Florida Division of Emergency Management

This Final Report, compiled by The President's Council, outlines a comprehensive plan for overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by introducing a transformed agency model. The plan proposes ten key recommendations: equipping states, local governments, tribes, and territories to lead disaster response; enhancing critical federal programs and resources; realigning criteria for federal disaster assistance; replacing the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program with a two-phase funding structure; streamlining the Individual Assistance Program into a single direct payment program; reforming the Public Assistance Program to provide direct funding; reforming the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program for financial stability and risk resilience; maximizing efficiency by reducing administrative costs; revitalizing a unified national network for partnership; and establishing a transformed agency focused on core missions. The strategic direction aims to create a more efficient, responsive, and resilient nation by decentralizing disaster management, reducing bureaucracy, strengthening partnerships, and empowering state and local entities to lead, with federal support.

This document outlines Florida's State Mitigation Strategy, primarily driven by the Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP). The plan, approved in 2023 and effective through August 2028, identifies natural hazards and risks, establishing goals and objectives to minimize fatalities, injuries, and property losses. It highlights Florida's 'Enhanced' status, which secures additional federal hazard mitigation funding. Key focus areas include addressing climate change, future conditions, social vulnerability, and fostering increased collaboration with stakeholders. The strategy is supported by the Mitigate FL workgroup, an interagency body that reviews and updates the SHMP and discusses mitigation initiatives.

The State of Florida Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan establishes a flexible, adaptable, and scalable framework for managing all hazards and disasters. It outlines roles and responsibilities for local, state, and federal emergency officials to ensure a unified approach to preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The plan aims to strengthen local government capabilities, coordinate resources, facilitate interagency collaboration, and provide technical assistance to protect lives, property, and livelihoods across Florida.

The 2020 Statewide Emergency Shelter Plan outlines a strategy to identify and address emergency shelter needs across Florida. It focuses on assessing existing and projecting future hurricane evacuation shelter space requirements by Regional Planning Council (RPC) regions for the next five years (2020-2025). Key priorities include identifying suitable facility types to comply with public shelter design criteria, recommending appropriate funding sources for construction and retrofitting, and integrating information on pet-friendly shelters. The plan aims to eliminate statewide hurricane evacuation shelter space deficits, enhance preparedness, resiliency, and improve response capabilities for disaster survivors.

The Elevate Florida Program Snapshot provides an update on a statewide initiative focused on improving home resilience through federal funding. It details the program's operational timeline, accomplishments, and an increased federal funding cap for mitigation reconstruction projects. Key activities highlighted include scheduling pre-construction inspections, conducting contractor kick-off events, and securing preliminary commitments from property owners, while also addressing common misconceptions regarding program funding.