House Bill 1337 amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the state's emergency management and disaster response capabilities, particularly for individuals with special needs or functional limitations. Key provisions include prioritizing funding for hurricane shelters in counties with deficits, allowing certain servicemembers to provide medical care during emergencies, and expanding the definition of "political subdivision" to include various local government entities. The bill also mandates that political subdivisions publish relevant building and housing codes on publicly accessible websites within five days of a natural emergency declaration and requires counties to provide emergency office space and a trained point of contact for disaster recovery.

Additionally, the bill introduces new responsibilities for the Department of Health in managing special needs shelters, emphasizing coordination with local emergency management and healthcare providers. It establishes a multiagency special needs shelter discharge planning team and outlines reimbursement procedures for healthcare practitioners providing services during disasters. The bill also mandates that healthcare providers develop comprehensive emergency management plans to ensure continued care for patients during emergencies. With a focus on improving preparedness and response for vulnerable populations, the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1337 Filed: 215.559, 250.375, 252.34, 252.355, 252.357, 252.359, 282.201, 403.7071, 252.356, 381.0011, 381.0303, 400.492, 400.506, 400.610, 400.934, 401.273