Fort Myers Beach Hurricane Resources

Stay Prepared, Stay Informed

Living on a barrier island means being ready for hurricane season — and you don’t have to do it alone. The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce has gathered the essential resources to help residents, businesses, and visitors prepare, respond, and recover. Bookmark this page, and stay safe.

Hurricane Re-Entry Passes

The Town of Fort Myers Beach issues hurricane re-entry passes for businesses and residents each season.

Important: Passes from previous seasons are no longer valid. Each hurricane season requires a new pass with a unique color designation, so be sure to get your updated pass before a storm threatens. Passes are available during normal business hours at Town Hall on a walk-in basis.

Know Your Risk & Make a Plan

Know your risk:

  • Determine if you live in a flood-prone area
  • Find out if you live in an evacuation zone
  • Identify your home’s structural risks

Prepare before the season:

  • Develop an evacuation plan
  • Assemble your disaster supplies
  • Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions
  • Create a communication plan
  • Strengthen your home

When a storm threatens:

  • Protect your home and property
  • Plan sheltering options and consider your pets
  • Download the FEMA App to find local shelters
  • Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and vulnerable
  • Follow all evacuation orders

Sign Up for CodeRED Alerts

The Town uses the CODE RED notification system to warn residents, business owners, and property owners about emergencies like evacuations and boil-water notices. Alerts are sent by phone call, text message, and email. Sign up with your home phone, cell phone, and/or email to stay informed. For sign-up help, call Town Hall at (239) 765-0202.

Emergency Contact Numbers

  • Emergency (Medical/Fire/Police): 911
  • Lee County Storm Hotline: 211
  • Lee County Emergency Management: (239) 533-0622

Hurricane Supply Checklist

Keep these essentials on hand before a storm:

  • Non-perishable food and water (minimum three-day supply)
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • First aid supplies
  • Medications and medical supplies
  • Important documents in a waterproof container
  • Cash
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Solar chargers and lanterns
  • Gas grill with extra propane
  • Extra gas cans for generators
  • Basic tool kit and multi-purpose tool
  • Cleaning supplies (bleach, wipes, detergent)
  • Storage bins and local maps

Generator Safety

  • Operate generators outdoors, away from windows
  • Never connect a generator directly to home wiring without a transfer switch
  • Store fuel safely, away from living areas
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home

Insurance Information

Review your insurance policies before the season and understand your coverage for flood damage, windstorm damage, and temporary housing. For assistance, contact the Florida Department of Financial Services at myfloridacfo.com.

Resources for Businesses

Local businesses should develop a continuity plan that includes data backup procedures, employee communication strategies, alternate operating locations, and supply-chain contingencies. Helpful references include the SBA Hurricane Preparedness Checklist, FloridaDisaster.biz, and the Visit Florida Hurricane Information page.

Mental Health & Recovery Support

Recovery takes a toll. If you or someone you know needs support, the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline is available at (800) 985-5990.

Additional Resources

  • Town of Fort Myers Beach Hurricane Preparedness page
  • Fort Myers Beach Fire District emergency preparedness guide
  • Lee County Emergency Operations Center alerts
  • Lee County Hurricane Preparedness Guide & Videos
  • National Hurricane Center
  • FEMA: Hurricane Planning and Response
  • Florida Disaster — Know Your Evacuation Zone
  • FL511.com – real-time traffic and travel updates
  • Visit Florida — current travel safety information

Hurricane FAQ

How do I get a Fort Myers Beach hurricane re-entry pass?

The Town of Fort Myers Beach issues new re-entry passes each season at Town Hall during normal business hours on a walk-in basis. Passes from previous seasons are not valid.

How do I find my evacuation zone?

Use the Florida Disaster “Know Your Evacuation Zone” tool and the Lee County Emergency Management resources to determine your zone and flood risk.

How do I sign up for emergency alerts?

Sign up for the Town’s CodeRED system to receive alerts by phone, text, and email. Call Town Hall at (239) 765-0202 for help.

What should be in a hurricane supply kit?

At minimum: three days of food and water, a battery or hand-crank radio, flashlights, first aid supplies, medications, important documents, cash, and hygiene items. See the full checklist above.

What are the key emergency numbers?

Call 911 for emergencies, 211 for the Lee County Storm Hotline, and (239) 533-0622 for Lee County Emergency Management.