County: Bay
ZIP Codes: 32456, 32410
Mexico Beach, Florida, is especially susceptible to hurricane threats owing to its location directly along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Given this, storm surge poses a considerable risk, coupled with wind damage. The town's relatively low elevation, with the majority of the area being less than 20 feet above sea level, further intensifies this threat as it allows for easy flooding. Enhanced rainfall during hurricane events can also lead to inland flooding, which presents yet another risk. Infrastructure, ecology, and personal property are therefore all vulnerable during hurricane events. Mexico Beach has a significant history of hurricane impacts. The most devastating in recent years was Hurricane Michael in October 2018, which made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane. This was the first known Category 5 landfall in the area and lead to catastrophic damage. The town was nearly destroyed, with many homes and businesses suffering severe damage, making it one of the most significant storm events in the region's history. Such events highlight the urgent need for preventive and preparedness measures against hurricanes, such as building code enforcement, evacuation plans, and flood insurance coverage.