Florida Hurricane Resources

Preparation · Evacuation · Recovery

A starting point for Florida residents and visitors before, during, and after a storm. Official sources, evacuation guidance for the Keys, and tools to help vet contractors before signing for post-storm repairs.

Forecasts & Preparation

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Track active systems and prepare your home, paperwork, and supplies before a watch is issued, not after.

If a storm is approaching now: follow your county's emergency management announcements first. The links below are reference resources, not real-time alerts.

Official Forecasts & Tracking

National Hurricane Center (NOAA / NHC)
Authoritative source for tropical cyclone forecasts, advisories, cone of uncertainty, and storm surge maps.
National Weather Service — Key West Forecast Office
Local forecasts, marine warnings, and hurricane local statements specifically for the Keys and South Florida waters.
NHC National Storm Surge Hazard Maps
Interactive maps showing potential storm surge flooding for Category 1–5 hurricanes by location.
hurricanes.gov
NOAA portal that aggregates the latest tropical outlooks, satellite imagery, and active advisories.

Florida Preparedness Agencies

Florida Division of Emergency Management
Statewide alerts, shelter status, special needs registry, and the official Florida hurricane preparedness guide.
Monroe County Emergency Management
The Keys' local emergency office. Evacuation orders, re-entry passes for residents, sandbag locations, and the AlertMonroe notification signup.
Ready.gov — Hurricanes
FEMA's general preparedness checklists, family communication plans, and disaster supply kit guidance.

Before the storm: paperwork to put somewhere waterproof

  • Driver's license, passports, birth certificates, social security cards
  • Homeowners, flood, and auto insurance policy declarations pages with claim phone numbers
  • Deed, mortgage statement, vehicle titles, recent tax return
  • Photo and video inventory of every room, including serial numbers and receipts for major items
  • List of medications, doctors, and pharmacy phone numbers
  • Cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers may be down for days after a storm)

Evacuation & Routes

The Florida Keys are a chain of low-lying islands connected by a single highway. When the order comes, leaving early matters more than packing perfectly.

Florida Keys & Monroe County

Monroe County Evacuation Information
Official phased evacuation plan for the Keys. Visitors and tourists are typically ordered out first, followed by mobile homes, RVs, and live-aboards, then permanent residents.
Primary evacuation route: U.S. 1 (the Overseas Highway) north to the mainland, then either the Florida Turnpike or I-75.
Monroe County Re-Entry Program
Residents and businesses returning to the Keys after a mandatory evacuation may need a re-entry sticker or proof of residency. Sign up before a storm.
FL511 — Florida Traffic & Road Conditions
Florida Department of Transportation's live traffic, road closures, and evacuation route status. Also available by dialing 511.
FDOT Hurricane Evacuation Routes
Statewide map of designated hurricane evacuation routes, contraflow plans, and rest area information.

Shelters, Special Needs & Pets

Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry
For residents who need electricity for medical equipment, oxygen, dialysis support, or assistance evacuating. Register before a storm is named.
American Red Cross Open Shelter Map
Live list of open Red Cross shelters during active disasters.
Monroe County Pet-Friendly Shelter Info
Many public shelters do not accept pets. Pre-register and bring vaccination records, a carrier, food, and medications.

After the Storm

Document everything before you clean up, and be patient with the claims process. Federal and state assistance is usually available within days of a major declaration.

Federal & State Assistance

DisasterAssistance.gov
Single application for FEMA Individual Assistance, Small Business Administration disaster loans, and other federal aid programs.
FEMA Individuals & Households Program
Grants for temporary housing, home repair, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.
Florida Disaster Updates
State emergency information line (call 1-800-342-3557) and current disaster recovery program announcements.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood. NFIP coverage is separate and has a 30-day waiting period — get it well before hurricane season.

Insurance & Consumer Help

Florida Department of Financial Services — Consumer Services
Free help with insurance disputes, claim delays, and complaints against insurers. Insurance Consumer Helpline: 1-877-693-5236.
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
Verify whether an insurer is licensed in Florida and review post-storm insurance bulletins.

First steps after returning home

  • Photograph and video every damaged area before moving anything
  • Save receipts for tarps, generators, hotels, and meals — many are reimbursable
  • Open your insurance claim immediately and write down the claim number
  • Make only temporary repairs needed to prevent further damage until the adjuster sees it
  • Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, and standing water before entering buildings

Vetting Repair Contractors

Storm chasers and unlicensed contractors flood Florida after every major hurricane. Verify a license and check complaints before you hand over a deposit or sign an Assignment of Benefits.

License & Complaint Lookups

Florida DBPR License Verification
Official Department of Business and Professional Regulation lookup for general contractors, roofers, electricians, plumbers, and other licensed trades.
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
File a consumer complaint and check disciplinary records. Consumer hotline: 1-800-435-7352.
Better Business Bureau
Search a contractor's BBB profile for complaints, ratings, and how unresolved disputes were handled.
Monroe County Building Department
Local permit lookup for the Keys. Any meaningful repair work should be permitted; an unpermitted roof or structural repair can void insurance and complicate a future sale.
Florida Public Adjuster Licensure
If a public adjuster offers to handle your claim, verify they're licensed in Florida. Unlicensed adjusters are illegal and a major fraud signal.

Before you sign a contract

  • Verify the license number on the DBPR site — not just on the truck or business card
  • Get the certificate of insurance directly from the insurer, not the contractor
  • Demand a written, itemized scope of work with materials, brands, and timeline
  • Never pay more than the Florida-statute deposit limit (generally 10%) up front
  • Read every word of any Assignment of Benefits (AOB) clause — it can transfer your insurance rights to the contractor
  • Confirm the contractor will pull permits in their own name, not yours

Red flags that almost always mean trouble

  • Door-to-door solicitation immediately after a storm, especially with out-of-state plates
  • Pressure to sign today, or claims that they can "waive your deductible"
  • Requests for full payment up front or cash only
  • No physical Florida address, no local references, no permanent phone number
  • Asking you to sign an Assignment of Benefits before any work is scoped
  • Promises that sound legally binding (warranties, lifetime guarantees) only delivered verbally