The bill re-creates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund within the Executive Office of the Governor, which had previously terminated on February 17, 2026. It amends Section 252.3711 of the Florida Statutes to specify that funds appropriated to the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund can be used for various emergencies, including natural, manmade, and technological emergencies. The bill also establishes that federal reimbursements for state emergency expenditures must be deposited into a separate account within the fund, which can only be used to pay invoices incurred before the reimbursement deposit. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of fund moneys for purchasing aircraft, boats, or motor vehicles, although short-term leases for emergency responses are permitted.

Furthermore, the bill sets a termination date for the fund of July 1, 2028, unless terminated sooner, and mandates a review of the fund before this date. It requires the Division of Emergency Management to submit quarterly reports to the Legislature starting July 15, 2026, detailing the fund's cash balance, cash flow, federal reimbursements, and inventory of assets related to emergency responses. The act is retroactively applicable to February 17, 2026, and will take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
S 7040 Filed: 252.3711
S 7040 e1: 252.3711
S 7040 er: 252.3711