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The Southeast of the United States, which includes the state of Florida, is one of the regions most exposed to the passage of hurricanes. Generally, hurricanes form in the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico. Storms or cyclones, and evolve into stronger storms that, as they move, can gain strength and turn into hurricanes.
Unlike other natural events, such as an earthquake, hurricanes can be detected in advance (days or even weeks), allowing the adoption of safety procedures or even evacuation of potentially at-risk areas.
In addition, many of the hurricanes that form in the seas adjacent to the state of Florida dissolve or weaken before reaching the coast.
In this article we brought a history of hurricanes that have affected Florida since 2005, when there was the passage of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most destructive in history.
IMPORTANT: This article on the history of hurricanes in Florida is informative and does not replace official guidelines. If you have a trip scheduled to an area at risk of storms or hurricanes, or are already in a risk or affected area, it is essential that you follow the updates of the meteorological and local authorities. Check official sources, such as the National Hurricane Center and other official sources. Follow the evacuation instructions and safety measures recommended by the authorities. If necessary, consider postponing or canceling your trip to ensure your safety and that of your family.
See the History of Hurricanes in Florida since 2005 below
The hurricane season in the Atlantic usually goes from June to November, with the peak of activity occurring between August and October. During this period, weather conditions are ideal for the formation of hurricanes with winds that can reach potentially devastating speeds.
See below the history of hurricanes that have passed through Florida or adjacencies since 2005:
Hurricane Milton – October 2024
Hurricane Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico in early October 2024. Initially a tropical storm, Milton quickly gained strength and became a category 1 hurricane, moving towards the west coast of Florida. Landfall is expected to occur in the regions of Tampa and Fort Myers. Although there is still no confirmed data on victims, authorities have already declared a state of emergency in several areas, anticipating heavy rains and winds.
Hurricane Helene – September 2024
Hurricane Helene formed at the end of September 2024 in the Gulf of Mexico, quickly evolving into a category 4 hurricane. The storm made landfall on September 26 in the Big Bend region, near Perry, Florida, with sustained winds of 220 km/h. Helene caused deadly floods in parts of Florida and neighboring states such as Georgia and the Carolinas. It was the deadliest hurricane in the US since Katrina, with more than 220 dead.
Hurricane Idália – August 2023
Hurricane Idália formed at the end of August 2023 in the Caribbean and advanced to the Gulf of Mexico, intensifying to category 4. Idália hit the west coast of Florida near Cedar Key with winds of approximately 215 km/h, but quickly lost strength after the landfall, falling to category 1. The cities of Tampa, Tallahassee and Gainesville were severely affected, and although the material damage was considerable, the number of victims was relatively low, with only a few dozen injured.
Hurricane Ian – September 2022
Hurricane Ian formed in September 2022 in the Caribbean, rapidly intensifying to category 4 when entering the Gulf of Mexico. The landfall occurred in Cayo Costa, in southwest Florida, with winds of 241 km/h. Ian caused massive destruction in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples. The hurricane caused catastrophic floods, destroying infrastructure and leaving more than 100 dead. It was one of the most devastating hurricanes of the decade.
Hurricane Michael – October 2018
Hurricane Michael formed in the Gulf of Mexico in October 2018 and quickly intensified to category 5, becoming the third most intense hurricane to hit the United States in terms of atmospheric pressure. The landfall occurred in the Mexico Beach region, Florida, with winds of 260 km/h. Michael devastated cities like Panama City and Mexico Beach, killing 16 people directly in Florida and causing billions of dollars in losses.
Hurricane Irma – September 2017
Hurricane Irma formed on the islands of Cape Verde in early September 2017 and became one of the largest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. Irma hit Florida as a category 4 hurricane, making landfall in the Florida Cayos, with winds of 210 km/h. The most affected cities were Key West, Miami and Naples. Irma caused the death of more than 80 people in Florida and left millions of dollars in damage. The hurricane lost strength quickly as it advanced north.
Hurricane Matthew – October 2016
Hurricane Matthew formed in the Atlantic in October 2016, gaining strength until it reached category 5. Matthew traveled the Atlantic coast of Florida as category 3, passing near cities such as Jacksonville and Daytona Beach. Although it did not make a direct landfall in Florida, it caused floods, strong winds and power outages that affected millions of people. There were 12 deaths related to the storm in the state.
Hurricane Hermine – September 2016
Hurricane Hermine formed in the Gulf of Mexico and hit the Big Bend region of Florida in September 2016 as a category 1 hurricane, with winds of up to 130 km/h. Hermine caused significant flooding in Tallahassee and along the Panhandle coast, in addition to leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. It was the first hurricane to landfall in Florida since Wilma in 2005.
Hurricane Isaac – August 2012
Hurricane Isaac formed in the Atlantic and passed off Florida in August 2012 as a tropical storm before making landfall in Louisiana. Although it did not directly hit Florida, Isaac brought heavy rains and floods to the southern Florida region, including Miami and the Florida Keys.
Hurricane Gustav – September 2008
Hurricane Gustav formed in the Caribbean and, although it caused destruction in Cuba and Louisiana, hit the Florida Panhandle with strong winds and heavy rains in September 2008. There was no direct landfall in Florida, but there was damage to the coast and power grid disruptions in some areas.
Hurricane Wilma – October 2005
Hurricane Wilma formed in the Caribbean Sea in October 2005 and quickly intensified to category 5, making it the most intense hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic. It made landfall in Florida as category 3, hitting the Marco Island region, near Naples, with winds of 185 km/h. Wilma devastated South Florida, including areas such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, with floods and destructive winds. It caused the death of 62 people and left millions of homes without power for weeks.
Hurricane Katrina – August 2005
We have reached the end of our history of hurricanes in Florida with Katrina. This was formed in the Bahamas in August 2005 and quickly intensified when crossing the Gulf of Mexico, becoming one of the deadliest and most devastating natural disasters in the history of the United States. Although it is best known for the damage it caused in New Orleans, Katrina initially landed in South Florida as a category 1 hurricane, causing localized floods and killing 14 people before heading north, where it caused greater devastation.
About this Blog and Article – Hurricane History
At AMG International Realty, our goal is to bring clarity and transparency on important topics related to Florida, offering guidance and relevant information to those who live, invest or visit the state.
This article is merely informative about the history of hurricanes in Florida. Despite our expertise of more than 20 years in Florida’s real estate sector, our performance does not include meteorological services and we do not replace official information provided by competent authorities in cases of natural phenomena, such as hurricanes. For your safety, always consult official sources and follow the guidelines of the authorities in emergency situations.
