Living in the Florida Keys comes with many rewards—crystal-clear waters, island charm, and a one-of-a-kind lifestyle. But as locals with deep roots here since the 1950s, we know that hurricane preparedness is simply part of island life. Whether you're a full-time resident, a vacation homeowner, or a new buyer considering a Keys property, understanding how to prepare for hurricanes is critical—not just for safety, but for peace of mind.
As your trusted real estate team, we’re not just here to help you buy or sell—we’re here to help you live well and confidently in the Keys. Here’s what you need to know.
The Florida Keys are not immune to hurricanes—we sit squarely in the path of Atlantic and Gulf storms. But the question isn’t if hurricanes happen, it’s how we prepare for them. With strict building codes, updated forecasting tools, and one of the most experienced emergency management teams in Florida, the Keys are well-equipped for storm season.
The truth? Yes, storms come—but safety comes from planning ahead, not panicking late.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with September being the most active and highest-risk month. That doesn’t mean you wait until September to prepare. In the Keys, locals start preparing in May and stay alert throughout the season.
Interior rooms without windows—like closets, bathrooms, or hallways—are typically the safest places to shelter in place. If you live in a low-lying or mobile home, follow evacuation orders and seek a more secure structure well before landfall.
As locals, we watch the forecasts closely. Most residents prepare early, evacuate when necessary, and return when it's safe. We’ve seen the community pull together time and again, and with each storm, we become even more resilient.
Coming back to your home after a storm is emotional—but caution is key.
According to Ready.gov, follow these safety steps:
If you're a seasonal homeowner or investor, make sure your local contacts (property managers, neighbors, or our team) know how to reach you and check on your property.
Whether you're a full-time resident or seasonal homeowner in the Florida Keys, these trusted resources will help you stay informed, ready, and safe:
The official federal guide for hurricane preparedness, evacuation, and recovery.
📎 www.ready.gov/hurricanes
Includes:
• Step-by-step prep checklists
• Post-storm safety tips
• Emergency alerts and app info
Local information specific to the Florida Keys, including evacuation zones, shelters, and storm updates.
📎 www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hurricane
Includes:
• Real-time updates on road closures and reentry
• Shelter openings and pet planning
• Evacuation zone maps
The most up-to-date storm tracking, forecasts, and advisories.
📎 www.nhc.noaa.gov
Includes:
• Live storm tracking
• Hurricane cone projections
• Wind speed probabilities
State-wide coordination and disaster preparedness resources.
📎 www.floridadisaster.org
Includes:
• Disaster supply kits
• Insurance and FEMA contacts
• State shelter information
Sign up for local emergency alerts, road status updates, and evacuation orders.
📎 Alert Monroe Signup
Want a personalized hurricane readiness walkthrough or help assessing your property’s storm prep?
📩 Contact us today or call our team—local, experienced, and ready to help you plan ahead.
💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark these links and keep printed copies in your emergency kit—digital access may be limited during and after storms.
At The Lindback Team, we’ve helped buyers and sellers navigate every kind of market—and every kind of storm. If you own a home here or are considering investing in one, we’re here not just to help you through the real estate process, but to be a long-term resource for what it means to live well in the Florida Keys.
From staging homes with storm-readiness in mind to helping new buyers understand flood zones and insurance, we take preparedness seriously—because we live it ourselves.
Have questions about buying or selling in hurricane-prone areas? Want help assessing a home’s storm readiness?
We’re just a call away.