South Florida

How the climate and weather crisis in Florida is taking a toll

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Florida faces mounting challenges as climate change fuels more flooding, powerful hurricanes and economic strain.

Home buyers are grappling with hidden flood histories and shifting disclosure laws, while real estate agents urge careful research into FEMA maps and local drainage projects. Storms like Helene and Milton have battered communities, making it harder for residents to obtain or afford property insurance, and rising construction costs compound the problem.

Meanwhile, weather offices are understaffed due to federal budget cuts, threatening the accuracy of hurricane warnings. Parents also report heightened anxiety, struggling to care for children amid evacuations, school closures and worsening mental health, with climate-driven disasters now deeply entwined with family life.

Virginia Careo García (Izq), reflexiona sobre el huracán Milton junto con sus hijos Miguel Urbina, de 5 años, y Genaro Urbina, de 11, y María Guadalupe Domínguez con su esposo, Primitivo Cesario y su sobrino Sabas Urbina, de 8 años, en su casa en Fairmont Mobile Home Estates en Ruskin, Florida, el martes 8 de octubre de 2024.

NO. 1: IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PARENTING IS A NEW REALITY | OPINION

As parents, we know well that extreme weather takes a toll on children’s mental  well-being | Opinion.  | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Bechard and Emily Pickett

Remnants of homes completely destroyed by Hurricane Helene are seen in Keaton Beach, Florida almost two months after the catastrophic hurricane made landfall.

NO. 2: FLORIDA’S TRYING TO REASON WITH THE HURRICANE SEASON | OPINION

Some residents are now so discouraged by what they’ve endured in this year’s hurricane season that they’re already dreading 2025’s season. | Opinion | Published November 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by ROBERT F. SANCHEZ

Water seeps into Sam Demarco’s home as a heavy downpour flooded his neighborhood on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Hollywood, Fla. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 3: THOUSANDS OF FLORIDA HOMES HAVE FLOODED BEFORE. TIPS TO AVOID BUYING ONE

FEMA flood zones are only the place to start. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris

Mike Brennan, then the acting branch chief of the Hurricane Specialist Unit at the National Hurricane Center, gives the 2 p.m. update on Hurricane Irma on Sept. 7, 2017. On April 10, 2023, Brennan officially took the helm as director of the hurricane center. By Emily Michot

NO. 4: WITH HURRICANE SEASON AHEAD, TRUMP CUTS LEAVE FLORIDA WEATHER OFFICES UNDERSTAFFED

Florida NWS offices appear to be down at least 16 staffers ahead of hurricane season. | Published May 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.