Throughout Florida, at least 80 people died in storm-related incidents. The majority of deaths occurred from drowning, trauma, and carbon monoxide poisoning. At least 12 people died throughout the Florida Keys. One death occurred during preparations when a man fell off a ladder, while installing hurricane shutters in Davie. Another death occurred in a traffic accident in tropical storm force winds in Monroe County.
A man in Coconut Grove died while riding out the storm on his houseboat. Three deaths occurred in Polk County. In the hurricane's aftermath, lack of power and possible criminal negligence led to 12 deaths at a nursing home in Hollywood. After crossing the Straits of Florida and being upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane, initial landfall took place at Cudjoe Key at 9:10 am. EDT on September 10.