Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts for Hurricane Isaias

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Jared Perdue at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on preparedness efforts for Hurricane Isaias.

As of 5:00 p.m. EDT, Hurricane Isaias was located over the south-central Gulf of America, moving northeast at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a strong Category 2 hurricane overnight, with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 mph, before making landfall in the extreme Western Panhandle Friday night or early Saturday morning. Tropical storm-force winds could begin impacting the western Panhandle as early as midday Friday.

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

More than 6,000 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 four FSG aircraft (three rotary-wing and one 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 also requested 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 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
• Three sleeper trailers
• Three portable command buildings
• Three-bathroom trailers
• One UTV
• One skid steer
• One forklift
  
  

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. The Florida Public Safety Institute in Havana is expected to have fuel on site tonight. The Sneads westbound weigh station is expected to open Friday, October 9, for first responder refueling.

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) is currently activating Soldiers and Airmen in preparation for Hurricane Isaias response operations, with approximately 5,000 Guardsmen expected to be mobilized by Friday. FLNG is pre-staging forces throughout the anticipated impact area to ensure resources can quickly reach areas of greatest need following the storm.

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 are ready to deploy 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 buggies
  
  

FWC 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 Corrections

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is actively implementing mitigation measures and hardening institutions in preparation for the storm.

Inmates have been evacuated from the following facilities: Pensacola Work Release Center, Panama City Work Release Center, Okaloosa Work Camp, and Century Work Camp.

Weekend visitation has been canceled across the Panhandle, including at FDC's Region I institutions.

FDC posts public updates at FDC.MyFlorida.com/weather-updates.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is finalizing storm preparations at its programs to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth.

DJJ staff are preparing 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.

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 high-water rescue vehicles, are staged and ready for deployment.

Fourteen Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) personnel are assisting with aerial overflights to establish a baseline of infrastructure conditions for subsequent damage assessments and recovery documentation.

FHP is mobilizing members of its Quick Response Force (QRF) team to stage in preparation for the incoming storm. 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, and Mobile, Alabama, will be closed Friday, October 9. All VA Outpatient Clinics will be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday.

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 is identifying the locations and current census of APD clients and residents in potentially affected areas to support preparedness and response efforts.

APD-operated facilities currently have the following resident census:

• Sunland Center in Marianna: 119 residents
• Developmental Disabilities Defendant Program in Chattahoochee: 134 residents
  
  

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.

Sunland Center is actively monitoring its emergency inventory and refueling all vehicles and generators.

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-operated facilities are photographing current buildings and maintenance projects as part of pre-storm documentation.

APD has 123 group homes serving 579 clients, 3,486 clients residing in family homes, and 839 clients residing in independent or supported living settings.

APD is reaching out to clients and providers in affected counties to ensure they are taking precautionary measures and remain safe and well as the storm approaches Florida's Panhandle.

APD has established 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.

DOH is coordinating with county emergency management officials to open special needs shelters in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, Okaloosa, Bay, Washington and Holmes counties.

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

The Agency for Health Care Administration's (AHCA) Emergency Patient Look-Up System (E-PLUS) has been activated. Emergency census, patient search, and missing persons applications are now available. Surescripts querying for medication searches is also enabled.

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

AHCA staff have conducted outreach to 65 hospitals and residential health care facilities.

AHCA has lifted early prescription refill edits for all maintenance medications for Medicaid recipients in the 25 counties covered by the state of emergency. This temporary flexibility does not apply to controlled substances.

AHCA staff have communicated early prescription refill expectations to Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) plans and Medicaid providers.

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 140 pallets of food, 48 pallets of water, and hot meal providers.

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

DCF is coordinating with Community-Based Care Lead Agencies in potentially impacted areas to engage more than 930 foster families and group homes to assess readiness, identify needs early, and support evacuations where necessary.

DCF has initiated 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 are assessing facility readiness.

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.

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

The Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging (NWFLAAA) office will remain closed through Friday. Helpline staff will remain available to take calls as needed.

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 nearly 900 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.

Nearly 1,000 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.

Bridge inspectors are strategically staged to quickly deploy and begin bridge inspections immediately following the severe weather.

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

To support evacuations away from the storm's projected path, 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.

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.

Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education (DOE) is actively monitoring Hurricane Isaias and working with school districts as they begin preparation efforts.

Updates on school closures can be found at FLDOE.org/storminfo.

K-12 School Closures

• Bay County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Calhoun County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Escambia County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Franklin County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• FSU Lab School (Panama City Campus) will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Gadsden County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Gulf County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Holmes County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Jackson County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Liberty County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Leon County Schools will operate on an early dismissal schedule Friday, October 9, 2026:
  
  
  • High schools: 11:20 a.m.
  • Elementary schools: 12:20 p.m.
  • Middle schools: 1:20 p.m.
• Okaloosa County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Santa Rosa County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Taylor County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Wakulla County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Walton County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Washington County Schools will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
  
  

Florida College System Closures

Chipola College will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.

Gulf Coast State College will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.

Northwest Florida State College will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.

Pensacola State College will be closed Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, 2026.

FTCE/FELE Test Site Closures

Florida State University (Panama City Campus) will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.

Division of Blind Services and Vocational Rehabilitation Office Closures

Escambia County offices will remain closed Friday, October 9, 2026.

Okaloosa County offices will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.

Santa Rosa County offices will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.

State University System of Florida

Florida A&M University's (FAMU) main campus in Tallahassee will hold morning classes remotely and begin early dismissal at noon, with only essential employees remaining on duty. Afternoon classes are canceled.

FAMU's Crestview campus will operate virtually Friday, October 9.

The FAMU football game at Alabama State in Montgomery has been moved to Friday, October 9.

The Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine Regional Medical Campus in Pensacola will be closed Friday, October 9.

FSU's Tallahassee campuses will shift to remote classes and work from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, October 9. Campuses in Tallahassee will suspend normal business operations at noon Friday. This includes the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.

FSU's Panama City campus will be closed Friday, October 9.

FSU's Coastal and Marine Lab in St. Teresa will close Friday, October 9.

All University of West Florida (UWF) classes are canceled for the remainder of the week.

• All UWF locations, including the Pensacola campus, Fort Walton Beach campus, and UWF Historic Trust will resume normal operations Monday, October 12, unless conditions change.
• Saturday's UWF home football game against Northeastern State has been canceled. All other home athletic events through Sunday, October 11, have been postponed and will be rescheduled. Visit GoArgos.com for further information.
  

Students are encouraged to monitor official university communications and alerts for safety updates and guidance.

To sign up 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.

DMS is preparing additional Requests for Quotations for private security guard services to ensure robust asset and personnel protection for pre-landfall shelter operations and post-impact points of distribution.

The DMS Division of Telecommunications continues to monitor the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio Network for any disruptions and will respond accordingly.

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

Starlink deployment vendor Tidal Basin is on-site at the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) warehouse and has begun work on associated mission requests.

Telecommunications vendor partners are pre-staging assets for post-landfall deployment.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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 pre-authorized 242 Disaster Debris Management Sites for counties included in the Governor's Executive Order to temporarily stage debris that may result from the storm. These sites are a critical component of expediting cleanup and reducing environmental and public health impacts following the 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.

FloridaCommerce

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 [email protected].

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 preparing 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. The following locations have announced closures:

• CareerSource Chipola (all locations except Marianna): Closed through Friday, October 9, 2026.
• CareerSource Escarosa: Closed through Friday, October 9, 2026.
• CareerSource Gulf Coast (all locations): Closed Friday, October 9, 2026.
  
• CareerSource North Central Florida: Closing at noon Friday, October 9, 2026.
• CareerSource Okaloosa Walton (all locations): Closed through Friday, October 9, 2026.

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 Department of Revenue offices in Crestview, Marianna, Panama City, and Pensacola will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026.

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 201 Florida Housing-financed rental developments, totaling 15,629 units, within the 25 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 coordinating with Community Emergency Response Teams to identify response capabilities and support 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.

Volunteer Florida has begun coordinating calls with Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) partners.