Hurricane Preparedness in Sarasota County, FL (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Sarasota County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Hurricane Shutters
Sarasota County doesn't publish a separate technical standard for hurricane shutters; it licenses who can install them. Code § 22-122(13)(k) creates a Hurricane Shutter Installer specialty contractor category limited to installing and repairing manual and mechanical storm shutters on existing residential buildings of three stories or less, with electrical work off-limits.
Sarasota County Hurricane Shutter Installer Licensing
Some RestrictionsSarasota County Code § 22-122(13)(k)
(k)Hurricane Shutter Installer. Scope of work is limited to the installation and repair of storm shutters, including both manually and mechanically operated shutters for existing residential structures three stories or less. No electrical work may be performed under this scope. Only nonstructural adjustments to existing openings may be performed as part of the work.
Flood Elevation
New construction and substantial improvements in Sarasota County's Special Flood Hazard Areas must elevate the lowest floor at least 1.0 foot above the Base Flood Elevation, the freeboard standard set by Sec. 54-516(a)(1) of the county's Floodprone Areas ordinance. Coastal High Hazard Areas seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line carry the same 1.0-foot freeboard, and critical facilities must clear Base Flood Elevation by three feet.
Flood Elevation and Freeboard Rules in Sarasota County
Some RestrictionsSarasota County Code § 54-516(a)(1)
(1)Minimum Elevation Requirements. All new residential and non-residential construction and Substantial Improvements to existing residential and non-residential Structures shall have the Lowest Floor elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation plus 1.0 foot, the elevation required by the Florida Building Code, or to or above the 100-year 24-hour maximum flood stage plus 1.0 foot, whichever is...
Storm Debris
Sarasota County only runs storm debris collection once the Board, the Governor or the President has declared a state of emergency and the County determines removal serves the public interest. Commercial properties are excluded from the program, and the County will not reimburse anyone who hires a private hauler instead of waiting for county-directed pickup.
Sarasota County Hurricane Debris Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsSarasota County Code § 106-41(b)(1), (4)-(5)
In the event that a State of Emergency is declared by the Board, the Governor of Florida or the President of the United States, consistent with the County's Emergency Management Plan, the Board or designee shall confer with Emergency Services to determine if Disaster Debris present within the County, including Disaster Debris on Private Roads, within Gated Communities, or generated from commerc...
Hurricane Preparedness by City in Sarasota County
2 cities in Sarasota County have their own hurricane preparedness rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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