State Governor Ron Desantis (FL) | Ron Desantis Official Photo
State Governor Ron Desantis (FL) | Ron Desantis Official Photo
On May 10, 2024, following the severe weather that impacted North Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-94 (May North Florida Tornadoes). This order includes 12 counties under a state of emergency due to the severe weather affecting the state of Florida. The counties included in the executive order are Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla.
The executive order was issued in response to an intense thunderstorm that moved across the western United States in the early morning hours of May 10th. This storm brought severe weather across North Florida including numerous tornadoes and strong wind gusts which caused significant damage to critical state infrastructure. This included wind and tree fall damage to residences, businesses, powerlines and other infrastructure across North Florida.
In addition to the physical damage caused by these storms, thousands of Floridians in North Florida have lost power and are further impacted due to widespread debris caused by the tornadoes. Furthermore, several incidents of storm-related injuries have been reported to the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s State Watch Office.
State meteorologists have confirmed the possibility of additional lingering storms and severe weather later today for North Florida. As Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis has stated his responsibility to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.
To cope with this emergency situation effectively and efficiently Governor DeSantis has promulgated an Executive Order. This order declares a state of emergency in affected counties and designates the Director of Division of Emergency Management as State Coordinating Officer for this emergency duration. It also provides authority for necessary actions such as invoking Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), seeking direct assistance from federal agencies as needed and directing all state agencies as necessary among others.
The Executive Order also directs Adjutant General to activate Florida National Guard as needed and provides authorization for the suspension of certain statutes, rules, ordinances, and orders if they hinder necessary action in coping with the emergency.
The order is effective immediately and shall expire sixty (60) days from this date unless extended.
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