Freedom First Budget Strengthens Disaster Response and Recovery Capabilities and Supports Florida World-Class Urban Search and Rescue Teams
~Governor DeSantis Signs 2022-2023 Budget and Invests in Building Resilient Communities Statewide~
Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) highlighted Governor DeSantis' commitment to disaster preparedness, response and mitigation through the signing of the 2022-2023 budget. The 2022-2023 budget ensures Florida's communities are prepared for future disasters through investments in first responder training, recovery funding and mitigation projects.
"I want to thank Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for remaining committed to building a more resilient Florida and maintaining the Division's position as a national leader in emergency management," said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “This year’s budget provides funding to enhance our ability to respond and recover from disasters, but it also empowers Florida’s communities to become resilient against the impact of future disasters.”
Key highlights from the FY 2022-2023 budget include:
- $1.6 billion for open federally-declared disasters to reimburse eligible response and recovery costs to local and state recipients impacted by recent disasters and to support the implementation of mitigation projects statewide.
- $80 million to continue construction of a new State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee. The SEOC serves as the communications and command center for state disaster response activities and this investment will continue to make Florida a leader in emergency management.
- $10 million to support the sustainment and training of Florida’s eight Urban Search and Rescue teams. Florida’s Urban Search and Rescue teams provide invaluable support to Floridians during disasters and this funding will help maintain and replace equipment for the teams and support training activities, including annual full-scale exercises to ensure the teams are prepared to respond to any disaster.
- $10 million for the Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program, which supports the construction or retrofit of public hurricane shelters and the Manufactured Housing and Mobile Home Mitigation and Enhancement Program.
$2.7 million to streamline the Division’s grant management system and support expedited preparedness, recovery and mitigation funding to Florida’s communities.
Updated: Tuesday, June 7, 2022
