Governor Ron DeSantis announces approval of Florida’s Major Disaster Declaration

August 31, 2023

Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at Steinhatchee this afternoon

Press release from the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor DeSantis announced that President Biden has approved Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Idalia, allowing for the reimbursement of debris removal and authorizing individual assistance for those impacted by the storm in seven counties: Citrus, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Taylor. Governor DeSantis originally requested the Major Disaster Declaration for 25 counties, and additional counties may be approved in the coming days after the completion of ongoing damage assessments.

The Declaration makes federal funding available to governments and eligible nonprofit organizations in the affected areas for debris removal and emergency protective measures on a cost-sharing basis. Specifically, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is authorized to cover 100 percent of eligible costs for a period of 30 days beginning at the state’s choosing. The Governor requested the Declaration immediately upon landfall of Hurricane Idalia to ensure that the State can quickly move forward into response and recovery. The letter with this request can be found here. For assistance, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

Following the impact of Hurricane Idalia, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) deployed hurricane recovery and mitigation experts into impacted counties to conduct rapid damage assessments. By conducting these damage assessments quickly and comprehensively, the Division was able to submit documentation to FEMA justifying the need for individual assistance in seven impacted counties. The Division continues to work closely with every county impacted by the storm to assess needs and begin the process of distributing recovery funding.

Finally a press release from the governor acknowledging Biden and the feds help. Biden told him Monday that all necessary help will be provided. We want our leaders to work together on problems like this and avoid politicizing it.

Miami Herald 8/30:

“President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned that Hurricane Idalia was continuing to wreak havoc on the southeast United States but lauded the work of emergency responders and state officials, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Democratic president said he and the Republican governor — himself a 2024 presidential candidate — have put aside politics to focus on protecting Florida’s residents, just as he says they did during recovery efforts last year after Hurricane Ian. “I think he trusts my judgment and my desire to help, and I trust him to be able to suggest this is not about politics, this is about taking care of the people of his state,” said Biden, speaking from the White House.”