New to Islamorada and hearing about re-entry stickers for the Florida Keys? When a storm threatens, those small decals can save you time and stress at checkpoints. If you just moved, the process can feel unclear. Here is a clear guide to what the stickers are, who qualifies, where to get them, and how to avoid last-minute surprises. Let’s dive in.
What the sticker is and why it matters
Monroe County uses resident re-entry vehicle windshield stickers to help law enforcement verify residents quickly when checkpoints are in place and re-entry is staged after a storm. The goal is safer, faster access for local residents when conditions allow. You can review the county’s program overview on the official resident sticker page from Monroe County Emergency Management. See how the sticker program works.
Local guidance frames Atlantic hurricane season as June 1 to Dec. 1, and officials stress getting stickers early. Do not wait until a storm is approaching. Once a state of emergency is declared, sticker distribution stops. Islamorada’s preparedness page repeats this point for residents. Review the village’s hurricane preparedness guidance.
Who qualifies in Monroe County
Monroe County residents
If you live in Monroe County, you can get one sticker per registered vehicle. Bring your Florida driver’s license and the vehicle registration for the car that needs the decal. Check the Tax Collector’s instructions.
Property owners with out-of-county registrations
Own a home in the Keys but register your car elsewhere? You may bring a Monroe County property tax bill, deed, or mortgage statement along with your out-of-county vehicle registration. See the accepted document combinations.
If you are a renter or you recently moved and your documents are not listed on public pages, call the Monroe County Tax Collector before you go so staff can confirm what will work for your situation.
Zones and how re-entry works
Stickers are barcode and color coded by broad re-entry zones, which are not the same as evacuation zones. The Upper Keys, which includes Islamorada, uses a purple decal. Middle Keys are aqua, Lower Keys are dark pink, and the City of Key West uses a white decal. Learn about the zone decals here.
A sticker helps, but it does not guarantee immediate access. Monroe County stages re-entry based on safety and available services. Follow official announcements for timing and instructions. The county’s re-entry page also points residents to Alert!Monroe for updates. Read the county’s staged re-entry guidance.
When and where to get your sticker
Timing that works
Get your sticker well before hurricane season, and absolutely before any state of emergency is declared. Once that declaration is made, offices will not issue stickers until after the event. Review Islamorada’s reminder on timing.
Where to go
Stickers are distributed at Monroe County Tax Collector offices along the Keys, including locations convenient to Islamorada. Hours vary by office. Confirm current hours before you visit. Find distribution details from the Tax Collector.
What to bring — quick checklist
- Florida driver’s license with your local address
- Vehicle registration for each car that needs a sticker — one sticker per registered vehicle
- For out-of-county vehicle registrations owned by Monroe County property owners: property tax bill, deed, or mortgage statement plus the vehicle registration
- Practical tip: bring clear copies of your documents. If your situation is unusual, call the Tax Collector office first. See the county’s document list
Know the limits at checkpoints
In past checkpoint periods, officers sometimes asked for additional proof even when a vehicle had a sticker. That can happen if policies tighten or there are concerns about counterfeits. It is smart to keep your proof of residency handy. Local reporting explains why verification can change. Always follow county instructions on what to present.
Related placards for businesses and responders
- Business Early Re-entry Placards are a separate, annual program for qualifying critical businesses and nonprofits that need earlier access for essential staff. These placards require an application and are valid for the year issued. Review the Business Placard Program
- Emergency worker and agency placards follow different channels and are not the same as resident stickers. See county guidance on placards
Simple prep timeline for newcomers
- Before June 1: pick up your sticker, store your documents, and follow official county channels for alerts.
- Early season: check your car’s registration and your driver’s license address so they match your current Keys residence.
- When a storm is in the forecast: have your sticker and documents ready, and monitor staged re-entry announcements on county pages.
If you are settling into your first Keys home, a little planning goes a long way. For local insight on neighborhoods, closing timelines, and practical hurricane-readiness steps as you buy or sell, connect with Pierre-Marc Bellion. You will have a neighbor on your side and a guide to the Islamorada lifestyle.
FAQs
How do Monroe County re-entry stickers work after a hurricane?
- They identify you as a resident for staged re-entry, which helps checkpoints move faster, but access still depends on county safety decisions and available services.
Where can Islamorada residents pick up re-entry stickers?
- Visit any Monroe County Tax Collector office in the Keys and confirm hours before you go. Distribution pauses during a state of emergency.
Do Monroe County resident stickers expire each year?
- Public instructions say you do not need a new sticker if you already have one, unlike business placards that renew annually. When in doubt, confirm with the county or Tax Collector.
What documents do renters need for a sticker in Monroe County?
- Public pages list a driver’s license and vehicle registration, or a property tax bill for owners. If you are renting or recently moved, call the Tax Collector to confirm acceptable proof before you visit.
Will a sticker guarantee immediate access to Islamorada after a storm?
- No. Re-entry is controlled by Monroe County and is announced in phases. Follow official county updates for timing and instructions.
