Turnpike Safety : Hurricane Evacuations
In case your personal hurricane evacuation plans include a trip on Florida’s Turnpike, The
Florida Department of Transportation offers the following tips to help make sure your journey is as safe, convenient
and as speedy as possible:
• Make sure your vehicle is fueled up and well serviced before you hit the road. Fuel availability may be
questionable and what is available is sure to generate extremely long lines at Turnpike service plazas.
• Carry a supply of food and water for each member of the traveling party.
• Do not necessarily wait to evacuate until after the announcement is made that Turnpike tolls have been
suspended. Tolls are often suspended in conjunction with mandatory evacuation orders which may
come only after the threat of a hurricane is imminent. Consider paying the toll and leaving early when
traffic is much lighter.
• During toll suspensions, continue to have cash available at all times. Just because tolls are suspended
on one segment of the Turnpike does not mean they are suspended system wide. When you approach
a plaza at which the tolls are suspended, SLOW DOWN and be conscious of other motorists.
• Have a specific destination in mind and the route planned well in advance of your departure. When you
travel be sure to carry any appropriate maps along inside your vehicle.
• When possible evacuate tens of miles instead of hundreds of miles.
• Please pack a lot of patience and be prepared for delays. Significant traffic delays are inevitable in a
state as densely populated as Florida. Again, it is important to try and avoid the rush and depart earlier
rather than later.
• In the event of the approach of a major hurricane that requires a mass evacuation of south Florida, The
Governor and emergency management officials may order the Turnpike to reverse the south bound
lanes and operate a segment of the Turnpike as a one way north bound evacuation route. If this so
called ‘Contra-Flow’ plan is enacted, please make note of the hours it will be in effect and go to
www.floridasturnpike.com where you can review and print out details about the plan.
• Getting back after the storm: If out of the area, be sure to stock up on any items that might be in short
supply in the storm affected area. Consider getting extra cash at a working ATM. Fuel up prior to
getting to an area that might have limited availability due to power outages. Follow any emergency
instructions that may be displayed on the Turnpike’s overhead dynamic message signs.
In the event of a major (category 4 or 5) hurricane targeting South Florida, The Governor, in cooperation with state emergency managers, may enact a one way evacuation (‘Contra-Flow’) plan that would make portions of Florida's Turnpike operate solely in the northbound direction (all southbound lanes and northbound lanes will flow north) to speed those evacuating to safety.
Please note: On Florida’s Turnpike, Contra-Flow will be considered only as a last resort, and will not be enacted for a standard hurricane evacuation. Would be evacuees should not wait for Contra-Flow and should instead plan on leaving sooner rather than later.
In the unlikely event that Contra-Flow is ordered, please click on the following links and print any of the included materials that may pertain to your situation.
How to Prepare for a Turnpike Evacuation 
Tips for a Safe Contra-Flow Evacuation on Florida's Turnpike
Contra-Flow - What is it?
Contra-Flow: FAQ
Contra-Flow Map
Orlando Detailed Map
Para información acerca de evacuaciones en caso de huracán, haga click aquí.
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