Tips on Florida Keys Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Florida Keys Warnings and Dangers

The Florida Keys are a popular vacation destination, but are home to dangers that can ruin a vacation, or worse. Therefore, it is important to vacation with caution, both for your own safety and to avoid becoming the danger to other people or to wildlife.

Safe Driving through the Keys

The Florida Keys are accessed and connected by a picturesque causeway from the South Florida mainland. Except for a short stretch in the upper Keys with an additional toll road, the causeway is a single road, and traffic can get held up for hours by accidents or construction. Safe driving and obeying speed limits are essential, and traffic cops are present but well-enough hidden that you cannot see them until you are very close.

Traveling During the Hurricane Season

The Florida Keys, located on the northern edge of the Caribbean, are sometimes vulnerable to hurricanes.The hurricane season is officially from June 1 to November 30, but hurricane activity is especially likely between August 15 and October 1. A hurricane threat may mean a mandatory evacuation of nonresidents, but there will usually be plenty of advanced warning.

Interacting with Wildlife

Wildlife, part of the appeal of the Keys, should be approached with caution. Obey all warnings not to feed wild birds or fish, because human food is bad for them and too-close interaction can cause harmful behavioral changes. If you go fishing, many local species, such as the Barracuda, must be handled carefully to prevent cuts. And if you must swim, watch out for the Man-O- War, whose sting can be extremely painful.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about hazards to avoid in the Florida Keys.