Governor Declares State of Emergency

As a result of Tropical Storm Debby, the Governor has issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in the entire state of Florida. 

The order does several things including (I will not go through the entire list here):

– Activates the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and appoints the Director of the Division of Emergency Management as the State Coordinating Officer ("SCO").

– Activates the Florida National Guard and places them under the direction of the SCO.

– Allows state, regional and local agencies to deviate from statutes, rules and orders to the extent that such actions are needed to cope with the emergency. This includes, but is not limited to, budgeting, leasing, travel, conditions of employment and compensation of employees. This provision expires within 30 days of the order unless extended by the Governor.

– Allows pharmacists to dispense a 30-day prescription refill for maintenance medication.

– Gives Agency heads the authority to abrogate any applications for permits and licenses and tolls the time requirements if the time has not yet expired for approval.

– Makes all public facilities, suitable for use as a shelter, available for use if directed by local emergency management.

– Seek assistance from, or reach agreements with, Federal Agencies as may be needed to deal with the emergency.

A copy of the entire order can be found here, and by clicking on #12-140 – Emergency Management/Tropical Storm Debby.