Florida stands at the epicenter of America’s hurricane risk, with escalating storms, fragile insurance markets, and billions in coastal exposure. Fortifying the Future demonstrates that the crisis is not inevitable—stronger building standards can change the outcome. Don D. Brown presents Code Plus, a proven set of enhancements beyond minimum codes, that dramatically reduce losses and stabilize insurance costs. Grounded in science and economics, this book shows how modest upfront investments yield outsized long-term benefits. Case studies from Florida, North Carolina, and beyond illustrate how resilience pays off in real communities. Policy chapters provide a roadmap for adoption, balancing equity, affordability, and enforcement. Beyond construction, the book shows how Code Plus strengthens entire communities—protecting lives, safeguarding property values, and restoring insurance stability. It is a call to action for homeowners, policymakers, and industry leaders to invest in resilience before the next storm strikes.
Fortifying the Future: Code Plus Standards for Hurricane Resilience and Economic
First file
Second file
Third file
Florida’s insurance market looks calmer. But stability is not the same as safety.
Rates have slowed. Availability has improved. Capital has cautiously returned. After years of crisis headlines, Florida’s property insurance market appears to have found its footing.
But beneath the calm, risk continues to accumulate.
