The bill aims to re-create the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund within the Executive Office of the Governor, which is set to be terminated on February 17, 2026, according to the State Constitution. It amends Section 252.3711 of the Florida Statutes to clarify the uses of the fund, which will now serve as a depository for state moneys specifically appropriated by the Legislature for emergency preparedness and response. The bill outlines that the fund can be utilized for both natural and manmade emergencies, with specific procedures for the use of funds during declared states of emergency. Additionally, it establishes that federal reimbursements for state emergency expenditures will not be deposited into the fund but rather into the General Revenue Fund.

The bill also introduces new reporting requirements for the Executive Office of the Governor, mandating quarterly reports to the legislative leaders that include financial projections and an accounting of assets related to emergency responses. Furthermore, it revises the termination date of the fund to July 1, 2030, and stipulates that the fund will be reviewed before its scheduled termination. The act is designed to operate retroactively to February 17, 2026, and will take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
H 5503 Filed: 252.3711
H 5503 e1: 252.3711