TALLAHASSEE, FL  Oct. 9, 2026 — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, Major General John D. Haas, and Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Jared Perdue at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee to provide updates on Hurricane Isaias and the state’s ongoing response efforts. Earlier this morning, Governor DeSantis was joined by U.S. Senator Ashley Moody and Executive Director Jared Perdue at the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center in Pensacola to discuss the storm’s impacts and state preparedness efforts.

As of 5 p.m. EDT, Hurricane Isaias was a Category 3 hurricane located approximately 90 miles south of Pensacola, moving north at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. Isaias is expected to make landfall along the western Florida Panhandle this evening, bringing life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Storm surge of 6 to 9 feet is possible along portions of the western Panhandle, while 4 to 8 inches of rainfall, with localized totals up to 15 inches, are forecast across the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend and surrounding areas. Flash flooding and tornadoes also remain significant threats as the storm moves inland.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-202, amending EO-26-211 and declaring a state of emergency for 27 Florida counties.

More than 16,000 linemen and restoration personnel are standing by to support power restoration efforts following Hurricane Isaias.

To learn more about navigating hurricane season, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. For updates on county resources, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

State Preparedness

and Public Safety

Florida State Guard

The Florida State Guard (FSG) has deployed nearly 400 soldiers to assist with pre-landfall and post-landfall efforts, including preliminary damage assessments, route clearance, points of distribution (POD) operations, and air, ground, and maritime search and rescue support.

FSG is staging assets in the Florida Panhandle to assist with post-storm recovery efforts, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, 20 maritime vessels, fat trucks, skid steer loaders, all-terrain forklifts, and a large fleet of vehicles and trailers for transport missions.

The Crisis Response Battalion (CRB) has four amphibious rescue teams prepared to support rescue operations, access difficult or flooded terrain, and move responders and supplies.

• CRB has 10 cut-and-toss teams prepared to cut and remove storm debris, clear access routes, and support mechanical clearance teams.
• CRB has a telehandler team prepared to load, unload, and move supplies at staging, logistics, and distribution sites.
• CRB has six skid steer teams prepared to assist with debris removal, route and access clearance, and support cut-and-toss crews.
• CRB has five medium-duty transportation teams prepared to move equipment and supplies and support convoys.

FSG’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) unit has five teams prepared to provide search and rescue support, aerial reconnaissance, mapping, and imagery collection for route assessment, documentation of storm impacts, and response planning.

The Aviation Response Squadron has five FSG aircraft (three rotary-wing and two fixed-wing) and aircrews prepared to support preliminary damage assessments, search and rescue operations, and mapping of impacted areas.

The Maritime Response Squadron has eight shallow-water boat teams prepared to support preliminary damage assessments and search and rescue operations.

FSG is currently en route to three missions at the request of Panhandle counties:

• Escambia County has requested vehicles, vessels, and personnel equipped for water and dry-land rescues, including cut-and-toss capabilities.
• Escambia County has a UAS team to provide aerial support for critical infrastructure damage assessments and search and rescue operations.
• Washington County has requested equipment transportation assistance for the setup of a special needs shelter.

Florida Department of Law EnforcementFlorida Department of Law Enforcement

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Emergency Preparedness Bureau is actively coordinating the state law enforcement response to affected areas.

FDLE is coordinating the pre-staging of assets, including equipment and mobile command posts, backup satellite and communications systems, and aviation assets at strategic locations. Portable towers are staged for emergency communications.

FDLE has prepared the following equipment:
•One mobile command bus

• Two command trailers
• Four sleeper trailers
• Two portable command buildings
• Three-bathroom trailers
• Three UTVs
• One skid steer
• One forklift
• 23 Barricade Trailers

FDLE aviation assets are ready for deployment following the storm to assist with damage assessments.

FDLE is monitoring Hurricane Isaias to assess personnel deployment to impacted areas and the potential activation of mobile command posts and base camps.

FDLE has identified internal incident management teams to support FDLE’s Pensacola Regional Operations Center (PROC), ensuring it remains operational and ready to support affected areas. PROC staff will be embedded at the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support law enforcement missions in the area.

FDLE is coordinating fuel services along Interstate 10 for local law enforcement. First responder refueling locations have been identified along the Interstate 10 corridor.

FDLE is coordinating the staging of two urban search and rescue teams from South Florida in Tallahassee.

Florida Department of Military Affairs

The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has approximately 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen activated, and we are pre-staging forces throughout the anticipated impact area to ensure that we can quickly get to the areas of greatest need after the storm hits.

• The FLNG has more than 1,300 tactical high-wheeled vehicles, 20 Zodiac boats, and 50 construction/route clearance vehicles available for this mission.
• Additionally, FLNG have eight helicopters (one CH-47, one HH-60, and six UH-60) available.

• The FLNG has activated 13 route clearance teams to immediately respond following landfall.

FLNG is equipped with assets including high-wheeled vehicles, helicopters, boats, and generators. FLNG is preparing for potential missions, including humanitarian assistance, security operations, route clearance, search and rescue, and other response efforts.

Florida Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Commission

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and other storm-response resources statewide so they can be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path.

FWC officers have deployed and respond with specialized equipment as necessary, including:

• 10 airboats
• 18 shallow-draft boats
• Nine ATVs and side-by-sides
• Six larger platform vessels
• 75 four-wheel-drive vehicles
• Four swamp buggiesFWC has identified multiple teams of officers from areas of the state unlikely to be severely affected by the storm for deployment to areas that may be seriously impacted, supplementing local FWC officers already assigned to affected areas.FWC Special Operations Group teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and report on damage after the storm has made landfall.FWC’s Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied appropriate aircraft for potential deployment to assist the EOC with aerial reconnaissance and post-storm damage assessments.Florida Department of CorrectionsThe Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has implemented mitigation measures and hardened institutions in preparation for the storm.Inmates have been evacuated from the following facilities: Pensacola Community Release Center, Panama City Community Release Center, Tallahassee Community Release Center, Shisa House (West) Community Release Center, Okaloosa Work Camp, and Century Work Camp.Weekend visitation has been canceled across North Florida, including at FDC’s Region I and Region II institutions.FDC posts public updates at FDC.MyFlorida.com/weather-updates.Florida Department of Juvenile JusticeThe Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) has finalized storm preparations at its programs to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth.DJJ staff have prepared programs by fueling all vehicles, moving vehicles in low-lying and flood-prone areas to higher ground, testing generators and ensuring adequate fuel supplies in the event of power loss, and ensuring food, clothing, medicine, and emergency supplies are stocked and ready.DJJ has coordinated with its staff, providers, and law enforcement partners to ensure juvenile assessment centers and detention screening units remain operational during Hurricane Isaias. Preparations include ensuring generators are fully functional in the event of power outages.Youth on community supervision with office appointments will be given specific instructions from their juvenile probation officers about office closures.

  Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

  An emergency order for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has been signed, waiving hours-of-service and registration requirements for commercial motor carriers and drivers, as well as registration requirements for commercial vehicles involved in emergency relief. The order also waives various state fees, late renewal penalties, and related administrative actions for motorists affected by adverse weather conditions.

• Emergency response vehicles, including 2 high-water rescue vehicles, and 7 skid steers, are staged and ready for deployment.
• FHP chainsaw crews, consisting of more than 25 troopers, are prepared to deploy to impacted areas.
• Two FHP Mobile Command Centers are on-site at the State Emergency Operations Center, ready to deploy to impacted areas.
• FHP has three cut teams mobilized and ready to deploy to clear debris from impacted roadways.
• Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) personnel assisted with aerial overflights to establish a baseline of infrastructure conditions for subsequent damage assessments and recovery documentation. Fourteen UAS personnel remain on standby to assist with immediate response efforts.
• FHP is staging 30 members of its Quick Response Force (QRF) in Jackson County in preparation to clear roads, conduct cut‑and‑toss operations, and respond to emergency calls immediately after the storm’s landfall. More than 300 QRF Troopers statewide stand ready to provide an immediate response if needed.
• FHP Troopers are escorting two fuel trucks and are prepared to escort additional fuel trucks, utility crews, and other essential vehicles as needed.
• FHP Troopers are patrolling major corridors and evacuation routes to monitor potential increases in traffic.
• FHP remains in close communication with law enforcement and transportation partners and stands ready to assist with response and recovery efforts across the state.

Health and Human Services

Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ 120-bed Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City, Bay County, is operating normally.

Residents’ families have been notified of preparedness efforts, and the facility is hardened for storms.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that VA Outpatient Clinics in Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base, Panama City, Marianna, and Tallahassee are closed.

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is actively monitoring the storm and providing timely emergency information and updates to APD leadership, regional offices, providers, partners, and stakeholders in potentially affected areas.

APD-operated facilities reported 436 residents on campus, including 119 at Sunland Center, 133 at the Developmental Disabilities Defendant Program and 184 at Tacachale. An additional 14 Tacachale residents are hospitalized. No unmet needs have been reported at these facilities.

APD-operated facilities in Gainesville, including Tacachale in Alachua County, Marianna, including Sunland Center in Jackson County, and Chattahoochee, including DDDP in Gadsden County, are taking precautionary measures to secure their facilities and keep residents and staff safe.

APD-operated facilities are actively monitoring their emergency inventory and refueling all vehicles and generators.

• Sunland Center has deployed flood prevention measures throughout the facility, established staffing plans to ensure adequate direct care and nursing coverage, and will have maintenance staff on-site 24/7 throughout the storm.

APD continues outreach to clients, providers, regions and facilities in potentially affected areas to verify status and identify any immediate needs. At this time, there are no unmet needs reported.

APD-operated facilities in Marianna, including Sunland Center in Jackson County, and Chattahoochee, including the Developmental Disabilities Defendant Program (DDDP) in Gadsden County, are taking precautionary measures to secure their facilities and keep residents and staff safe.

APD has developed a public-facing emergency information toolkit on its website with storm preparedness and response information for clients, families, providers, staff, and partners.

APD has identified 145 group homes serving 700 residents across affected counties in the Northeast, Northwest, and Central Regions. All but one group home in the Northwest region has been contacted. No unmet needs or evacuations have been reported.

APD has identified over 2,700 clients residing in family homes and independent or supported living settings across affected counties. Regional outreach and provider notifications are ongoing, with no unmet needs reported.

APD has established six regional emergency email mailboxes for providers to report their operational status and any unmet needs during the storm.

APD’s Emergency Management Team is receiving situation reports from each APD region and APD-operated facility to monitor conditions and identify emerging needs.

Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has moved warehouse operations to a 24/7 schedule and mobilized an AmbuBus from Manatee County to support potential patient transportation needs.

Special Needs Shelters are open in: Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Walton, and Washington.

County health departments in impacted areas have announced temporary closures and are securing facilities ahead of the storm.

DOH is preparing post-storm mosquito and dengue prevention messaging, where appropriate.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

A Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS) event has been opened for all 27 counties.

• Six evacuations have been reported in HFRS
• 3 Assisted Living Facility
• 1 Nursing Home
• 1 Hospital
•  AHCA staff have conducted outreach to 99 hospitals and residential health care facilities.

AHCA convened a call with 36 managed care plans to discuss current hurricane-related operations and assess potential impacts to members.

Florida Department of Children and Families

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has activated pre-storm preparedness measures for Hurricane Isaias, securing available supplies and coordinating with private sector partners to position resources for rapid deployment, including more than 190 pallets of food, 240 pallets of water, hot meal providers, over 30 nursing personnel, 15 vehicles for survivor transport, and crisis counseling.

DCF is positioned to support shelter transitions, emergency supply deliveries, and generator needs for critical human services infrastructure.

DCF has completed outreach to more than 120 families and caregivers of children involved in active child protective investigations, more than 50 adult protective services clients, and 550 licensed providers across potentially impacted counties to verify disaster plans, identify needs, and ensure safety and continuity of care.

State Mental Health Treatment Facilities have engaged with local emergency response teams, activated their disaster preparation plans, and readied facilities for continuity of operations and care. Florida State Hospital, the State Mental Health Treatment Facility located nearest the impacted area is fully resourced to support response and recovery activities in coordination with local emergency response partners.

DCF’s Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency will continue to monitor for any necessary response related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) options in impacted counties.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs

The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is coordinating with Area Agencies on Aging in impacted areas to assess senior needs and ensure preparedness. Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging staff have contacted nearly 700 seniors to date. At this time, seniors contacted are on track for safe and successful storm preparation.

Advantage Aging Solutions (Tallahassee) offices are closed. They have provided 415 meals to seniors. Additionally provided water, and tarps in Gadsden County. 1,389 seniors in total have been called, and 391 wellness checks were completed. Many service providers closed following local emergency management recommendations.

Elder Options has initiated 337 calls to seniors in six impacted counties, while local aging partners continue monitoring emergency management updates and coordinating with service providers.

Infrastructure, Transportation

and Education

Florida Department of Transportation

All seven Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) districts, Central Office, and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise continue daily statewide internal preparedness calls and close coordination with EOC officials.

FDOT has over 1,100 team members actively conducting pre-storm preparations.

FDOT is currently analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.

Team members are inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.

Statewide storm preparations include replenishing fuel reserves, checking vehicle and equipment readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.

A total of 260 pieces of heavy equipment are prepared and staged for deployment.

A total of 1,400 generators and 100 pumps are prepared and staged for deployment as needed.

FDOT has initiated communication with modal partners, including seaports, airports, railroads, transit systems, and spaceports. All partners are currently in a monitoring posture.

FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road and bridge closures and potential detours. Drivers should always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.

Crews are working on maintaining active construction sites ahead of the storm including installing preventative erosion control and securing equipment such as barges and cranes.

The FDOT Executive Order has been signed and waives standard size and weight restrictions for commercial vehicles transporting fuel, emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agriculture commodities.

Governor DeSantis has waived the suspension of tolls on Mid-Bay Bridge and Spence Parkway in Okaloosa County and Garcon Point Bridge in Santa Rosa County to help facilitate evacuations. With anticipated increased traffic, please remember to be patient and drive carefully.

In coordination with law enforcement, bridges are subject to close when sustained winds reach 39 mph or higher to ensure safety.

Road Ranger Patrols have been extended to 24-hour service in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties to facilitate traffic flow and help motorists along interstates.

More than 60 bridge inspectors are strategically staged to quickly deploy and begin bridge inspections immediately following severe weather.

FDOT has begun pre-existing drone surveys in preparation of damage and flooding assessments with 30 drone teams in place.

Transportation Modes Updates 

Seaports

• Port of Pensacola closed waterside and landside operations.
• Port Panama City closed waterside and landside operations.
• All other seaports are open and preparing for the storm.

Airports

Latest updates for the following airports:

• Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) closed to commercial service.
• Pensacola International Airport (PNS) closed to commercial service.
• Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) closed to commercial service.

Some commercial flight cancellations or delays are being reported. Check with airlines directly on specific flight updates.

Florida Department of

Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is coordinating with Florida’s fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available across Florida.

The Florida Forest Service (FFS) is establishing chainsaw crews to support response operations. Heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, skid steers, excavators, and dump trucks, is being prepared to respond as needed for road-clearing activities.

FDACS is preparing fuel inspectors for post-storm deployment to impacted areas to ensure retail fuel dispensers are operating properly and to test fuel quality.

FDACS is preparing food safety inspectors for post-storm deployment to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of permitted food establishments.

FDACS is coordinating with agricultural partners to ensure producers have adequate resources and support.

Updates on State Forest closures can be found here.

FDACS is working to connect evacuating livestock and horse owners with open public and private facilities across the state.

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Isaias. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses, and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), and Mississippi.

Agricultural partners can request critical assistance for livestock and animals in critical need by completing this online request form or calling 863-993-5460.

Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education (DOE) continues to coordinate with school districts, state colleges and universities across Northwest Florida in response to Hurricane Isaias.

Numerous K-12 school districts, state colleges and universities throughout the Panhandle and North Florida closed or adjusted operations on Friday, October 9, due to the storm.

School districts and higher education institutions will communicate any additional closures, schedule changes or reopening plans as conditions allow.

Parents, students and employees should continue monitoring official school district, college and university communications for the latest updates.

For school closure information, visit FLDOE.org/storminfo.

For university alerts, visit FLBOG.edu/university-alerts.

Florida Department of Management Services

The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) is actively sourcing private security vendors to support the Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office in Auburndale.

The Statewide Law Enforcement Radio Network is 100% operational and pre-storm site checks are complete.

DMS has activated the Emergency Information Hotline at (888) 336-7345 to provide information on state building closures.

Starlink deployment vendor continues to satisfy mission requests.

Telecommunications vendor partners continue to pre-stage assets for post-landfall deployment.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm generated solid waste and debris.

DEP’s Emergency Final Order also removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, including coastal structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association, and other response agencies to ensure preparations are underway to support drinking water and wastewater facilities ahead of the anticipated heavy rainfall.

DEP has completed pre-storm beach surveys in all shoreline counties.

Florida’s water management districts are engaging local governments and drainage operators throughout the state and are available to provide technical and other support, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding.

DEP has received notification that 5 of the 260 pre-authorized Disaster Debris Management Sites have been activated by counties included in the Department’s Emergency Final Order to temporarily stage debris that may result from the storm. These sites are a critical component of expediting clean-up and reducing environmental and public health impacts post-storm.

DEP’s Hazardous Assessment Response Teams (HARTs) are preparing equipment and stand ready for potential deployment.

All significant hazardous waste facilities in potentially affected counties have been notified to ensure all pre-storm preparations are being made.

DEP has published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors informed. A list of closed state parks is available at FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.

Business, Consumer

and Workforce Resources

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has organized Emergency Response Teams across 13 offices statewide that are ready to deploy once it is safe to conduct damage assessments and disaster inspections of licensed establishments.

DBPR has proactively communicated with more than 94,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide storm preparation and food safety resources.

DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with the Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.

DBPR has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to encourage more than 76,000 Florida-licensed lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees.

Through this effort, anti-price gouging information and emergency accommodations resources have also been provided.

FloridaCommerce

Uber is offering free round-trip rides, up to $40 each way, to and from state-approved evacuation shelters, listed on floridadisaster.org/shelters. Uber users must input the code ISAIAS26 into the Uber app before requesting a ride to a state-approved shelter.

To access the rides:

1. Download or open the Uber app.

2. Go to the Account section of the Uber app and click on Wallet

3. Scroll down to Promotions, click “Add Promo Code,” and enter code ISAIAS26.

4. Request an Uber ride to any of the state-approved Florida evacuation shelters listed on floridadisaster.org/shelters.

*Maximum discount of up to $40 per redemption. Maximum of 2 trips per account. To redeem discount, Uber Promotion code ISAIAS26 must be applied to the Payments section of the Uber app prior to requesting the intended trip. Uber Promotion is only valid for rides requested using the Uber App. Taxes, fees, and tips will be covered provided that the value of the Uber Voucher is greater than the total order amount. Offer is non-transferable, subject to change or cancellation.

FloridaCommerce continues to work with private sector partners to consistently update business open/close status on FloridaDisaster.biz.

FloridaCommerce has activated the Private Sector Hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.

FloridaCommerce is communicating and coordinating with more than 200 private sector partners across the state.

FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida are hosting daily calls with the eight Local Workforce Development Boards and six Community Action Agencies across affected counties to assess readiness and resource needs.

FloridaCommerce is coordinating with private sector partners, including FloridaMakes, to secure lodging and staging areas for first responders and recovery crews.

FloridaCommerce has begun staging its mobile response units for deployment into the field. These units assist individuals with employment and reemployment needs and small businesses applying for emergency bridge loans.

FloridaCommerce has activated its roster of volunteers around the state to assist with emergency response and recovery efforts.

FloridaCommerce’s disaster information website, FloridaDisaster.biz, is being updated to include resources and information for businesses.

Florida Small Business Development Center Network

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is in communication with the U.S. Small Business Administration and federal partners.

The Florida SBDC Network is readying its Mobile Assistance Center fleet for rapid deployment following the storm.

VISIT FLORIDA

VISIT FLORIDA has activated emergency accommodation resources through partnerships with Expedia, Priceline, and Booking.com, providing impacted Floridians and visitors with real-time hotel availability and lodging options during emergencies.

CareerSource Florida

CareerSource Florida Career Center closures can be found at FloridaDisaster.biz. 

Florida Department of Lottery

All players wishing to cash their winning tickets at the District Office should retain them for normal business hours on Monday.

Office of Insurance Regulation

The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is drafting information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 26-202.

This information will be provided to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers and will be available on OIR’s website.

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association has encouraged public lodging establishments to relax or waive their no-pet policies and pet fees to ensure families can safely evacuate and stay together with their pets.

Office of Financial Regulation

The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued a proclamation to more than 3,700 financial institutions and securities professionals.

OFR offers online resources at FLOFR.gov/education/disaster-resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services providers, including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.

Florida Department of Revenue

Florida law allows exporters, petroleum carriers, and importers to request a temporary fuel tax license during a disaster or declared state of emergency. Out-of-state applicants are not required to submit a fee, secure bonding, or undergo a background check if they apply for and receive a temporary fuel tax license. Visit Florida’s Fuel Tax webpage for more information on the temporary fuel tax licensing program: FloridaRevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/fuel.aspx.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation

Florida Housing is prepared to distribute information at FloridaHousing.org regarding resources that may be useful to constituents and officials seeking housing assistance following storm impacts.

Florida Housing is prepared to consider requests from counties and eligible municipalities within the areas covered by the state of emergency for waivers or suspensions of applicable State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) requirements, as authorized by Executive Order 26-202, to provide flexibility in addressing disaster-related housing needs.

Florida Housing has identified 226 Florida Housing-financed rental developments, totaling 16,897 units, within the 27 counties covered by the state of emergency. Florida Housing is preparing post-storm damage and available-unit reporting, along with information and resources for property owners regarding temporary housing for displaced households and applicable disaster-related compliance and recapture relief.

Volunteer and

Nonprofit Coordination

Volunteer Florida

Volunteer Florida has initiated outreach to the Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) Board of Directors and is working to identify future meeting needs.

Volunteer Florida is identifying potential pre-staging locations for flood and cleanup kits, hygiene kits, and tools.

Volunteer Florida is reinforcing the “Cash, Confirm, Connect” strategy to support coordinated and needs-based donations and volunteer engagement.

Volunteer Florida is encouraging partners to document all donated resources, in-kind contributions, and volunteer hours.

For valuation and reporting purposes, the latest published Florida-specific value available is $34.88 per volunteer hour.

Ongoing coordination with Volunteer Florida partners:

• Initiated coordination calls with Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (FLVOAD) 100+ partners
• Coordinating and collaborating with partners on the strategic response footprint
• Beginning delivery and partner distribution of food buckets and cleanup kits

VOAD partner hotlines are open:

• Disaster Legal Aid: 833-513-2940 — assisting disaster survivors with free civil legal service
• 211: The three-digit dialing code for community navigation, connecting callers with resources for food, housing, healthcare, mental health, utility assistance, disaster support, and other essential needs across Florida