TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Monday in seven Florida counties after heavy rainfall caused flooding that threatened roads, schools, airports and other critical infrastructure.
Executive Order 26-227 covers Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties.
The declaration comes as flooding stranded vehicles and prompted warnings to stay off roads in West Melbourne. Severe weather also prompted Brevard Public Schools to cancel Monday’s classes.
What the emergency order authorizes
The order puts the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s executive director in charge of coordinating the state’s response, including rescue, evacuation and recovery operations.
It also authorizes:
- Activation of the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard as needed
- Requests for assistance from other states and the federal government
- Emergency funding through the state’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund
- Suspension of certain government procedures that could delay emergency work
- Use of suitable public facilities as shelters when requested by local emergency management agencies
The Florida Department of Transportation may waive tolls when necessary for emergency assistance or evacuation. The order also allows certain transportation restrictions to be waived to help move emergency supplies and equipment.
Provision addresses Election Day
With the general election scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, the order establishes a process for elections supervisors who cannot fully comply with certain state polling-place requirements.
Those supervisors must notify the Florida Department of State of any proposed partial or substitute measures. The measures require approval from Florida’s secretary of state.
Declaration takes effect immediately
The order says a broad area of low pressure brought widespread heavy rainfall across parts of Florida from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. Additional rain and thunderstorms could worsen flooding in already affected areas.
The declaration also includes price-gouging protections for essential goods and services in the seven counties.
The order took effect immediately upon signing Monday and remains in effect for 60 days unless extended.
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