Hurricane Tag FAQs
What is a “Hurricane Tag”?
In order to make re-entry easier after an event, rear view mirror hangtags are issued to officials, residents, property owners and business owners in the Community of Boca Grande.
Boca Grande property owners and those with commercial interests should obtain hurricane hangtags prior to a hurricane warning being issued. Commercial businesses must have a valid occupational license with a physical address on the island prior to application for hurricane hangtags. The hurricane hangtag program includes a system of four zones. Your zone will be printed on your hurricane hangtag to allow for phased re-entry, if warranted.
Hurricane Zones
| Zone 1 | Bridge to 18th Street |
| Zone 2 | Isles |
| Zone 3 | 17th St. – 1st St. |
| Zone 4 | Banyan St. – South End |
Why can’t I just use my drivers license?
A Drivers License with a Boca Grande address does not verify your address. A Hurricane Hangtag will expedite your return. Persons with a drivers license with a Boca Grande mailing address are strongly urged to also obtain a hurricane hangtag.
Who needs a “Hurricane Hangtag”?
Hurricane Hangtags will only be issued to business or residential owners. It is the owners choice and the owners discretion as to how the Hangtags are used after that. This is for the owner’s protection and security.
How to renew my “Hurricane Hangtag”?
To renew an old tag, bring the old tag and your driver’s license to the Boca Grande Fire Department. The necessity for HangTag renewal will be determined on a yearly basis. Watch the local newspapers, or check with the fire department for information.
DO NOT throw your tags away.
Check with the Boca Grande Fire Department if you have any questions about the tags, usage or renewal.
Tag renewal can only be done by the Homeowner or business owner.
Is my old Hangtag still valid?
Valid tags are aqua blue for residential and orange for commercial.
What if i lost my tag?
Only homeowners, tenants, or business owners can request replacements for lost tags.
Where and when get a “Hurricane Hangtag”?
Hurricane hangtags are available from the Boca Grande Fire Department, 360 East Railroad Ave, between the hours of 10:00AM to 12:00PM and 2:00PM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday.
The Fire Department administrative offices will be closed three business days prior to a projected landfall storm. For a new tag if you are not on the island, send an email to: nancybocafire@comcast.net or call to request an application. Send your completed application with a self addressed, stamped envelope to the Boca Grande Fire Department, POB 532, Boca Grande, Florida, 33921. Include a copy of your drivers’ license, proof of residency or ownership, i.e. copy of tax bill, deed, rental agreement, utility bill, etc.
What to do if after evacuation you decide to stay on the island?
Staying on the Island – if you elect to remain on the Island after an Evacuation Advisory has been issued, which is not recommended, it is requested that you contact the Boca Grande Fire Department at 964-2908 and leave the following information:
-Name and address where you are staying
-Number of members in your party
-Contact number for next of kin not living in the area
This will aid the Fire Department to expedite search and rescue proceedings as well as body recovery efforts. Those electing not to contact the Boca Grande Fire Department shall be assisted on a first come, first served basis when it is safe to do so.
Review our help sheets so that you are prepared with essential survival items.
Is the fire department a shelter?
The Boca Grande Fire Department is NOT A SHELTER OR A SAFE HAVEN. Please make arrangements for evacuations.
What are the RESIDENTIAL qualifications?
- Own property on the island
- Provide a copy of the lease for island property, listing the name of the person requesting the tag as a tenant /or have the landlord request the tags
- Provide proof such as utility bill, property tax bill, etc. indicating island address
- Show valid drivers license
What are the COMMMERCIAL qualifications?
- Must own/manage a business with a physical address on the island
- Provide business license with island address
- Owner/manager must show valid drivers license
What about Island workers/employees?
- Tags will be issued to businesses and/or employers for their key employees. A list of employees shall be submitted to BGFD and tags will be issued to the employer.
- The business owner/property owner is accountable for the tag and the person to whom it is issued
- Tags should be issued only in the event of a storm, and returned to the employer after the storm.
What about caretakers/housekeepers/homewatch/lawn service?
- Obtain tag from employer/property owner
- One tag from each zone will suffice
Do you have more questions?
For questions regarding hurricane hangtags, emergency preparedness and evacuation, please contact the Boca Grande Fire Department at 941 964-2908.
