account numbers, support phone numbers, and login credentials
Test Backup Options: Verify mobile hotspot capabilities and data limits before you need them
Update Contact Methods: Ensure your provider has current phone numbers for outage notifications
Miami Resident Experience
"After Hurricane Irma, I couldn't log into my account to report outages because I didn't have my account number saved offline. Now I keep a hurricane folder with all provider info printed out." - Carlos M., Miami Beach
Backup Internet Options
Having multiple connectivity options is crucial when primary services fail.
Mobile Hotspot Solutions
Provider
Hotspot Plan
Monthly Cost
Hurricane Benefits
Verizon
50GB Hotspot
$85
Best cell tower backup power
AT&T
40GB Hotspot
$75
COWs (Cell on Wheels) deployment
T-Mobile
50GB Hotspot
$70
Emergency data allowances
Satellite Internet Backup
Satellite services continue working when ground infrastructure fails:
Starlink: $599 equipment + $110/month - Portable option available
Satellite dishes must be removed or secured before hurricane-force winds. Plan for temporary service interruption during the storm itself.
Protecting Your Equipment
Florida's storms bring multiple threats: power surges, flooding, and wind damage. Proper protection saves both money and downtime.
Surge Protection Strategy
Whole-House Surge Protector: $300-500 installed
Protects all electronics from main panel
Required by Florida building code in many areas
UPS Battery Backup: $150-300
Maintains internet during brief outages
Clean power for sensitive equipment
Recommended: APC or CyberPower 1500VA minimum
Equipment Elevation: Free - Critical!
Move equipment above potential flood levels
Second floor or high shelves preferred
Tampa Bay Experience
"During Hurricane Ian, my neighbor's modem fried from a surge. My $200 UPS saved my entire setup. The battery even kept my internet running for 3 hours after we lost power." - Jennifer K., St. Petersburg
During the Storm
Safety first, connectivity second. Follow these guidelines when storms approach:
24-48 Hours Before Landfall
Charge all devices and backup batteries to 100%
Download offline maps and important documents
Test backup internet connections while primary service still works
Enable WiFi calling on all capable phones
12-24 Hours Before Landfall
Unplug and waterproof-bag all network equipment
Remove or secure outdoor equipment (satellite dishes, antennas)
Switch phones to maximum battery saving modes
Send "I'm OK" messages while networks are still reliable
During the Storm
Keep equipment unplugged until storm passes
Use phone sparingly - text instead of call when possible
Monitor battery levels constantly
Have backup charging methods ready (car chargers, power banks)
Post-Storm Recovery
Restoring connectivity after a hurricane requires patience and the right approach.
Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)
Safety Check: Ensure no water damage or electrical hazards before powering equipment
Visual Inspection: Check for damaged cables, water intrusion, or displaced equipment
Gradual Power-Up: Connect equipment one piece at a time
Network Priority: Mobile networks typically restore first, then cable/fiber
Provider Communication
Provider
Storm Reporting Method
Typical Restoration Time
Xfinity
Text "OUT" to 266278
3-7 days urban, 7-14 days rural
AT&T
myAT&T app or text
2-5 days priority areas
Spectrum
1-833-267-6094
5-10 days average
Fort Myers Recovery Experience
"After Hurricane Ian, Xfinity was down for 3 weeks in our neighborhood. My T-Mobile hotspot became our lifeline. The cell towers came back in 4 days, but cable took forever." - Robert D., Fort Myers
Emergency Communication Plans
When traditional internet fails, these alternatives keep you connected:
Free WiFi Locations (Post-Storm)
Xfinity WiFi Hotspots: Free during emergencies for everyone
Public Libraries: Usually first to restore with generator backup
Home Depot/Lowe's: Often provide free WiFi in parking lots
Emergency Shelters: County-provided internet access
Alternative Communication Methods
Ham Radio: No internet required, works when all else fails
Satellite Messengers: Garmin inReach ($15/month) for emergency texts
Mesh Networks: GoTenna devices create local networks without infrastructure
Provider Hurricane Policies
Florida ISPs have specific storm policies that can save you money and hassle:
Major Provider Storm Policies
Xfinity/Comcast
Automatic service credits for outages over 24 hours
No disconnect for non-payment during declared emergencies
Free equipment replacement for storm damage (with documentation)
Waived late fees for affected areas
AT&T
Unlimited mobile data during emergencies
Free HBO Max to affected customers during extended outages
Priority restoration for hospitals and emergency services
Equipment replacement programs
Spectrum
Prorated credits for service outages
Extended payment arrangements available
Free WiFi hotspots opened to public
Mobile service units deployed to affected areas
Florida Resident Experiences
Hurricane Michael - Panama City
"We lost cable internet for 6 weeks after Michael. I bought a Verizon hotspot the day after the storm - it was the best $200 I ever spent. Work-from-home was possible again in 3 days while neighbors waited weeks." - Sarah L., Panama City
Hurricane Irma - Florida Keys
"Starlink literally saved my business after Irma. Traditional ISPs said 2-3 months for restoration. I had Starlink running in 2 days once power returned. Yes, it's expensive, but it paid for itself immediately." - Mike T., Marathon
Hurricane Ian - Fort Myers Beach
"The storm surge destroyed everything on the first floor, including our cable hookup. AT&T Fiber runs overhead in our area, so they restored service weeks before Xfinity could repair underground lines." - Linda R., Fort Myers Beach
Hurricane Prep Cost Analysis
Basic Hurricane Internet Kit ($300-500)
Surge protector power strip: $50
Portable phone charger (20,000mAh): $40
Waterproof equipment bags: $30
Mobile hotspot device: $150
One month hotspot service: $70
Comprehensive Protection ($1,000-1,500)
UPS battery backup system: $250
Whole-house surge protector: $400 installed
Portable generator (3,500W): $500
Mobile hotspot with 3-month service: $280
Weatherproof equipment storage: $100
Premium Backup Solution ($3,000+)
Starlink kit with mount: $599
3 months Starlink service: $330
Standby generator installation: $2,000+
Professional surge protection: $500
Multiple backup devices: $300
Cost-Saving Tip
Many phone plans include hotspot data you're already paying for. Check your plan before buying separate hotspot devices. During emergencies, carriers often provide unlimited data temporarily.
Hurricane Internet Checklist
May (Pre-Season)
Review and update insurance coverage for equipment
Test all backup power sources
Verify mobile hotspot capabilities
Document all equipment serial numbers
Save provider contact info offline
72 Hours Before Storm
Charge all devices to 100%
Download offline content and maps
Test backup internet connections
Enable low-power modes on devices
Notify remote work/family of potential outages
24 Hours Before Storm
Unplug all network equipment
Waterproof-bag sensitive electronics
Secure or remove outdoor equipment
Final backup of important data
Send safe location updates to contacts
After Storm Passes
Check for water/electrical hazards
Inspect all cable connections
Power up equipment gradually
Report outages to providers
Document any damage for insurance
Stay Connected During Hurricane Season
Don't wait until a storm is approaching. Prepare your internet backup plan today.