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Florida Keys Hurricane Evacuation: SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT

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Overview

In 2011, the Governor and Cabinet, seated as the Administration Commission, directed the Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Monroe County, the Village of Islamorada, and the Cities of Marathon, Key West, Key Colony Beach, and Layton regarding hurricane evacuation modeling.

The Memorandum of Understanding utilizes a comprehensive approach to establish a land use management system in the Florida Keys, using census data, hurricane modeling results, and input from residents and local governments.

This approach helps:

  • Protect the natural environment in the Keys
  • Promote balanced growth and a sound economic base
  • Ensure safe and timely evacuation of residents in an emergency, pursuant to Section 380.0552, Florida Statutes.

Hurricane evacuation modeling is based on population data from the U.S. Census and simulates how efficiently the current population can evacuate the area before a disaster event. The 2012 Memorandum of Understanding, informed by hurricane evacuation modeling and 2010 census data, established 3,550 residential building permit allocations. Updated hurricane evacuation modeling and 2020 Census data will be incorporated in the new Hurricane Evacuation Clearance Time Memorandum of Understanding.

To provide additional information and receive public input on the updated hurricane evacuation modeling, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is hosting three public workshops in the Key the week of June 13-14 to ensure local residents, elected officials, and stakeholders have the opportunity to meet with agency officials and offer public comments on this process. All Keys residents are welcome to attend.

An analysis of the updated hurricane evacuation modeling, along with public comment and local government input, will be used to make policy and rule recommendations to the Florida Governor, Cabinet, and Legislature.

Submit a Public Comment

Community members are encouraged to submit their comments via email to FLKeysEvac@DEO.MyFlorida.com or by mail to:

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
Divison of Community Development
Attention: BCPG
The Caldwell Building
107 East Madison Street, MSC-400
Tallahassee, FL 32399