House Bill 1337 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the state's emergency management capabilities, particularly focusing on the needs of individuals with special needs and functional limitations during disasters. Key provisions include the requirement for political subdivisions to publish local, state, and federal building codes on their websites within five days of a declared state of emergency, and the establishment of a registry for individuals with special needs to ensure they receive necessary assistance during evacuations. The bill also mandates that counties and municipalities authorize debris management sites and ensures that self-service gasoline stations are equipped with alternate power sources to maintain operations during emergencies.

Additionally, the bill expands the responsibilities of the Department of Health in managing emergency preparedness for healthcare providers, requiring comprehensive emergency management plans that outline service maintenance for patients during evacuations. It emphasizes collaboration between healthcare providers and local emergency management agencies, mandates annual updates to these plans, and establishes reimbursement protocols for healthcare practitioners providing services during emergencies. Overall, House Bill 1337 aims to improve coordination, resource management, and communication in Florida's emergency response efforts, with a focus on 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