Hurricane Season Sign Protection: A Florida Business Owner's Guide
Living and operating a business in South Florida means accepting hurricanes as part of life. Every year from June through November, we watch the tropics with a mix of alertness and resignation. While we can't control the weather, we can prepare our businesses—and that includes protecting our signage investments.
At InstaSIGN, we've weathered every major hurricane season since 1986 right here in Delray Beach. We've seen what happens to signs during storms, helped businesses prepare beforehand, and rebuilt signage after devastating hits. This guide shares what we've learned about protecting your signs and getting back to business after storms pass.
Why Sign Protection Matters
Your business sign represents a significant investment—often thousands of dollars. Beyond replacement cost, sign damage creates business continuity problems:
- Customers can't identify your location
- Professional appearance suffers
- Insurance claims delay recovery
- Lost visibility during critical post-storm periods when competition for returning customers intensifies
Taking proactive steps before hurricane season protects both your investment and your business continuity.
Understanding Wind Ratings
What Wind-Rated Means
Signs installed in Florida must meet building code wind load requirements. Current Florida Building Code requires signs to withstand sustained winds based on your location's design wind speed, typically 140-175 mph in Palm Beach County.
Wind-rated signs are engineered to remain intact during rated wind events. This doesn't mean they'll survive direct hits from flying debris, but properly rated signs withstand the wind forces themselves.
Older Signs May Not Be Compliant
If your sign was installed before current codes took effect (major updates occurred after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and subsequent storms), it may not meet current standards. Signs installed in the 1980s and earlier often lack the structural reinforcement required today.
Consider having older signs inspected for wind rating compliance. Upgrading fasteners, structural members, or entire signs before a storm is more cost-effective than emergency replacement afterward.
Permanent Sign Types and Storm Performance
Channel Letters
Individual channel letters typically perform well in hurricanes when properly mounted. Each letter's relatively small profile presents limited wind resistance. Failures usually result from inadequate mounting rather than letter destruction.
Inspect mounting points annually. Look for loosened fasteners, corrosion, or cracking in attachment points. Secure any loose letters before storm season.
Monument Signs
Low-profile monument signs are among the most hurricane-resistant sign types. Their solid construction and minimal height minimize wind loading.
Primary concerns include decorative caps or trim pieces that might detach and become projectiles. Secure any loose elements and consider removing lightweight decorative items during storm warnings.
Pylon Signs
Tall pylon signs face significant wind forces. Their height creates leverage that amplifies wind loads on structural poles and foundations.
Modern pylon signs engineered to Florida codes should withstand rated conditions. However, pole-mounted sign faces can act like sails, increasing stress. Consider whether face panels can be removed if major hurricanes threaten.
Awnings and Fabric Signs
Fabric elements face the greatest hurricane risk. Awning covers, banner signs, and fabric canopies will likely sustain damage in hurricane conditions.
Remove fabric covers before storms arrive. Awning frames often survive while covers shred. Having replacement covers on order before season allows faster recovery.
Removable vs. Permanent Signage
The Case for Removable Elements
Some businesses maintain removable sign elements that come down before storms and reinstall after. A-frame sidewalk signs, banner stands, and similar items require no debate—bring them inside.
For larger removable elements, the calculation depends on removal difficulty, storage space, and reinstallation complexity. Signs that take hours to remove may not justify the effort for tropical storms but absolutely should come down for major hurricanes.
Permanent Signs That Stay
Most channel letters, monument signs, and properly rated pylons are designed to stay in place. Attempting to remove them creates risks—damaged mounting points, injury potential, and incomplete reinstallation issues.
For these signs, focus on inspection and preventive maintenance rather than removal.
Pre-Season Inspection Checklist
Before hurricane season begins, inspect all exterior signage:
Structural Elements- Check mounting brackets and fasteners for corrosion or loosening
- Examine support poles or structures for rust, cracks, or leaning
- Verify ground connections and foundations show no undermining
- Confirm electrical disconnects function properly
- Look for cracked or damaged acrylic faces that could blow out
- Check channel letter returns for separation or gaps
- Verify cabinet signs have secure panel fasteners
- Inspect flexible signs for weakened grommets or attachment points
- Test illumination to confirm everything functions
- Check wiring for exposed sections that could short during rain
- Verify ground fault protection on outdoor circuits
Addressing issues during calm weather costs less and takes less time than emergency repairs.
Storm Preparation Steps
When a hurricane threatens Palm Beach County, take these steps:
72+ Hours Before
- Complete any outstanding maintenance or repairs
- Document all signage with photographs and video
- Review insurance coverage and policy details
- Begin removing easily portable signage elements
- Charge cameras and phones for post-storm documentation
48 Hours Before
- Remove all A-frames, banner stands, and portable displays
- Take down fabric awning covers and store safely
- Disconnect power to outdoor illuminated signs
- Secure any loose components identified during inspection
- Remove decorative elements that might become projectiles
24 Hours Before
- Final walk-around to verify everything possible has been secured
- Photograph final pre-storm conditions for insurance purposes
- Ensure sign shop contact information is easily accessible post-storm
After the Storm
Initial Assessment
Before approaching any signage:
- Confirm electrical hazards are addressed (downed lines, flooding)
- Watch for structural damage that could cause collapse
- Use caution around damaged signs with broken glass or sharp edges
Document all damage with photographs before touching anything. Insurance claims require pre-repair documentation.
Emergency Repairs vs. Full Restoration
Some damage requires immediate attention for safety:
- Hanging sign faces that could fall
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Structural elements threatening collapse
- Signs blocking access or creating hazards
Other damage can wait for proper repair:
- Non-functioning illumination
- Cosmetic damage to faces or graphics
- Loosened but secure mounting components
Prioritize safety, then visibility, then aesthetics.
Working With Insurance
Most commercial property policies cover sign damage from named storms, but coverage varies. Review your policy for:
- Sign coverage limits (often sublimits apply)
- Deductibles specific to named storms (often higher than standard)
- Code upgrade coverage (if repairs require bringing signs to current codes)
- Business interruption coverage related to sign visibility
Document everything. Photographs, repair estimates, and business impact records all support claims.
Special Considerations for Different Sign Types
Channel Letters
Individual letters that blow off can often be reinstalled if recovered. Keep letters in a safe place and note their positions for proper reinstallation. Damaged faces may require replacement while letter bodies remain usable.
Illuminated Cabinets
Water intrusion is common after storms. Even if the cabinet appears intact, moisture inside can damage electrical components. Have illuminated signs inspected before restoring power.
Digital Signs
Electronic components are particularly vulnerable to storm damage. Power surges, moisture, and physical impact all threaten digital displays. Test thoroughly before resuming normal operation, and consider professional inspection.
Parking Lot Signs
Multi-tenant signs, wayfinding signs, and parking lot identification often suffer damage. Assess structural stability before allowing vehicles or pedestrians near damaged installations.
Building Storm-Resistant Signs
If installing new signs or replacing storm-damaged ones, incorporate storm resistance:
- Specify materials and construction meeting current Florida Building Code wind requirements
- Choose impact-resistant faces where debris risk exists
- Use corrosion-resistant fasteners rated for coastal environments
- Install proper electrical protection and disconnects
- Consider removable elements for highest-risk components
- Maintain documentation of wind ratings for insurance purposes
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my sign survive a Category 5 hurricane?No sign is guaranteed to survive extreme conditions. However, signs engineered to current Florida codes should withstand rated wind speeds without structural failure.
Should I turn off my sign before a hurricane?Yes. Disconnect power to outdoor illuminated signs to prevent electrical hazards during flooding or damage situations.
Does insurance cover hurricane sign damage?Most commercial policies include coverage, often with specific wind/hail or named storm deductibles. Review your policy details with your agent.
How quickly can damaged signs be replaced after a hurricane?Demand surges after major storms. Having a relationship with a sign company and ordering quickly improves your position. Expect 2-4 weeks minimum for significant work.
Can damaged channel letters be repaired?Often yes. Individual faces, returns, or electrical components can be replaced without fabricating entirely new letters. Have damage assessed by a professional.
Stay Prepared Year-Round
Hurricane preparedness isn't a June activity—it's year-round. Regular maintenance, proper installation, and established relationships with sign professionals all contribute to storm resilience.
At InstaSIGN, we've helped Palm Beach County businesses prepare for, survive, and recover from hurricanes since 1986. Our team understands local conditions and building requirements intimately.
Schedule a pre-season inspection or discuss storm-resistant sign options for your business.
Contact InstaSIGN at (561) 272-2323 to protect your signage investment.