While APCIA president and CEO David A. Sampson acknowledged the destruction of Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton’s impending arrival on Florida’s west coast, and the insurance industry crisis, he emphasized that insurance’s societal role remained a source of “stability, safety, and protection” for American families, businesses, and communities.

Florida has seen a recent increase in confirmed cases of flesh-eating bacteria following the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to state health department data.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood, Florida, experienced huge storm surges due to Hurricane Milton, with repairs and damage estimated at "upwards of $1 million" as well as the cancelation of residencies and other programs for several weeks.

The financial impact of Hurricane Helene continues to rise, with estimated insured losses in Florida reaching $1.3 billion as of Wednesday. This figure, reported by the state Office of Insurance Regulation,

There have been 70 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida, and more than half of them have happened since September 2024, according to FDOH

So when Helene and Hurricane Milton struck Florida within two weeks of each other, the neighbors closed ranks as one big extended family, cooking meals together, taking turns watching children and cleaning out their damaged homes.