The tropical system that would eventually become Hurricane Idalia became a tropical depression on August 26, 2023 as it moved across the western Caribbean Sea. Later, it rapidly intensified, strengthening into a hurricane on August 29. It attained Category 4 strength prior to making landfall as a strong Category 3 hurricane on August 30 at Keaton Beach, near Perry, FL. 

Data are being collected via the Assessment of Losses and Damages to Florida Agriculture from Hazard/Disaster Events tool, which has been used for assessing several events in the recent past, including Hurricanes Michael and Ian. 

A summary of the UF/IFAS EIAP’s efforts to rapidly assess state-level agricultural losses by commodity group due to Hurricane Idalia are summarized in a preliminary report, linked below. Data will continue to be collected via the UF/IFAS Agricultural Damage Assessment Survey for Hurricane Idalia for use in a final report to be released at a later date.

To learn more about the Damage and Loss Assessment process, how survey responses are used, and why this information matters for Florida agriculture now and in the future, visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page.