TAMPA, Florida — U-Haul is now offering 30 days free self-storage and U-Box portable container use across Florida in preparation for Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm projected to hit the state later this week.Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene brought damaging floodwaters and high winds to the Big Bend region and western Gulf Coast communities, Milton has rapidly intensified and is forecasted to pack life-threatening storm surge along Florida’s western Gulf Coast.All 13 U-Haul Companies in Florida have made their 162 centers available to offer the disaster relief program, including several companies in southeastern Florida that were outside the impact zone of Helene but could be impacted by the expanding reach of Milton. This allows every Floridian to access 30 days of free storage at any U-Haul center in the state, whether preparing for Milton or needing help during the clean-up process from Helene.“Floridians have to remain vigilant with another powerful hurricane barreling our way, and it’s a stressful time for families looking to stay out of harm’s way,” said Mario Martinez, U-Haul Area District Vice President for Florida’s southern region. “Finding safety away from the storm and protecting your family comes first. But if we can help by securing a family’s valued possessions in a U-Haul facility during these storms at no cost for one month, we are happy to provide that service to our neighbors.”The free offer applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability at each individual Company-owned and -operated location. Please reference the cities below with participating stores and contact your nearest U-Haul office to arrange 30 days of free storage services:U-Haul Co. of Clearwater (18 stores)(727) 288-9919Participating store locations: Clearwater, Largo, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Port Richey, Seminole, St. PetersburgU-Haul Co. of East Orlando (11 stores)(407) 208-2996Participating store locations: Kissimmee, OrlandoU-Haul Co. of East Tampa/Lakeland (6 stores)(813) 655-4434Participating store locations: Brandon, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Tampa, ThonotosassaU-Haul Co. of Eastern Florida (11 stores)(561) 638-9428Participating store locations: Boynton Beach, Fort Pierce, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Palm Beach Gardens, Rockledge, Titusville, West Palm BeachU-Haul Co. of Fort Lauderdale (14 stores)(954) 942-1101Participating store locations: Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, Margate, Miami Gardens, North Miami Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, West Park, Wilton ManorsU-Haul Co. of Gainesville (15 stores)(352) 377-7311Participating store locations: Brooksville, Eustis, Gainesville, Hudson, Leesburg, Ocala, Spring HillU-Haul Co. of Jacksonville (15 stores)(904) 781-9404Participating store locations: Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville, Neptune Beach, St. AugustineU-Haul Co. of Miami (12 stores)(305) 756-4639Participating store locations: Homestead Hialeah, Key Largo, Medley, Miami, North Miami, PerrineU-Haul Co. of North Orlando (13 stores)(407) 578-1344Participating store locations: Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Daytona Beach, Debary, Longwood, New Smyrna Beach, Orange City, Orlando, Sanford, Winter ParkU-Haul Co. of Tallahassee (14 stores)(866) 723-3056Participating store locations: Jacksonville, Middleburg, Orange Park, TallahasseeU-Haul Co. of West Orlando (8 stores)(407) 240-9982Participating store locations: Clermont, Haines City, Kissimmee, Ocoee, OrlandoU-Haul Co. of West Tampa (13 stores)(813) 247-5016Participating store locations: Odessa, Oldsmar, TampaU-Haul Co. of Western Florida (12 stores)(941) 359-2413Participating store locations: Bradenton, Fort Myers, Naples, North Fort Myers, North Port, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Sebring