The bill amends Florida's emergency management laws, specifically section 252.36, to establish new limitations on the duration of a state of emergency declared by the Governor. Under the new provisions, a state of emergency renewed by the Governor will expire after one year unless the Legislature, with a two-thirds vote from both houses, authorizes an extension. If such an extension is granted, the Legislature must also set a termination date that cannot exceed the end of the next regular session. Additionally, the bill requires the Governor to issue an executive order or proclamation immediately upon the Legislature's concurrent resolution to terminate a state of emergency and prohibits the Governor from declaring a substantially similar state of emergency if the Legislature allows the current one to expire.

Furthermore, the bill modifies section 252.3611 to require the Auditor General to update financial audits related to emergency expenditures quarterly, rather than annually, once an emergency exceeds one year. This change aims to enhance transparency and oversight of emergency-related spending. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 621 Filed: 252.3611