Due to the recent impacts of hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced an extension for the application deadline of the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services Pilot Program. The new deadline is set for October 31, providing additional time for those affected by the storms to submit their applications.

Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about potential scams and fraud in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The hurricane struck Florida's West Coast on Wednesday night, causing severe weather conditions such as storm surge, flash flooding, tornadoes, and high winds across much of the state. In response to these events, Attorney General Moody advises residents to be cautious of scams related to debris removal, contractor services, and other disaster-related schemes.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a series of closures and schedule adjustments for its facilities in Florida due to Hurricane Milton. The affected dates are Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, 2024. Several VA healthcare systems across the state have altered their operations in response to the storm.

Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties in Florida due to the impending Hurricane Milton. This declaration, Executive Order 24-215, amends EO 24-214 as the hurricane is expected to intensify and impact a wide area. The storm poses significant risks, including storm surge, coastal flooding, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds.

Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and FloridaCommerce have collaborated with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) to waive no-pet policies at lodging establishments in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. This initiative is directed by Governor DeSantis to ensure that Floridians in evacuation zones can bring their pets along as they seek shelter.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Major General John D. Haas, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, addressed the state's preparedness for Hurricane Milton at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.

Attorney General Ashley Moody has announced the extension of Florida's Price Gouging Hotline following a state of emergency declaration for areas anticipating Tropical Storm Milton. The state's price gouging law is already in effect for counties under the emergency order due to Hurricane Helene and will now include regions affected by Milton.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the opening of the application period for Quarter 2 of the Atlantic Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) Project. Applications will be accepted starting October 4 and will remain open for ten days. This is the second opportunity in a series of four, with further application periods scheduled for January and April 2025.

Florida TaxWatch recently held a ceremony in Tallahassee to announce the winners of the 2024 Government Productivity Awards. This program aims to recognize state employees whose innovative efforts have enhanced state services, increased productivity, and saved money for Florida taxpayers. Over three decades, more than 16,000 nominations have been submitted, with these employees credited for saving or maximizing nearly $10 billion in state funds.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its endorsement of Mike Haridopolos for election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 8th Congressional District. The NFIB, recognized as a leading advocate for small businesses in the United States, highlighted Haridopolos' history of supporting policies beneficial to small businesses during his tenure in the Florida legislature.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its endorsement of Representative Laurel Lee for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 15th Congressional District. This endorsement highlights Rep. Lee's support for small businesses during her tenure in Congress.

FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for businesses and residents affected by Hurricane Helene. This assistance is intended for those whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the hurricane and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible individuals are encouraged to submit their claims at FloridaJobs.org.

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd reminded Florida voters of the October 7, 2024, voter registration deadline for the November 5, 2024, General Election. Floridians can check their voter registration status or register to vote at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the launch of Operation Blue Ridge, a multi-state agency response to aid North Carolina and Tennessee in their recovery from Hurricane Helene. The operation involves several Florida agencies, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a Florida Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a dedicated Law Enforcement Strike Team.

Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced the launch of a new Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program aimed at supporting Florida farmers affected by Hurricane Helene. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to those who have suffered losses due to the hurricane.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis, Major General John D. Haas of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Purdue provided updates on preparedness efforts ahead of Hurricane Helene at the State Emergency Operations Center. As of 8:00 am ET, Hurricane Helene has intensified to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and higher gusts. The hurricane is expected to strengthen further and reach the Florida Big Bend coast tonight as a major hurricane.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209, amending a previous order to expand the state of emergency in Florida to 61 counties ahead of Hurricane Helene.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-208, Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, declaring a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties ahead of the storm. The weather is expected to strengthen and cover a large area, affecting regions beyond its center into Florida. There is a considerable risk of storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, as well as damaging winds. Preparation is critical to staying safe and minimizing severe weather impacts. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)...

The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) has issued a proclamation concerning potential Tropical Cyclone Nine. The announcement is directed towards Florida state-chartered financial institutions and securities professionals.