Following the severe weather that impacted South Florida on June 11, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-115 declaring a state of emergency in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties.
The memorandum from Bryan Griffin, Director of Communications for Governor Ron DeSantis, states: "In the early hours of June 11, 2024, Invest 90L, a broad area of low pressure, began moving across the Florida Peninsula producing severe weather, widespread heavy rainfall with totals of 10 to 15 inches, and consequential flooding across portions of South Florida."
Preliminary reports indicate that the rainfall and flooding have affected critical infrastructure such as major interstates, roadways, airports, and schools. Additional rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecasted for South Florida over the next several days.
Governor DeSantis stated: "As Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to Florida and its people by this emergency."
Executive Order 24-115 includes several directives:
1. A major state of emergency is declared in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties.
2. The Director of the Division of Emergency Management is designated as the State Coordinating Officer for the duration of this emergency.
3. The Adjutant General is ordered to activate the Florida National Guard as needed.
4. Certain statutes may be suspended or waived to facilitate emergency response.
5. Sufficient funds will be made available by transferring monies from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund.
6. Actions taken by the Director before issuance are ratified.
7. Medical professionals from other states may render services free of charge under specific conditions during this emergency.
The executive order took immediate effect on June 12 and will expire in sixty days unless extended.