The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the state's emergency management and disaster response capabilities. 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 include various local government entities. The Division of Emergency Management is granted command and control over emergency management efforts and is authorized to create local organizations within county constitutional offices. Additionally, the bill mandates that political subdivisions publish building and housing codes on publicly accessible websites after a state of emergency declaration and establishes requirements for debris management sites and annual training programs.

Further amendments focus on improving support for individuals with special needs or functional limitations during emergencies. The bill expands the registry of persons with special needs, ensuring they can register for assistance during evacuations and sheltering. It also requires local governments to collect storm-generated yard trash within 90 days of an emergency and mandates that self-service gasoline stations have alternate power sources. The bill emphasizes the need for comprehensive emergency management plans for home health agencies and similar entities, ensuring they address the unique needs of patients during emergencies. The act 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