Governor Ron DeSantis sent a letter to President Donald Trump formally requesting that he declare a Major Disaster as Florida responds to COVID-19. [Read more…] about Governor Ron DeSantis Requests Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump
Major Disaster Declaration
Gov. Scott Directs DBPR to Make it Easier for Floridians to Rebuild Following Hurricane Irma
Governor Rick Scott directed Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Secretary Jonathan Zachem to suspend certain regulations and fees that may prevent, hinder or delay necessary response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Irma. This order applies to all counties identified in the Major Disaster Declaration and will help Floridians more quickly repair and rebuild their homes and businesses. To view the Emergency Order, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Right now, families across the state are beginning the challenging process of repairing and rebuilding their homes and businesses after the impact of this massive storm. It is incredibly important that we do all we can to make it easier for these families to quickly and safely recover, which is why I have directed DBPR to take immediate action to suspend certain regulations that would hinder or delay recovery efforts. We will continue to work closely with our communities across the state to make sure they have all they need to help Florida fully rebuild and recover from Hurricane Irma.”
Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “Many Floridians have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Irma. Under Governor Scott’s leadership, the Department is working to suspend burdensome regulations and provide the resources needed during this difficult time to help quickly repair and rebuild.”
The Emergency Order allows licensed general, building, and residential contractors to perform roofing repair and installation and also permits local governments to authorize local and specialty contracting licenses for individuals and businesses that are already licensed in jurisdictions throughout Florida so they can perform roofing repair and installation in impacted areas. This will allow areas of the state most affected by Hurricane Irma to be flexible and assist Floridians with immediate restoration during this difficult time. Florida’s high building standards and safety requirements will not be affected. Lastly, the order waives all Department fees for occupational or professional businesses who must relocate or reopen because of damage caused by Irma and its effects.
The Emergency Order will correspond with the effective dates of Governor Scott’s Executive Order 17-235 and any extensions thereof.
Gov. Rick Scott: President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration
Just hours after Governor Rick Scott’s request, President Donald Trump today approved a major disaster declaration. This declaration authorizes federal funding to flow directly to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Irma and reimburses local communities and the state government to aid in response and recovery from Hurricane Irma. This morning, Hurricane Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key in the Lower Florida Keys.
Governor Rick Scott said, “It’s clear that the entire country is standing with Florida as Hurricane Irma batters our state right now. I have heard from people all across the world that want to help and support Florida. It’s encouraging, and on behalf of all Floridians – we appreciate the support and constant collaboration.
“I am thankful that President Trump, who I’ve spoken with multiple times this week, has been 100 percent supportive of our efforts and offered every resource of the federal government. Working with local emergency management professionals and FEMA, we will make sure that no expense is spared to help families respond and recover.”
The Major Disaster Declaration approved by President Trump authorizes the following:
- 100 percent federal reimbursement for thirty days in all counties for emergency protective measures, such as Emergency Operation Center costs, evacuation costs, sheltering costs, and other costs associated with emergency response. After the thirty days, the federal government will reimburse 75 percent of these costs. This includes both local and state expenses;
- 75 percent federal reimbursement for all counties for debris removal;
- Direct federal financial assistance for impacted Florida families in the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough; Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties.
**NOTE: As Hurricane Irma moves through Florida, Governor Scott will work with President Trump and FEMA to approve more funding to additional communities affected by the storm. Also, the approval indicated that the federal reimbursement percentage may increase as damage assessments are reported.
To view the declaration, click HERE.
Gov. Rick Scott Requests a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump as Hurricane Irma Makes Landfall
Shortly after Hurricane Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key in the Lower Florida Keys, Governor Rick Scott today requested a Major Disaster Declaration for every county in Florida from President Donald Trump. Earlier today, Governor Rick Scott spoke with President Donald Trump who reaffirmed his support to provide Florida with every federal resource to aid in response and recovery. To view the request, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott said, “As Hurricane Irma makes landfall in Florida, we are fully committed to providing every resource to Floridians for response and recovery. We will spare no expense to save lives and help Floridians. We’ve worked aggressively all week to prepare for this powerful storm and keep people safe, but we have a long road ahead.”
