The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to strengthen the state's emergency management framework, focusing on disaster preparedness and response, particularly for individuals with special needs or functional limitations. Key provisions include prioritizing funding for hurricane shelter projects in counties with shelter deficits, allowing certain servicemembers to provide medical care during emergencies, and expanding the definition of "political subdivision" to encompass various local government entities. The Division of Emergency Management is granted command and control over emergency management efforts, with revised responsibilities for maintaining a comprehensive emergency management plan. Additionally, the bill mandates that political subdivisions publish relevant building and housing codes on publicly accessible websites following a state of emergency declaration and includes provisions for the deployment of the Florida National Guard.

Further enhancements include requirements for local governments to collect storm-generated yard trash within 90 days of an emergency order, the establishment of a registry for individuals with special needs, and the necessity for home health agencies and related entities to maintain comprehensive emergency management plans. The bill emphasizes the coordination of resources and information during disasters, mandates annual notifications from electric utilities regarding the registration program for special needs individuals, and establishes a multiagency committee to address issues related to special needs shelters. The legislation aims to improve the state's emergency management capabilities, particularly for vulnerable populations, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1566 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, 401.273