Fences and Hurricane Season in Jacksonville

Fences and hurricane season in Jacksonville

Since 2016, 11 named storms brought a FEMA declaration that included Duval County. A fence is usually the first thing in the yard to show it.

Updated October 28, 2026 · Sources listed at the end

A weathered wooden rail fence with a leaning post among green shrubs

Gray, weathered rails and a post that has started to lean. Photo: Barbara Burgess / Unsplash

The storm record

FEMA's open data lists the hurricanes and tropical storms that led to a major disaster or emergency declaration for Duval County. Since 2016: Matthew (2016), Irma (2017), Dorian (2019), Isaias (2020), Elsa (2021), Ian (2022), Nicole (2022), Idalia (2023), Debby (2024), Helene (2024), Milton (2024). Since 2004 the count is 18.

Named storms with a FEMA declaration for Duval County, by year

Hurricanes and tropical storms with a major disaster or emergency declaration that included Duval County. A storm with both counts once. Source: OpenFEMA, pulled October 28, 2026.

A declaration does not mean every fence in the county came down. It means a storm did enough damage somewhere in the area to qualify for federal help. Plenty of fences go down in storms that never get that far.

How fences fail in wind

A solid 6 foot privacy fence is a wall. Wind pushes on all of it, and the force lands on the posts at the ground line. That is where they snap or lean, and it is worst where the post was already soft from years in wet soil. Panels popping out of their rails is another common failure, especially with vinyl.

Open fences mostly survive. Aluminum pickets and chain link let the wind through, so the posts carry very little. Falling trees are the exception, and nothing stops a falling oak.

Building a fence with storms in mind

Ask how deep the posts go and how far apart they are. Closer and deeper costs more and holds better.
Consider shadowbox or a fence with gaps instead of solid board-on-board, if you can give up a little privacy.
Keep the base of wood posts dry: no sprinklers aimed at them, no mulch piled against them.
Use heavier gate posts. Gates catch more wind than panels.
Before a storm, prop gates open or tie them so they do not slam.

After a storm

Photograph the damage before anything is moved. If your fence keeps a pool closed off or a dog in, fix that first with a temporary barrier. Check your homeowners policy: many cover fences as other structures for wind and falling trees, minus the deductible. The FTC warns that home repair scammers may show up after a storm and pressure you to pay or decide fast.

The blue Main Street Bridge over the St. Johns River in Jacksonville — The Main Street Bridge. Storms that come up the river reach a long way inland. Photo: Matthew Williams / Unsplash

Questions Jacksonville homeowners ask

Should I take my fence down before a hurricane?

Most people can't and shouldn't. Securing gates and loose items in the yard matters more. Removing a few panels to let wind through is something some homeowners do with screw-in panels; ask the fence company whether yours allow it.

What fence is most wind resistant?

Open designs, like aluminum pickets and chain link, carry the least wind load. Among privacy fences, styles with gaps and well-set posts hold up better than solid ones.

Will insurance replace a fence after a storm?

Many homeowners policies cover fences under other structures for wind and falling trees, minus the deductible, which in Florida is often a separate hurricane deductible. Read your policy or call your agent.