Until1806, Ricadi and its neighbouring villages were administratively dependent on Tropea.  They then acquired their independence by decree from the French general F. Championnet with the inclusion of Ricadi within the sub-district of Tropea.  Finally with the decree of 4 May 1811, which set up the communes and the administrative districts, Ricadi became a commune and acquired the hamlets of Brivadi, Ciaramiti, Orsigliadi, S. Nicolò, Brattirò and Santa Domenica but remained under the jurisdiction of Tropea.  During the following years Calabria came under the Bourbons once again and was reorganised into three provinces: Calabria Ulteriore with its capital Cosenza, Calabria Citeriore Prima with its capital Reggio Calabria and Calabria Ulteriore Seconda with its capital Catanzaro.  The Commune of Ricadi was assigned to Calabria Ulteriore Seconda, district of Monteleone (Vibo Valentia), sub-district of Tropea but the hamlet of Brattirò was taken away from it and assigned to the Commune of Drapia.  However, Ricadi acquired the hamlets of Barbalaconi and Lampazzone.

The full name of the commune on its official documents and on the seal is: Comune di Ricadi (province of Vibo Valentia) and its coat of arms was granted by decree of the President of the Republic on 06/06/1988.