Hurricane season runs to Nov. 30. Know your Palm Beach County evacuation zone, shelters, alerts and Florida's year-round tax-free storm supplies.

Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Palm Beach Gardens Hurricane Readiness, Storm Ahead and After the Storm pages and Palm Beach County Emergency Management.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, with August and September the peak months, the city says, so there are still weeks left this year. The first decision, before a storm is named, is whether you would stay or go. That starts with your evacuation zone.

Who to call

Know your zone

Palm Beach County draws evacuation zones for storm surge and separate flood zones for rain, drainage and tides. Type your address into the county’s Know Your Zone lookup to see both, or check the county’s evacuation zone maps (PDF). The county’s interactive evacuation tool also shows shelters, gas stations, grocery stores and building supply stores near you.

The city’s Storm Ahead page is blunt about one group: all mobile home residents must evacuate, regardless of location. For flood risk, the city links FEMA’s flood maps.

When a storm is coming

From the city’s checklist:

  • Fill your vehicles with gas and have cash on hand.
  • Keep your disaster supply kit with you, whether you stay or travel.
  • Follow local news and the National Weather Service for advisories, and buy a NOAA weather radio.
  • Tell friends and family your plan.

The city’s hurricane guide (PDF) has a full checklist and information from its utility partners.

Shelters

Shelters are a last resort, according to the county. Palm Beach County and the school district run hurricane shelters in schools, and which ones open, and when, depends on the storm. Check the county’s shelters page before you go. Shelters give simple meals and basic first aid; cots and medical care are not provided. Bring three gallons of water per person, bedding and chargers for your devices.

  • Pets: the county’s pet-friendly shelter is inside the West Boynton Recreation Center, 6000 Northtree Blvd., Lake Worth, for residents of a mandatory evacuation zone, a mobile home or substandard housing, with proof of residency. Owners stay at the general shelter at Park Vista High School next door.
  • Special medical needs: the county runs a Special Needs Shelter Program that requires registration.
  • No ride: people in an evacuation zone who only need transportation to a shelter can call Palm Tran Connection’s Special Transportation Assistance Program, 561-649-9848 or 877-870-9849.

Supplies are tax-free all year

Florida no longer runs a hurricane sales tax holiday. Since Aug. 1, 2025, these items are always exempt from sales tax, according to the Florida Department of Revenue’s tax notice (PDF):

  • AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt and 9-volt batteries
  • Portable generators up to 10,000 running watts
  • Portable gas or diesel cans of 5 gallons or less
  • Waterproof tarps of 1,000 square feet or less
  • Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
  • Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers

Sandbags

Neither the city’s nor the county’s hurricane pages list a sandbag giveaway. If you live in a flood-prone spot, check the FEMA flood maps the city links and plan ahead.

After the storm

The city’s After the Storm page warns that you may need to rely on your own food, water and medication for three to seven days. Its main safety points:

  • Generators: run them outdoors at least 10 feet from any building, never in a garage, and never plug one into a wall outlet. Install battery carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Boil-water orders: bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute, or add 1/8 teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of clear water and let it stand 30 minutes.
  • Roads: never drive through standing water, and be ready to yield or stop where road signs are down.
  • Food: keep the refrigerator and freezer closed; the county health department is at 561-840-4500.

Storm debris pickup follows the Solid Waste Authority’s rules; see the city’s SWA resources page and our trash guide.

What this means for you

  • Look up your zone today and save the result.
  • Mobile home? Plan now where you will go; you must leave when an evacuation is ordered.
  • Register for AlertPBC.
  • Stock up on batteries, tarps and a generator any time; there is no sales tax to wait out.

Related: power outages and who to call at City Hall.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find my hurricane evacuation zone in Palm Beach County?

Type your address into Palm Beach County’s Know Your Zone lookup. Evacuation zones are about storm surge and are different from flood zones, which the same page also shows.

Do mobile home residents in Palm Beach Gardens have to evacuate?

Yes. The city says all mobile home residents must evacuate when an evacuation is ordered, regardless of location.

Is there a hurricane sales tax holiday in Florida?

Not anymore. Since Aug. 1, 2025, items such as portable generators up to 10,000 watts, AA to D batteries, tarps, gas cans and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are tax-free all year.

Where are hurricane shelters in Palm Beach County?

The county and the school district open shelters in schools, and which ones open depends on the storm. The pet-friendly shelter is at the West Boynton Recreation Center, next to the general shelter at Park Vista High School.

Who do I call in Palm Beach Gardens about storm preparation?

The city’s Emergency Management team at Public Works, 561-804-7034, 4050 Johnson Dairy Road. Homeowners associations have a separate line, 561-804-7035.