As millions of Floridians prepare for the annual threat of hurricanes, a new service is offering an alternative to gridlocked highways and crowded airports. PriorityEvac, a West Palm Beach-based company, has launched an annual membership program that guarantees seats on private flights out of Florida before major storms hit. The service aims to provide peace of mind for residents willing to pay for a streamlined evacuation process during hurricane season.
How the Service Works
The PriorityEvac model relies on pre-planning and early warning systems. Members enroll before peak storm activity begins, providing household details so departure airports can be assigned in advance. The company monitors National Hurricane Center forecasts closely. When storms meet specific activation thresholds, members receive notifications via text, email, or phone calls.
Once activated, the logistics team coordinates departures using contracted Airbus A320 aircraft. According to a spokesperson, the system was back-tested against 22 years of historical hurricane data to ensure it could move covered members within available evacuation windows. The service is designed for the critical period before landfall, allowing flights to occur while roads are still passable.
Cost and Membership Details
The annual membership costs $1,250 per person, covering up to two hurricane evacuations between June 1 and November 30. Couples can join for $2,400 annually, while a family of four pays $4,400. Additional household members cost $1,100 each.
The company highlights that there are no per-event activation fees or surge pricing. Optional pet accommodations are available; carry-on pets cost an additional $125, with larger pets accommodated during the onboarding process. PriorityEvac compares this price to last-minute commercial fares exceeding $2,000 or self-charter flights costing up to $22,000.
Destination and Logistics
Evacuation flights are routed primarily to Atlanta, Georgia. The company selected the city because it typically lies outside Florida’s primary hurricane impact corridor. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport offers extensive connectivity for onward travel, and the metro area provides significant lodging infrastructure.
However, members remain responsible for their own transportation and accommodation arrangements after arriving in Atlanta. PriorityEvac expects to support approximately 5,000 members during its first year of operation, targeting seasonal homeowners, corporations, sports teams, and families with elderly relatives or college students in the state.
Context on Hurricane Season
The launch coincides with forecasts predicting a less active than average Atlantic hurricane season for 2026. Colorado State University predicts nine named storms, four hurricanes, and one major hurricane this year, below recent historical averages. Despite the quieter outlook, researchers caution that residents should not become complacent.
