Florida · Preparedness Guide
Hurricane season runs June through November. Tornadoes hit year-round. Lightning strikes more often here than anywhere in the country. And the safety net is thin.
About this guide
Florida is a peninsula with nowhere to run and a long coast to defend. The panhandle faces direct Gulf hurricane exposure — Michael (2018, Cat 5) essentially erased Mexico Beach. The Tampa Bay metro has not taken a direct major hurricane hit since 1921 but remains among the most vulnerable metros in the country. South Florida sits at sea level with a limestone base that flood water moves through quickly. Central Florida tornadoes and the state's catastrophic lightning exposure round out a risk profile that demands year-round attention. Find your ZIP to see your specific hazard picture.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Hurricanes, Flooding & Storm Surge, Tornadoes
FL has not expanded Medicaid — eligibility is more limited for adults without dependents
USDA hardiness zones: 8a (Panhandle) to 11b (Key West)
Unemployment: up to $275/week for 12 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the FL risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours