FL Emergency Management News

Governor DeSantis Proposes $117.4B Floridians First 2026-2027 Budget

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida's proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget totaling $117.4 billion, including $16.75 billion in reserves and $250 million toward debt reduction. The proposal includes $9.7 billion in cumulative tax relief since taking office and $30.6 billion for K-12 public education at $9,406 per student. The budget also proposes ESG-related financial safeguards and DEI protections while cutting 354 positions as part of ongoing DOGE efficiency efforts.

Florida Opens New High-Tech State Emergency Operations Center

The Florida Division of Emergency Management announced the grand opening of a new State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee. The 208,400-square-foot facility more than doubles the operational space on the Emergency Operations Center floor and includes infrastructure built to withstand wind speeds of up to 200 mph, three backup generators, and a 95-by-13-foot video wall. The facility is designed to enhance coordination among local, state, and federal partners during disasters.

Florida Division of Emergency Management Celebrates 6th Annual Emergency Management Day at the Capitol

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) marked its 6th Annual Emergency Management Day at the Capitol, bringing together emergency management professionals and state leaders to recognize accomplishments in disaster response, recovery, and preparedness. FDEM and its partners assembled 500 disaster supply kits for elderly residents in flood-prone areas. FDEM also officially opened its new State Emergency Operations Center.

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Urges Wildfire Preparedness During Florida Wildfire Awareness Week

Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service issued a public advisory during Florida Wildfire Awareness Week (April 7, 2026) urging residents to prepare for an active wildfire season. The National Interagency Fire Center has predicted above-normal significant wildfire potential for Florida. Since January 2026, over 1,500 wildfires have burned more than 54,000 acres, and 20 counties have enacted burn bans.

Advises Cold Weather Preparedness Ahead of Incoming Cold Front

The Florida Division of Emergency Management issued a public advisory urging residents and visitors to prepare for an incoming cold front expected to bring the coldest temperatures of the winter season. Arctic air will push temperatures into the 20s with wind chills dropping into single digits in North Florida. The advisory promotes the Five P's of Cold Weather Preparedness: protect people, pets, plants, pipes, and practice fire safety.