Hurricanes will wreak $US3.5 billion ($4.25 billion) in damage across Florida every year for the next three decades, the state’s largest insurance association predicts.

With homeowners and businesses battening down the hatches in preparation for the hurricane season, the Florida Insurance Council has warned the 2006 season could be the relative calm before the actual storm.

Speaking at the 2007 Governor’s Hurricane Conference, council Executive Vice President Sam Miller said $104 billion ($126.2 billion) in damages was expected over the next 30 years.

Last year was only the 11th time since 1945 that no hurricanes have hit the Atlantic Coast. This followed two devastating seasons that brought insured losses of $36 billion ($43.7 billion).

Colorado State University forecasters have predicted 14 named storms for 2007.