Former FEMA Administrator Talks at State Capital Ahead of Hurricane Season Peak

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (NSF) - As Florida moves into the thick of hurricane season, former state and federal emergency management director Craig Fugate spoke in the state capital Tuesday.

Fugate says uncertainty following a potential storm is one of the main issues facing Floridians this year, given the rising cost to rebuild and the availability of homeowners insurance.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast up to 25 named storms this year, with as many as 13 reaching hurricane strength and four to seven packing Category Three or stronger winds.

So far, there have been three named storms this year.

Fugate says the state is prepared to deal with potential storms, but he cautions that many residents are not.

"The response will be what we would expect from Florida. A bigger problem in rebuilding is going to be financing, especially in the private sector, and the availability of insurance," Fugate said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Florida remains in the potential path of a storm system in the Atlantic Ocean that could become better formed late this week.

A potential path for the storm includes most of Florida, except for the Panhandle.