• Florida Equine Emergency Planning

    Planning ahead can save lives. Discover essential Florida horse evacuation tips to help you prepare before a hurricane strikes—trailer safety, shelter options, and emergency contacts included.

In Florida, early evacuation planning is essential for horse owners during hurricane season. To understand your area’s risk level, begin by checking your local flood evacuation zone through county resources. If you have horses, make it a habit to practice trailer loading regularly—this helps reduce stress and ensures a smoother process when time is short. Don’t wait until the last minute to arrange transportation. If you lack a trailer or need additional space, coordinate in advance with local haulers, neighbors, or equine transport providers. Taking these steps early helps you act confidently instead of urgently when a storm is on the horizon.

Flagler County Zone Lookup here
Palm Beach County Zone Lookup here

How to Keep Horses Safe in a Florida Hurricane

Florida’s beauty comes with a cost—hurricane season. And while residents prepare for potential evacuations and power outages, horse owners have an added responsibility: ensuring their equine companions are safe, secure, and cared for when disaster strikes. Disaster preparedness for horses isn’t just good practice—it can be life-saving.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to keep horses safe in a Florida hurricane, with clear steps, checklists, and critical Florida-specific resources to guide your evacuation or shelter-in-place decisions. Save our Hurricane Preparedness for Horses in Florida Evacuation & Safety Checklist for future reference!

Florida’s flat terrain, frequent storms, and expansive horse communities (Palm Beach, Ocala, Loxahatchee) make hurricane preparedness for horses essential.

Unlike cats and dogs, horses cannot be quickly crated and transported. Their size, shelter needs, and temperament require special planning. Without preparation, owners may be forced to leave horses behind—unattended and exposed to potential days without food, water, or protection from debris. A solid emergency plan gives you options. Waiting too long can take them away.

Equine Hurricane Disaster Plan | How to Prepare Horses in Florida

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November. While we all hope storms stay offshore, it’s essential to take proactive precautions. Advance disaster planning for your family, pets, and horses is key to reducing panic and ensuring safety if a storm impacts your area. Planning ahead can save lives. Discover essential Florida horse evacuation tips to help you prepare before a hurricane strikes—trailer safety, shelter options, and emergency contacts included.

Download Hurricane Prep Checklist

  • Plan Your Evacuation Route Early

    Planning your evacuation route early is crucial to hurricane preparedness, especially for horse owners. You can start by identifying your designated flood evacuation zone using local county resources. If you own horses, regularly practice loading them onto trailers to ensure a calm and efficient departure when time is limited. If you don’t have your own trailer or enough space for your animals, make arrangements with local haulers, neighbors, or equine transport services ahead of time. Early planning ensures you’re not scrambling when every minute counts. Know your zone: Flagler County find your flood evacuation zone here.

  • Pre-Register for Equestrian Shelter

    In Flagler County, horse owners should explore equestrian evacuation and shelter options well before a hurricane approaches. While Palm Beach County residents can pre-register for equestrian sheltering at the South Florida Fairgrounds, it’s important for Flagler County residents to contact local emergency management to identify nearby facilities that may offer similar services. Early inquiry and pre-registration, if available, can help ensure your horses have a safe place to go during an evacuation. Always confirm shelter requirements, availability, and entry procedures ahead of time.

  • Have a Designated Destination

    Always have a designated destination in place for your horses before a storm hits. Partner with a friend, farm, or boarding facility located outside the hurricane’s projected path. It’s wise to secure multiple backup options in case your first choice becomes unavailable due to changing conditions or capacity limits.

What to Pack: Hurricane Emergency Kit for Horses

When preparing for hurricane season in Florida, having a well-stocked emergency kit for your horses is essential. Store all supplies in a waterproof tote or plastic bin for quick access and protection from the elements. Your hurricane emergency kit for horses should include at least 7–10 days’ worth of hay and grain, clean water, buckets, basic first-aid supplies, fly spray, halters with ID tags, and copies of important documents like Coggins tests and veterinary records. Include extra lead ropes, medications, and a flashlight with batteries. Preparing your kit in advance ensures you’re ready to act quickly and safely if evacuation becomes necessary. Download and share our Hurricane Preparedness for Horses in Florida Evacuation & Safety Checklist below.

Download Hurricane Prep Checklist

  • Basic Supplies

    • 7–10 days of hay, grain, and clean water (12–20 gallons/horse/day)
    • Buckets, feed bags, and water storage
    • Fly spray, wound ointments, hoof pick, gloves
    • Halters and lead ropes for every horse

  • Identification Materials

    • Waterproof ID tags attached to halters
    • Attach a luggage tag with vet records in a waterproof pouch around the neck if evacuating
    • Microchip each horse and register it
    • Use a livestock grease pen to write your phone number directly on the horse’s body
    • Include printed photographs and identifying traits

  • Documentation

    • Coggins test
    • Veterinary records
    • Emergency contacts (vet, family, barn manager)
    • Medical history and allergy list
    • Store all in a watertight envelope with your go bag

Emergency Barn Preparation: Florida Equine Emergency Planning

Never leave horses confined in small stalls or trailers during a storm, as trailers can flip, and tight spaces can result in severe injury or death. Regardless of your decision, it’s essential to prepare your barn and property by removing loose objects, securing doors and windows, cleaning drains, and turning off electricity and water lines to avoid hazards. Store extra hay and feed in waterproof containers and deactivate electric fences. If turning horses out to pasture, ensure the area is large, debris-free, and safe from flooding.

Download Hurricane Prep Checklist

  • Remove Loose Objects

    Remove all loose objects from around the barn (wheelbarrows, pitchforks, buckets, tools, fencing supplies and other materials)

  • Secure Barn

    Secure barn doors, latches, and windows

  • Clean Up

    Clean gutters and drains to keep free from debris

  • Stock Up

    Provide access to plenty of clean water, safe feed, extra hay and place in waterproof containers

  • Power Down

    Turn off electricity and water lines to prevent electrocution or contamination

  • Turn Off Electric Fences

    Turn off electric fences (they won’t work in power outages anyway)

  • Turn Them Out

    Consider turnout in a large, clear pasture on high ground, without halters (they can snag on branches or fencing), if the barn isn’t reinforced

Tip: Never keep horses in trailers during the storm. Trailers can overturn easily in hurricane-force winds.

Hurricane Preparedness for Other Animals: Protecting Pets, Livestock & Backyard Flocks in Florida

When preparing for a hurricane in Florida, it’s not just horses that need your attention—your dogs, cats, goats, chickens, and other animals also rely on you for their safety. Each species has different needs, but the goal remains the same: minimize stress and risk before, during, and after the storm. Being ready means accounting for every member of your animal family—from your barn to your backyard. A complete hurricane preparedness plan in Florida should cover all animals, with species-specific shelter strategies and supply kits prepared ahead of time.

Download Hurricane Prep Checklist

🐶 Dogs and Cats

Small pets like dogs and cats should be crated or kenneled individually, with a visible ID tag, leash, enough food and water for several days, and any necessary medications. Always bring them indoors well before the storm arrives. Never leave pets tied up or outdoors, as flying debris, flooding, and wind can quickly become fatal. If you plan to evacuate, bring your pets with you, and make sure your shelter or accommodation allows animals.

🐐 Livestock (Goats, Sheep, Cattle)

Livestock need similar considerations as horses: provide a secure ID, access to high ground, plenty of fresh water, and a safe space away from potential flying debris. If sheltering in a barn isn’t possible, a large open field free of overhead hazards may be safer. Keep gates secure and remove any loose items that could injure your animals in high winds.

🐔 Chickens and Poultry

Backyard flocks like chickens are particularly vulnerable to wind and water damage. Before a storm, reinforce coops with plywood or tarps, ensure ventilation remains intact, and move birds to a sturdier structure if needed. Supply dry bedding, plenty of food, and a secure water source that won’t tip or flood. Post-storm, check for injuries and moldy feed, and monitor for stress or illness.

Post-Hurricane Horse Recovery Tips: What to Do After the Storm

Once the hurricane has passed, your first priority should be checking on your horses and ensuring the property is safe. Begin by carefully examining each horse for injuries such as cuts, swelling, lameness, or signs of dehydration and stress. Keep a close eye for colic symptoms, which can occur from disrupted routines, contaminated water, or storm-related anxiety. Do not feed hay that’s wet, moldy, or contaminated with sand, as this can lead to serious health issues. Reintroduce grain slowly to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

Before turning horses out, inspect the entire property for hazards—remove downed fences, sharp debris, and especially any live electrical wires. Always test water sources for contamination if flooding has occurred. Document any damage for insurance claims, and contact your veterinarian immediately if any animal is injured, missing, or acting abnormally.

Download Hurricane Prep Checklist

  • Check Horses + Animals

    Assess horses and animals for injuries, stress, or dehydration

  • Check Food

    Inspect feed for mold or contamination

  • Inspect Water Sources

    Do not use water sources that may be contaminated

  • Clean Up

    Remove all downed fences, nails, wires, and fallen branches before turnout

  • Watch For Signs

    Watch for signs of colic or hoof issues from standing water

Final Thoughts for Florida Horse Owners: The best hurricane plan is the one made long before a storm appears on radar. Stay ready year-round by keeping your emergency kit updated and reviewing evacuation procedures regularly. If you live in a high-risk zone, practice trailering your horse during calm weather—it builds confidence for both of you and saves precious time when it matters most. Proactive preparation ensures a safer, calmer recovery for you and your animals.

Calm Through the Storm: How StressLess Supports Horses During Hurricanes and Stressful Situations

When hurricanes, severe weather, or sudden changes in routine strike, many horses experience heightened anxiety, nervous behavior, or even dangerous reactions. StressLess® Equine Calming Supplement is designed to help horses stay composed and grounded—even when the environment is anything but calm. This non-drowsy, performance-friendly formula promotes a balanced, focused mindset without dulling energy or responsiveness.

Whether your horse is sheltering in place during a storm, loading onto a trailer for evacuation, or reacting to loud noises like wind, rain, or flying debris, StressLess® works to ease nervous tension naturally. Trusted by veterinarians and riders alike, it’s a safe, effective solution to help manage stress and behavioral swings brought on by unpredictable events.

Support your horse’s mental wellness during hurricane season and beyond—with a supplement that helps them stay calm, alert, and ready for whatever comes next.

Purchase StressLess Equine Supplement