Critical Risk Florida  ·  Hurricane / Storm Surge

Charlotte County FL

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

9/ 10
Threat Score
Population
185978
Area
694
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Storm Surge
FEMA Disasters
58
federally declared

Charlotte County was ground zero for Hurricane Ian's catastrophic landfall in September 2022. Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte took a direct Category 4 hit with storm surge exceeding 12 feet in some areas. The county sustained billions in damage and is considered one of the most hurricane-vulnerable counties on the Gulf Coast due to its low elevation and coastal geometry.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 9 / 10    Critical Risk
Primary Hazard Hurricane / Storm Surge
Secondary Hazard Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone VE (Critical Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 58
Last Major Event Hurricane Ian (2022)
Event Frequency Major event every 3–5 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (941) 833-4000
Emergency Shelters 16 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-75 North, US-41 North, SR-776 East

// Recommended Preparedness Gear

Based on Charlotte County FL's primary hazard profile (Hurricane / Storm Surge), the following gear is recommended for a Critical risk area.

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// County Profile

County Charlotte County FL
State Florida (FL)
Population 185978
Area 694 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone VE (Critical Risk)

// Other Florida Counties