The state of emergency declaration signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in response to the then tropical depression Nine, which became tropical storm Isaias on Wednesday, does not mean that all of Florida automatically enters evacuation, closes schools, or imposes general restrictions on the population. Its primary effect is to activate legal and administrative tools to respond more quickly in the counties threatened by the system.
The Executive Order 26-202, signed on October 6, took effect immediately and will remain in force for 60 days, unless extended.
The measure covers 25 counties: Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Walton, Wakulla, and Washington.
DeSantis declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure in anticipation of heavy rains, flooding, strong winds, storm surges, and tornadoes, particularly in northern Florida and the Panhandle.
What happens to prices during the emergency?
One of the most direct consequences for consumers is the activation of the rules against excessive prices.
Section 9 of the order states that, in accordance with Florida Statute 501.160, it is illegal to sell, rent, or offer essential goods or services at a price deemed excessive or abusive within the counties included in the declaration.
Protection may include items and services essential as a direct result of the emergency, including supplies, provisions, equipment, and other essential goods
In other words, a state of emergency declaration does not freeze all prices, but it does activate legal mechanisms to pursue extraordinary price increases on essential products related to the disaster.
Can you get medications before the storm arrives?
Yes. The order authorizes pharmacies to perform an emergency refill of up to 30 days of maintenance medications for residents of the counties covered by the declaration.
The measure also applies to certain members of emergency teams who have been activated by a state or local agency, even if they do not reside in one of those counties.
Furthermore, hospitals with specific institutional pharmacies located within the declared area may prescribe and dispense enough medication for up to 72 hours.
Are they going to remove the tolls?
Not necessarily. The order authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation to suspend toll collection on the Turnpike and other public roads if deemed necessary to facilitate an evacuation or emergency assistance.
This means that the declaration alone does not automatically make tolls free. The suspension would need to be activated later if the conditions require it.
The Department of Transportation can also control traffic flow, close roads or specific sections, and temporarily modify certain rules applicable to vehicles transporting supplies, equipment, and emergency personnel.
Do schools automatically become shelters?
No. The order stipulates that primary and secondary schools, community colleges, universities, and other public facilities suitable for use as shelters must be available when local emergency management authorities request them.
This does not mean that all the schools in those counties have been closed or automatically converted into shelters. Local authorities will decide which facilities need to be used.
Does the declaration close the schools?
No. Executive Order 26-202 does not mandate a general closure of schools. What it establishes is a system for school districts to report any closures they decide to implement and to keep that information updated at the state level.
Are there mandatory evacuations?
Neither. DeSantis' statement does not contain a general evacuation order.
Decisions regarding evacuations can be made later by the competent authorities as the threat evolves. The order itself explicitly acknowledges the authority of local jurisdictions to take measures aimed at protecting lives and property, including the possibility of ordering evacuations when necessary.
Is a curfew necessary?
No. The order does not establish a curfew for the 25 counties.
In fact, one of its sections addresses what would happen if a local authority later imposed such restrictions: specific vehicles transporting only essential goods could be granted permission to operate even within evacuated areas or during a curfew, as long as the conditions established by the state emergency coordinator are met.
What happens if you lose your license, plate, or title during the emergency?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is authorized to wave certain fees for obtaining duplicates or replacements of documents affected by bad weather.
These include driver's licenses, identification cards, license plates, vehicle registrations and titles, parking permits for the disabled, and documents related to vessels. Fees for late renewals or applications may also be waived when the delay is due to weather conditions.
The provision does not necessarily mean that each fee has disappeared since the order was signed, but it authorizes the agency to grant those exemptions when warranted by the effects of the emergency.
Can the National Guard intervene?
Yes. The order instructs the adjutant general to activate the Florida National Guard as necessary to respond to the emergency and grants equivalent authorization to mobilize the Florida State Guard.
The phrase "as necessary" is important: it does not necessarily mean that all its units have been deployed or that there is military presence in all declared counties.
Can doctors from other states work in Florida?
Yes, under specific conditions. Medical professionals, social workers, and counselors who hold a valid license from another state may provide services in Florida during the emergency to affected individuals.
To be eligible for this authorization, the service must be provided free of charge and under the auspices of the American Red Cross or the Florida Department of Health.
Can drones be used during the emergency?
The order temporarily relaxes certain restrictions to allow state and local agencies to use drones for emergency-related operations.
Its use is authorized to document damage from the air, assist in search, rescue, and recovery operations, and prevent imminent threats to life or serious damage to property.
What is happening with the shelters and public buildings?
In addition to making suitable facilities available to local authorities for shelters, the order allows state agencies to close buildings and public facilities when necessary and requires that these closures be reported to the state emergency management system.
Therefore, it is important to differentiate between the authority to close facilities and a general closure: the order allows for those decisions, but does not mandate that all public buildings in the 25 counties close.
What is happening with homeowners insurance?
The Executive Order 26-202 does not suspend the sale of homeowners insurance policies nor does it establish a prohibition on obtaining coverage.
As previously explained regarding the tropical threat, insurers may establish temporary periods during which they cease issuing new policies or modifying coverage when a storm is approaching. This practice is in accordance with the underwriting policies of the companies and is not part of this emergency declaration.
So, what does a state of emergency really mean for a resident?
In practical terms, this means that Florida can mobilize resources, personnel, equipment, and money more quickly, temporarily relax certain regulations, and anticipate needs that may arise before, during, and after Isaias.
For a person living in one of the 25 included counties, the most concrete measures are the possibility of obtaining maintenance medications in advance, protection against price gouging, potential assistance with certain DMV documents, and access to shelters if local authorities activate them.
But the declaration itself, does not order evacuations, does not close schools, does not impose curfews, and does not automatically suspend tolls. Those decisions depend on subsequent measures and the evolution of the storm.
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