PriorityEvac offers paid private hurricane evacuation flights for Florida residents

PriorityEvac, a startup launched in June, provides private evacuation flights for households on Florida’s coast. For an annual fee of $1,250, members are guaranteed a seat on an Airbus A320 flying to Atlanta, with up to two flights available per hurricane season (June‑November).

The service is marketed as a way to avoid the long traffic jams and fuel shortages that typically accompany evacuations. Founder Jason Murgio said the idea came from watching friends and family struggle to leave during past storms. Critics note that the model highlights socioeconomic disparities, as only those who can afford the subscription can secure rapid evacuation. Christa Remington, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida, warned that “people with greater financial resources can purchase more convenience and certainty during a disaster.”

PriorityEvac’s launch reflects growing concerns about more intense hurricanes linked to climate change and perceived gaps in federal emergency response.