5 Critical Things You Must Know About Florida's State Of Emergency Declarations (Latest 2025 Updates)

Understanding the current state of emergency (SOE) landscape in Florida is more crucial than ever, as the Sunshine State manages multiple, simultaneous declarations covering everything from extreme weather to long-term policy issues. As of today, December 19, 2025, Florida is actively addressing the impacts of recent weather events, including the aftermath of a May 2025 tornado and the preparations for a major winter system earlier this year, alongside an indefinitely extended emergency declaration related to illegal migration. This complex web of executive orders highlights the broad authority granted to the Governor and the immediate activation of critical resources like the statewide price gouging hotline. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, remains at the forefront of coordinating the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) to manage these diverse threats, ensuring rapid deployment of aid and the suspension of regulations to expedite relief efforts. Whether you are a resident, a business owner, or a contractor, knowing the specific rules and powers activated during a Florida SOE is essential for safety, compliance, and preparedness.

The 2025 Florida State of Emergency Roster: Recent Declarations and Key Entities

Florida, known for its proactive stance on disaster preparedness, has seen several significant State of Emergency declarations in 2025, demonstrating the state’s need to respond to a wide range of crises beyond the typical hurricane season.

Governor Ron DeSantis and Executive Orders (EO)

• Full Name: Ronald Dion DeSantis
• Title: Governor of Florida
• Primary SOE Authority: Florida Statute Chapter 252
• Key 2025 Executive Orders: EO 25-13 (Winter Weather), EO on Illegal Migration (Ongoing Extension), Renewal for Holmes County Tornado Damage.
• Duration Limit: An Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency is limited to a duration of not more than 60 days, but it may be renewed by the Governor as necessary during the duration of the emergency.

Key Agencies and Entities Activated During an SOE

• Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM): The primary agency responsible for planning and responding to both natural and man-made emergencies, led by the State Coordinating Officer.
• State Emergency Response Team (SERT): A multi-agency team that coordinates the state’s response efforts, including operations, logistics, and finance.
• Attorney General Ashley Moody: Responsible for activating and enforcing the state’s price gouging laws.
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT): Essential for transportation and logistics during an emergency, often working at the State Emergency Operations Center.
• Florida Department of Health: Provides public health guidance and services during a crisis.

The Latest 2025 State of Emergency Updates

The most recent declarations underscore the variety of threats Florida faces:

1. The January 2025 Winter Weather System (EO 25-13):

On January 20, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 25-13, declaring a statewide State of Emergency in preparation for a significant winter storm system. This declaration was unusual for Florida, as it specifically cited the likelihood of hazardous winter weather, including potential snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The SOE was a critical step in mobilizing resources to protect residents and infrastructure from uncharacteristic cold and ice. Attorney General Ashley Moody immediately activated the Price Gouging Hotline in response to this weather threat.

2. Continuous Extension of the Illegal Migration SOE:

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One of Florida’s longest-running States of Emergency is related to illegal migration. This declaration is being continuously extended and is set to continue indefinitely. The SOE grants the Governor specific powers to manage the situation, which has included the suspension of 25 different rules and regulations to enhance the state's response capabilities.

3. Renewal for Holmes County Tornado Damage:

In a demonstration of the SOE’s use for long-term recovery, Governor DeSantis renewed emergency provisions for Holmes County on July 10, 2025. This renewal was necessary to continue supporting the recovery efforts for damage sustained from a series of tornadoes that struck the area in May 2025.

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Understanding the Governor's Expanded Powers During an SOE

A State of Emergency declaration is not merely a formality; it is a legally defined mechanism under Florida Statute Chapter 252 that significantly expands the powers of the Governor and key state agencies. The Governor is legally responsible for meeting the dangers presented to the state and its people by emergencies.

The Five Major Powers Activated

1. Activation of Price Gouging Laws:

This is arguably the most immediate and impactful consequence for consumers and businesses. When a State of Emergency is declared, Florida's price gouging law is automatically activated. This law prohibits excessive increases in the prices of essential commodities—such as food, water, ice, gasoline, lumber, and hotel rooms—during the emergency period. Violators can face significant penalties, including fines of up to $1,000 per offense. The Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline becomes the primary tool for citizens to report suspected violations.

2. Suspension of Regulations and Statutes:

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The Governor is empowered to suspend or waive any regulatory statute, rule, or order that would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency. This is crucial for rapid response, allowing for quicker deployment of personnel and resources. For instance, the immigration SOE suspended 25 specific rules to aid in its enforcement goals.

3. Commandeering and Utilization of Property:

In extreme circumstances, the Governor has the authority to commandeer or utilize any private property, including vehicles, equipment, and supplies, deemed necessary to cope with the emergency. This power is reserved for situations where public resources are insufficient to meet the immediate danger.

4. Intervention in Situations of Violence:

The Governor is authorized and empowered to intervene in any situation where there exists violence or overt threats of violence to persons or property. This ensures public order can be maintained during periods of extreme duress or civil unrest resulting from the emergency.

5. Mobilization of the National Guard:

An SOE provides the legal framework for the Governor to order the active deployment of the Florida National Guard to assist with security, logistics, and disaster relief operations across the affected areas. This is a common action during major hurricanes or large-scale crises.

What a Local State of Emergency Means for Residents

While a statewide State of Emergency is issued by the Governor, a local State of Emergency (LSOE) is declared by a county or municipality. This is a critical distinction, as it allows local governments to access specific resources and enact local ordinances tailored to their immediate needs.

The Role of Local Declarations

A local declaration, such as the one recently issued by Lake County in response to a rain event, serves several key purposes:

• Resource Allocation: It allows the local government to bypass normal procurement rules to quickly purchase necessary supplies and services.
• Inter-Agency Coordination: It mobilizes county-level emergency personnel and places the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at an elevated activation level (e.g., Level 2).
• State and Federal Aid Eligibility: Declaring a local emergency is often the first step required to qualify for financial assistance from the state government or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following a major disaster.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords for Preparedness

For Florida residents, the concept of a State of Emergency should be a trigger for personal preparedness. Key entities and actions to consider include:

• Emergency Kit: Preparing a disaster supply kit with food, water, and essential medications.
• Evacuation Orders: Understanding your county’s evacuation zones and following mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders issued by local officials.
• Alert Florida: Subscribing to the state’s emergency alert system for real-time updates.
• Shelter Locations: Knowing the nearest designated emergency shelters.
• Disaster Relief Funding: Understanding the process for applying for individual assistance or public assistance after a major disaster declaration.

The recent 2025 declarations—covering an unprecedented winter storm, continuous immigration challenges, and ongoing tornado recovery—are clear reminders that Florida’s emergency management is a year-round, multi-faceted operation. Staying informed about the latest Executive Orders and understanding the powers they activate is the most effective way to navigate the challenges presented by a State of Emergency in Florida. The continuous renewal of SOEs for complex issues like illegal migration demonstrates a shift toward using these powers not just for acute natural disasters, but for long-term policy and security challenges as well.

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