Hillsborough County emergency management officials keep in constant contact with the National Hurricane Center, based in South Florida. Should a storm threaten, for safety reasons, visitors are always asked to evacuate waterfront hotels temporarily until a hurricane warning is lifted. Although emergency officials will err on the side of caution, evacuation orders are only given if there is a significant storm threat.

There are several options. Check with the front desk or hotel concierge regarding availability at another hotel farther inland. Visit Tampa Bay works cooperatively with area hotels to advise on available vacancies in the area. To learn more, visit VisitTampaBay.com/stay

If visitors do not want to change hotels or can not find availability in a similar level accommodation, Hillsborough County will provide visitors the opportunity to evacuate to a hurricane shelter while a hurricane warning is in effect for the area their accommodations are located. If visitors do not have a rental car or their own car while visiting, the County provides buses and shuttles to local hurricane shelters. 

If an evacuation is ordered for the county, the hotels in these areas will not be open for business and will be in the process of relocating guests to inland hotels or shelters. Furthermore, most, if not all visitor facilities will not be open for business in preparation for the hurricane. It's best to reschedule travel plans to visit Tampa Bay once the storm has passed.

A warning is issued when hurricane or tropical storm conditions are expected within 24-36 hours, and a watch when hurricane or tropical storm conditions are possible within 36-48 hours. If a warning or watch is issued, visitors should begin preliminary preparations for potential evacuation of hotels and airport delays or flight cancellations. Residents and visitors should monitor local news and weather reports to learn about potential street flooding from heavy rain or possible storm surge and high winds. 

Each property has its own refund policy. Visit Tampa Bay strongly urges the hospitality community in Hillsborough County to provide refunds of unused nights as soon as local officials issue a visitor evacuation order. The majority of properties subscribe to this standard. Prior to making a reservation, it is prudent for the visitor to have a clear understanding about a particular lodging facility's refund policies in the event of a hurricane threat. Several travel insurance plans are available from companies that can provide additional fiscal protection. Contact your travel agent for details or search online. 

We understand the importance of offering peace of mind to meeting professionals. That’s why we partner with VISIT FLORIDA to provide free Cover Your Event Insurance, ensuring that unforeseen weather events don’t disrupt your plans.

For more information, visit Cover Your Event Insurance.