Know Your Evacuation Zone On Marco Island Waterfronts

If you live on the water in Marco Island, storm surge is the risk you plan around. You love the calm canals and open Gulf views, but those same waters can rise quickly in a tropical system. The good news: with your evacuation zone and routes set in advance, you can act early and avoid last‑minute congestion. In this guide, you’ll learn how to look up your Collier County evacuation zone, how to plan off-island routes via the Jolley and Goodland bridges, and what to pack when you go. Let’s dive in.

Why evacuation zones matter on Marco Island

Marco Island sits just a few feet above sea level and faces two primary hazards during tropical systems: storm surge and wind-driven flooding. Evacuation zones are designed around storm surge risk, not rain flooding. That means your zone tells you when local officials may recommend or order you to leave because of rising water.

It is different from your FEMA flood insurance zone. FEMA maps inform insurance and long-term flood risk. Evacuation zones focus on where surge is expected to go and how high it could reach in a given storm. For a refresher on what surge is and why it is dangerous, review the storm surge basics from the National Hurricane Center.

Being on an island also changes your timing. Most residents exit via two fixed links to the mainland. Those bridges can become chokepoints as an event approaches. If you leave well before a mandatory order, you reduce your risk and your time in traffic.

Find your Collier County evacuation zone

Knowing your exact zone is step one. Collier County provides an address-based lookup and interactive map. Use it to confirm the zone tied to your property, then keep a printed copy or screenshot with your emergency kit.

• Enter your address to locate your zone on the county map. The overlay aligns with streets and parcels so you can see your property clearly.
• Remember that evacuation zones are surge based. A property can be in a FEMA floodplain but outside a surge zone or vice versa.
• Enroll in county emergency alerts so you receive clear guidance when evacuations are recommended or ordered. Alerts typically reference specific zones.

Check property-level info

Your zone tells you what to do during a surge threat. You can also confirm your FEMA insurance flood zone and any elevation certificate you have on file.

• Look up your FEMA flood designation at the FEMA Map Service Center. This helps with insurance and long-term mitigation planning.
• Keep any elevation certificate with your documents. A small change in elevation can affect surge risk, but it does not override an evacuation order.

Know shelter and pet policies

County announcements will include shelter sites and any pet-friendly options for that event. Policies and locations can change by storm, so verify each time. If you plan to use a shelter, have a backup and confirm what you can bring.

Plan your routes off the island

Marco Island has two primary outbound options during an evacuation. Plan both now, then choose based on conditions and official guidance during the event.

• Jolley Bridge north: This is the main route toward Naples, then to I-75 and inland destinations.
• Goodland bridge route: This connects toward Goodland and Everglades City, then to inland corridors.

Build a primary and an alternate route

Pick your default route today. For many, the Jolley Bridge north is primary. Then map a secondary path via Goodland in case your first choice is congested or closed. Test-drive both in calm weather so you understand the turns, merge points, and where traffic may back up.

• Identify the inland highways you will use after the bridge. Note merge points, toll plazas, and major intersections that can slow traffic.
• Save multiple options in your navigation app, but do not rely only on mobile data. Have printed directions or screenshots as a backup.

Leave early and monitor traffic

When a storm is forecast to threaten, leave well before a mandatory order if you can safely do so. Early departures reduce your time in traffic and your exposure to bridge closures.

• During a threat, check Florida 511 for real-time closures and congestion.
• Review the Florida Department of Transportation for any special traffic operations such as signal timing changes or lane adjustments on major corridors.
• Follow county alerts and local media for bridge status updates.

If bridges are closed or unsafe

If both links are closed, personal-vehicle evacuation may not be possible. Follow county direction for sheltering in place or moving to an open, safe shelter. Do not try to remain in low-lying areas if surge is imminent.

A simple departure checklist

Use this as your ready-to-go list when a storm approaches. Keep it with your printed evacuation zone map.

• Fuel vehicles and charge all devices and backup batteries.
• Take IDs, insurance policies, deed or closing packet, and any elevation certificate.
• Pack prescriptions, medical devices, and a 72-hour supply of essentials.
• Close and secure hurricane shutters. Stow outdoor furniture and loose items.
• Reinforce or secure garage doors if applicable. Move valuables to higher locations.
• Know how to shut off water, gas, and electricity if instructed by officials.
• Pets: carriers, food, medications, and vaccination records. Confirm pet-friendly shelter or hotel options.
• Boats: move inland, haul out, or secure per your marina’s plan well in advance. Capacity and conditions change fast.
• Tell a trusted contact your departure time, chosen route, and destination.

For seasonal or absentee owners

If you will not be on island, a clear plan protects your property and speeds recovery after the storm.

• Assign a local property manager or neighbor and share a written pre-storm checklist.
• Provide keys, alarm codes, insurance contacts, and permission to authorize emergency work if needed.
• Confirm shutter procedures, sump pump and generator checks, and exterior photo documentation before and after the event.

After the storm

Return only when officials say roads and bridges are safe. Expect checkpoints or limited access if damage is severe. Document any damage with photos and contact your insurer before starting repairs. Continue monitoring county announcements for water, power, and re-entry updates.

Quick tips for waterfront addresses

• Even a small elevation change matters. Two blocks inland may be a different zone and a different directive.
• Seawalls and pumps help with nuisance water. They do not cancel a surge-driven evacuation order.
• Plan where you will go before you need to go. Pick a safe inland destination in advance.
• Keep your kit together and reachable so you can depart in one pass.
• Follow the latest advisories from the National Hurricane Center as storms develop.

Ready to put a clear, simple plan in place for your waterfront home? Our team lives and works on Marco Island, and we can help you align property decisions with smart preparedness. Request a complimentary valuation & strategy call with Marco Home Group.

FAQs

How do I find my evacuation zone in Collier County?

• Use the county’s address-based evacuation zone lookup and interactive map to find your specific zone, then print or save it with your go-kit.

What is the difference between evacuation zones and FEMA flood zones?

• Evacuation zones are based on storm surge risk during a specific event. FEMA flood zones describe longer-term flood probability for insurance and building standards.

Which bridge should I use to leave Marco Island during a hurricane threat?

• Choose a primary route now, often the Jolley Bridge north toward Naples, and an alternate route via Goodland. Leave early to reduce congestion and monitor Florida 511 for conditions.

Will officials tell me when to evacuate during a storm?

• Local officials issue recommended or mandatory orders by zone. Sign up for county alerts and follow those instructions for your specific zone.

What should I pack if I need to evacuate from a waterfront home?

• Take IDs, insurance and property documents, prescriptions, devices and chargers, a 72-hour supply of essentials, pet supplies, and your printed zone map. Secure shutters and exterior items before you go.

Where can I check real-time traffic and closures when evacuating?

• Use Florida 511 for live road conditions and the Florida Department of Transportation for statewide updates on evacuation traffic operations.

Where can I learn more about storm surge risk for Marco Island?

• Review storm surge resources from the National Hurricane Center for clear explanations and current guidance.