On the ground
Staying safe in Florida
Plan for strong sun and heat, rip currents, thunderstorms, seasonal hurricanes and wildlife. Check local beach and weather conditions, swim near lifeguards, and know your accommodation’s evacuation plan. Practical precautions and current official instructions should shape outdoor plans.
Water, rip currents, and sun
Rip currents are a serious hazard on both coasts. Check the local beach forecast, posted warning flags and lifeguard instructions; red means high hazard and double red means the water is closed. Swim near a lifeguard on duty. If caught in a rip, stay calm and do not fight toward shore: swim along the shoreline to escape, then angle back. If unable to reach shore, float and call or wave for help.
The subtropical sun is intense year-round; use strong sunscreen, a hat, and shade in the midday hours, and drink more water than you think you need. Summer heat and humidity can be dangerous during exertion, so pace outdoor plans like Everglades walks for the morning.
Storms and hurricanes
Summer thunderstorms can build quickly. At the first thunder, leave the beach and water for a substantial building or enclosed vehicle; an open shelter or beach umbrella is not safe lightning protection. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outside. Know your evacuation zone and follow local officials during severe weather.
Monitor National Hurricane Center forecasts and local alerts before and during your trip, including developing disturbances before they receive a name. In the Keys, follow Monroe County’s phased evacuation instructions: leave when told to do so and leave early if possible, with fuel, a planned route and a destination. Do not drive toward an area under evacuation, and follow any road closure or re-entry restrictions.
Wildlife: alligators, sharks, and stings
Alligators occur throughout Florida. Never feed them, keep your distance, and keep pets leashed and away from the water; supervise children near the water’s edge. FWC advises swimming only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. For concerns about an alligator, the nuisance-alligator hotline is 866-392-4286.
Follow lifeguard advice about sharks and stinging marine animals. Purple flags warn of dangerous marine life, including jellyfish and Portuguese man o' war. In shallow water where stingrays occur, shuffle your feet to reduce the chance of stepping on one. Mosquitoes and biting flies can be plentiful in the Everglades during the wet season; use repellent and suitable clothing.
Sources
Reviewed source trail
- National Weather Service - rip current safety - checked 2026-09-12
- Florida Division of Emergency Management - know your zone - checked 2026-09-12
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - living with alligators - checked 2026-09-12
- NOAA National Hurricane Center - checked 2026-09-12
- Florida Division of Emergency Management — evacuation zones - checked 2026-09-12
- Monroe County — Keys evacuation instructions - checked 2026-09-12
- Florida Fish and Wildlife — living with alligators - checked 2026-09-12
- Florida Fish and Wildlife — stingray precautions - checked 2026-09-12
- National Weather Service — escaping a rip current - checked 2026-09-12
- National Weather Service — lightning shelter and waiting time - checked 2026-09-12
- National Park Service — Everglades wet-season preparation - checked 2026-09-12