Gov. DeSantis issues updates on state response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Isaias

In Jay, DeSantis highlighted the state’s efforts to safely reopen schools and provide additional recovery resources to impacted Floridians. The Governor announced that 11 Points of Distribution are now operating across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties, providing free water, shelf-stable meals, ice, tarps and other essential supplies to residents impacted by the storm.

Governor DeSantis also announced that power has been restored to 95% of customers in areas impacted by Hurricane Isaias, following nearly 450,000 outages at the height of the storm.

In Vernon, DeSantis announced $2.6 million in Rural Infrastructure Fund awards for Washington County to support roadway improvements, downtown revitalization and economic development. These awards are part of nearly $27 million awarded to 14 small and rural communities across Florida.

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin at approximately 9:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 9, as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. The storm brought damaging winds across Northwest Florida, with gusts reaching 116 mph in portions of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

State Preparedness and Public Safety

Florida State Guard

The FSG deployed nearly 400 soldiers to support recovery efforts, including damage assessments, debris removal, roadway clearance, distribution operations, and search and rescue missions.

The Crisis Response Battalion has deployed four amphibious rescue teams, 10 cut-and-toss teams, six skid steer teams, and five transportation teams to support debris removal, rescue operations, and the movement of critical supplies.

Seven UAS teams are conducting aerial reconnaissance, damage assessments, search and rescue operations, and monitoring storm impacts.

FSG is providing aerial reconnaissance and live footage to the State Emergency Operations Center, including assessments of critical infrastructure, beaches, flooding, and debris.

FSG UAS and cut-and-toss teams are supporting the FEMA Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment team by clearing routes for them to access impacted areas.

FSG continues coordinating with FHP, FWC, and FDEM to support recovery operations throughout impacted communities.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Emergency Preparedness Bureau is actively coordinating the state law enforcement response to affected areas. They have coordinated with law enforcement partners for 66 total missions over 8 impacted counties during Hurricane Isias preparation and recovery.

FDLE is coordinating assets to impacted areas from Hurricane Isaias, including equipment and mobile command posts, backup satellite and communications systems, and aviation assets at strategic locations. Portable towers are staged for emergency communications.

FDLE Jacksonville Regional Operation Center (JROC) sent an Incident Management Team (IMT) to Pensacola, FL, to reinforce operations in the Pensacola Region.

FDLE helped coordinate vendor provided resources to support the Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA) base camp in Santa Rosa County to include bunk houses, restroom trailers, and shower trailers.

FDLE aviation facilitated partner agency aircraft repairs, restoring operational capability to assist with storm recovery efforts.

FDLE UAS teams conducted LIDAR mapping of impacted areas for damage assessment.

FDLE aviation assets were deployment to assist with damage assessments and law enforcement support for impacted areas.

FDLE is coordinating fuel services along Interstate 10 for local law enforcement. First responder refueling locations have been identified along the Interstate 10 corridor.

FDLE is coordinating enhanced law enforcement patrols to keep traffic control equipment from being tampered with.

FDLE is coordinating with the Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard to staff the security missions with the best resources for the missions.

Florida Department of Military Affairs

The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has approximately 2,013 Soldiers and Airmen activated, staged throughout impact area. Units are conducting search and rescue, route clearance, ground and air reconnaissance, humanitarian assistance (HA), protection of critical infrastructure, flood mitigation missions as well as supporting state and local officials with high-wheeled vehicle support.

The FLNG has more than 1,300 tactical high-wheeled vehicles, 10 Zodiac boats, and 50 construction/route clearance vehicles available for this mission.

Additionally, FLNG have eight helicopters (one CH-47, one HH-60, and six UH-60) available.

The FLNG has completed 62 missions of 81 missions assigned by the SEOC, including:

• Cleared more than 12,536 cubic acres of debris and 1,700 miles of roadway
• Distributed 17,441 cases of water, 8,387 MREs, 14,328 bags of ice and 9,937 tarps.
• 34.7 flight hours for search-and-rescue and damage assessment.
• Assisted with the relocation of 50 special needs residents.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

In addition to the 75 local Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers, 28 additional FWC officers deployed to areas impacted by Hurricane Isaias with additional specialized equipment including:

• 10 airboats
• 18 shallow-draft boats
• Nine ATVs and side-by-sides
• Six larger platform vessels
• 75 four-wheel-drive vehicles
• Four swamp buggies

FWC officers worked together with local officers to identify derelict vessels in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties and applied stickers to vessels already identified as derelict.

In response to requests from members of the public, FWC officers responded to residences to assist in clearing fallen trees from homes and applied tarps to roofs. FWC officers also cleared trees from areas inaccessible to emergency vehicles, provided high visibility nighttime patrol in affected areas.

FWC is preparing for demobilization of deployed officers and equipment.

Florida Department of Corrections

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is currently in storm response and recovery.

• At FDC Institutions: All facilities are secure, and all inmates have been accounted for. Staff accountability is complete.
• In FDC Circuits: The Office of Community Corrections has resumed fieldwork operations. Staff accountability is complete.

FDC has mobilized damage assessments teams in Region I and Region II to survey impacts. At this time, minor damages have been reported at institutions in Region I, and no damage has been reported in Region II.

FDC institutions impacted by the storm have safely returned to operating on commercial power and repopulation of evacuated locations have been completed.

FDC posts public updates at FDC.MyFlorida.com/weather-updates.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has initiated wellness checks on staff and youth in impacted areas. Youth and staff in DJJ facilities are accounted for and safe. There is minimal damage to facilities, and DJJ will continue its post-storm recovery efforts including the continued assessment of facilities and post-storm clean-up.

DJJ continues to coordinate with its staff, providers, and law enforcement partners to ensure juvenile assessment centers and detention screening units remain operational post-storm.

Youth on community supervision with office appointments will be given specific instructions from their juvenile probation officers about office closures.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers continue supporting recovery operations by clearing roadways, escorting utility crews and critical supplies, managing traffic, and monitoring flooding, including:

• Four Troopers are assisting FDOT with traffic control in Santa Rosa County at SR87/Springhill Rd.

FHP Troopers are providing storm-recovery security in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties, including protecting utility crews, patrolling to deter generator and fuel theft, and securing POD locations.

Four FHP cut teams have completed 60 debris removal missions, while 47 Quick Response Force personnel are assisting with roadway clearance and emergency response.

201 troopers are operating across impacted areas and the Central Panhandle, including managing intersections in Milton and maintaining a law enforcement presence along I-10.

FHP UAS teams are conducting damage assessments, monitoring rising floodwaters, and supporting search and rescue operations.

FHP’s Aviation Unit are supporting recovery efforts, evaluating traffic and roadway conditions and monitoring river flood levels and its impacts on bridges, roadways and communities.

Two high-water rescue vehicles and seven skid steers are staged to support ongoing recovery efforts.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued an emergency order waiving certain commercial vehicle requirements, motorist fees, and late renewal penalties to support recovery efforts.

Health and Human Services

Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Outpatient Clinics in Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base, Panama City, Marianna, and Tallahassee are closed and scheduled to re-open on Tuesday, October 13.

Homeless Veterans in the Florida Panhandle may contact the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues monitoring facilities, providers, and clients in storm-impacted areas, with no unmet needs reported.

APD-operated facilities are supporting 436 residents, with an additional 14 hospitalized. Sunland Center experienced temporary power outages and downed trees but reported no structural damage.

APD is monitoring 145 group homes serving 700 residents across affected counties. One group home in Panama City relocated residents as a precaution, with no unmet needs reported.

APD continues outreach to more than 2,700 clients living in family homes or independent and supported living settings to assess needs and aid.

APD has established regional emergency reporting channels and made emergency resources available to clients, families, and providers.

Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) continues supporting medical response and recovery efforts, including coordinating emergency medical services, distributing critical supplies, and addressing public health concerns.

DOH warehouse operations are running 24/7 to distribute critical medical supplies and resources.

Special Needs Shelter remain open in Santa Rosa counties.

Boil Water Notices remain in effect in seven counties: Escambia, Holmes, Jackson, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Walton, and Washington.

DOH is coordinating water service restoration for health care facilities in Escambia County and deploying environmental health resources to impacted communities.

Continued demobilizing resources, such as patient movement assets and responders.

Environmental Public Health Strike Team (EPHST) are mobilizing to Santa Rosa.

Two County health departments reported closure: Escambia, Santa Rosa. DOH is providing public health guidance on generator safety, flooding, safe drinking water, and other post-storm hazards.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) continues working with Medicaid managed care plans to ensure recipients have access to critical health care services following Hurricane Isaias.

All Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) plans remain fully operational, with call centers assisting recipients and conducting outreach to individuals with medically complex needs.

Early prescription refills remain available to Medicaid recipients in impacted counties.

Medicaid transportation services have experienced minimal disruptions, and plans continue coordinating with providers to ensure continuity of care.

Medicaid recipients needing assistance can contact their managed care plan or the Medicaid Helpline at 1-877-254-1055, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

AHCA surveyors continue conducting post-hurricane on-site visits to assess conditions at health care facilities.

Florida Department of Children and Families

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) continues supporting Hurricane Isaias response and recovery, coordinating more than 690 pallets of food, 290 pallets of water, 144 pallets of hygiene and cleanup supplies, and hot meal support for impacted communities.

DCF is supporting recovery sheltering in Okaloosa County and has mobilized a shelter support team, totaling 75 shelter personnel, 18 nursing support personnel, survivor shelter transportation vehicles, and a crisis counseling task force.

DCF is staffed a comfort center at 150 East Pond Street in Century, Florida, on October 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT, providing residents with access to restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, food and water, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, cooling tents, and a charging station.

DCF has completed outreach in impacted areas, contacting all caregivers and providers involved in active child protective investigations, children in out-of-home care, and adult protective services clients to identify unmet needs and connect individuals with resources.

Northwest Florida Health Network has activated resources to support impacted children in out-of-home care and individuals receiving behavioral health services.

DCF is conducting checks of licensed locations in impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and address unmet needs as it becomes safe to do so.

Floridians who currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits and lost food due to Hurricane Isaias may be eligible for replacement benefits. Eligible households in impacted counties may request replacement benefits through Monday, October 19, 2026. For more information, visit MyFLFamilies.com/Isaias. DCF is continuing to evaluate additional SNAP options for affected counties.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs

The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) coordinated with Area Agencies on Aging in storm-impacted areas to assess senior needs and provide critical resources.

Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging staff contacted nearly 700 seniors to assess needs and provide assistance.

Advantage Aging Solutions contacted more than 1,400 seniors, completed 391 wellness checks, and provided 415 meals, along with water and tarps in Gadsden County.

Elder Options initiated 646 calls to seniors across six impacted counties and coordinated with local service providers.

Ahead of the storm, service providers distributed 1,624 shelf-stable meals to seniors to support hurricane preparedness.

Two CARES assessors are deploying to a DOH operated Special Needs Shelter in Walton County (DeFuniak Springs) to compete assessments and safe discharges for four evacuees remaining in the shelter who are unable to return to their pre-storm residence due to damage to the home and/or utility disruption.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Education

Florida Department of Transportation|

FDOT has over 1,100 team members activated for storm response.

A variety of equipment are in the field and working through various missions:

• 260 pieces of heavy equipment,1,400 generators, 100 pumps, 30 UAV teams

All state-owned bridges have been inspected and are open for travel.

All interstates and major arterial roadways cleared less than 8 hours of landfall.

Crews completed Cut and Toss efforts on all state-owned roadways.

98% of traffic signals are operational in the storm-impacted area.

Executive Order is in place to waive standard size and weight restrictions for commercial vehicles transporting fuel, emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agriculture commodities.

Toll collections are suspended on Mid-Bay Bridge and Spence Parkway in Okaloosa County and Garcon Point Bridge in Santa Rosa County.

FDOT completed emergency road repairs at Grayton Beach State Park in 16 hours.

Road and Bridge Closures and Detours

Download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for real-time road/bridge closures and potential detours.

Remember to never drive through flooded areas. The roadway beneath the water may conceal debris, or even power lines. Turn Around; Don’t Drown

Transportation Modes Updates

Seaports

• All seaports are open and operational.

Airports

• All commercial service airports are open and operational. Check with airlines directly on specific flight updates.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) continues coordinating with Florida’s fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available across Florida.

The Florida Forest Service (FFS) established chainsaw crews to support response operations. Heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, skid steers, excavators, and dump trucks, is being prepared to respond as needed for road-clearing activities.

FDACS prepared fuel inspectors for post-storm deployment to impacted areas to ensure retail fuel dispensers are operating properly and to test fuel quality.

FDACS prepared food safety inspectors for post-storm deployment to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of permitted food establishments.

FDACS is coordinating with agricultural partners to ensure producers have adequate resources and support.

Updates on State Forest closures can be found here.

FDACS is working to connect evacuating livestock and horse owners with open public and private facilities across the state.  A list of open facilities can be found here.

On October 8, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Isaias. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses, and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), and Mississippi.

Agricultural partners can request critical assistance for livestock and animals in critical need by completing this online request form or calling 863-993-5460.

On October 12, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson launched the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for impacted farmers, ranchers, growers, and producers to apply for interest-free loans. Eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers can use loans to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris or restock aquaculture.

UF/IFAS is surveying the agricultural losses and damages resulting from Hurricane Isaias. Producers can share information about impacts experienced at a farm, ranch, or aquaculture operation here.

Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education (DOE) continues to coordinate with school districts, state colleges and universities across Northwest Florida in response to Hurricane Isaias.

Numerous K-12 school districts, state colleges and universities throughout the Panhandle and North Florida reopened Monday, October 12, 2026.

Parents, students and employees should continue monitoring official school district, college and university communications for the latest updates.

For school closure information, visit FLDOE.org/storminfo.

For university-specific alerts and updates, visit FLBOG.edu/susfl-alert.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

DEP continues coordinating with drinking water, wastewater, and hazardous waste facilities to assess operational status and identify unmet needs.

• Drinking water facilities: 336 fully operational, 39 operating on backup power, and 3 non-operational.

• Wastewater facilities: 177 fully operational, 30 operating on backup power, and 1 non-operational.

DEP is coordinating the deployment of generators, fuel, pump trucks, and other resources to support impacted facilities, including potable water delivery to Baptist Hospital in Escambia County.

The Hazardous Assessment Response Teams (HART) are coordinating with local HAZMAT teams and the State Watch Office on response operations. One Hazardous Assessment Response Team (HART) is coordinating with state partners to conduct assessments in Destin Harbor and surrounding areas.

Preliminary beach and shoreline assessments are underway in Franklin, Gulf, and Walton counties, and assessments are complete in Bay, Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Engineering teams will begin detailed assessments of dunes to determine sand loss and recovery needs.

DEP is coordinating with federal and regional partners on flooding concerns in Crestview and along the Shoal River.

DEP issued an Emergency Final Order expediting debris management and repairs to storm-damaged infrastructure.

53 of 260 pre-authorized Disaster Debris Management Sites have been activated to support cleanup operations.

28 Florida State Parks have reopened. Updated Park closures are available at FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates

Business, Consumer and Workforce Resources

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Division of Regulation

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has 12 Division of Regulation teams members deployed to hurricane-affected areas to conduct outreach and monitor for unlicensed activity.

Working with FloridaCommerce strike teams, Regulation teams visited 79 businesses in Pensacola Beach and Tiger Point. Of those, 39 were open and received DBPR and Commerce resources.

Department leadership also joined FloridaCommerce on proactive outreach visits to Century, Jay, Milton and Pace, meeting with business owners and city leadership to distribute business recovery information.

Additional Regulation teams at DFS Insurance Villages in Destin and Pensacola assisted homeowners with contractor licensing and other DBPR questions.

Further, the Division conducted proactive outreach and sweeps, including 76 license checks that identified various advertisements for suspected unlicensed activity for immediate investigation.

DBPR promoted RebuildRightFL.com and its post-storm recovery resources through a July–September broadcast campaign. A separate TV, radio and social campaign is currently directing consumers to DBPR’s unlicensed activity and recovery resources.

Division of Hotels & Restaurants

Our Division of Hotels & Restaurants DBPR has proactively communicated with more than 94,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide and food safety resources.

As of 6:30AM today, the Division has also completed more than 476 assessments of affected businesses, helping ensure that restaurants can safely reopen and resume operations.

Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco

Through October 12, DBPR’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco visited 514 licensed locations on October 11, focusing on coastal areas from Mexico Beach westward. Agents found 223 locations completely closed for business, with Escambia and Okaloosa County appearing to be the most heavily impacted area.

Division of Service Operations

Our Division of Service Operations has expedited more than 275 contractors’ applications so that contractors, including roofers, are ready to work in the impacted areas.

DBPR has filed Emergency Orders 2026-01 and Amended Emergency Order 2026-02, which issued at the direction of Governor DeSantis in response to Hurricane Isaias, which in part allows food service businesses to operate temporary food kitchens and encourages impacted food service businesses to take advantage of this option as the Department works to help them re-open as soon as possible. Food service operators can register their temporary kitchens here.

DBPR reached out to over 101,637 Florida-licensed contractors, encouraging those who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with the Florida Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) at DCNOnline.org. As of October 12, the DCN recorded nearly 950 new contractor and supplier registrations, bringing its total to 7,400 registered contractors and suppliers.

FloridaCommerce

FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available in short-term, zero-interest loans for businesses impacted by Hurricane Isaias. Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/DisasterRecovery/EBL  to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Interested applicants can apply now through November 25, 2026, or until all available funds are exhausted.

FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Isaias. A total of 141 surveys have been completed.  Businesses can report damages at FloridaDisaster.biz by selecting “Hurricane Isaias” from the dropdown menu.

FloridaCommerce continues coordinating with more than 200 private sector partners across the state to support recovery efforts and provide updated business operating statuses on FloridaDisaster.biz.

FloridaCommerce staff have made 617 calls to rural and small businesses in affected areas to assess their needs following the storm.

FloridaCommerce, in partnership with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Florida SBDC Network, has deployed strike teams to conduct business-to-business canvassing, connecting directly with business owners impacted by Hurricane Isaias and providing information about the Business Damage Assessment Survey, Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans, and other recovery resources. In the first day, teams have connected with 121 businesses in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

FloridaCommerce and Emergency Support Function 18 (ESF-18) are hosting daily briefings with private sector partners from 2–3 p.m., with more than 70 leaders of business agencies and associations joining the calls. For information, email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.

FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida are coordinating with 10 Local Workforce Development Boards and 14 Community Action Agencies across affected counties to assess recovery needs and available resources.

FloridaCommerce is coordinating with private sector partners, including FloridaMakes, to secure lodging and staging areas for first responders and recovery crews.

Lowe’s will be hosting Bucket Brigades Tuesday, October 13 beginning at 10 AM CT at the following Lowe’s locations:

• Ensley
• Gulf Breeze
• Milton
• Panama City Beach
• DeFuniak Springs

Each bucket includes recovery supplies such as sponges, flashlights, bottled water, trash bags, goggles and hand sanitizer.

Uber is offering free round-trip rides, up to $40 each way, to and from state-approved evacuation shelters. Residents can enter promotional code ISAIAS26 in the Uber app before requesting a ride. Participating shelters are listed at FloridaDisaster.org/Shelters.

AT&T is waiving overage charges to provide unlimited talk, text, and data for postpaid and prepaid customers in impacted ZIP codes from October 9 through November 7. AT&T is also offering 25% off power accessories at participating retail locations.

Comcast has opened more than 26,000 public Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots across Florida’s Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Hotspots are available at no cost to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity customers.

Spectrum has opened 1,541 free WiFi access points across 540 ZIP codes in states throughout the Southeast region, available to everyone, not just Spectrum customers. Access will remain open through recovery, including 24 hours after power is restored. A mobile WiFi trailer is also en route to Pensacola State College in Florida.

Additional Spectrum crews from Texas, the Carolinas and Virginia are traveling to impacted areas to support local restoration efforts. Additional updates and resources can be located at www.spectrum.net/page/spectrum-storm-center.

On October 11, 2026, Walmart deployed a FREE community Wi-Fi and phone charging station at its Destin Supercenter to help residents stay connected as power and communication services are restored. Walmart Supercenter #1362 is located at 15017 Emerald Coast Pkwy
Destin, FL 32541.

Walmart continues coordinating store reopenings, fuel transportation, and supply chain operations to support impacted communities. Walmart also prepositioned several truckloads of supplies to support immediate post-storm response and recovery.

Walmart is working with the Salvation Army to coordinate recovery assistance and with Convoy of Hope to provide gift cards for clothing and essential items at three stabilization centers in Bay, Escambia, and Okaloosa counties.

Also, in partnership with Tyson Foods, Walmart began free hot meals and water distribution at Walmart’s locations in Milton and Pensacola with additional services including free Wi-Fi and charging with ITDRC, and mobile showers and laundry through Matthew 25: Ministries, Tide Loads of Hope, Walmart and P&G.

FloridaCommerce’s Private Sector Hotline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (850) 815-4925 or by email at ESF18@em.myflorida.com. Additional business recovery resources and information are available at FloridaDisaster.biz.

VISIT FLORIDA

VISIT FLORIDA has activated emergency accommodation resources through partnerships with Expedia, Priceline and Booking.com providing impacted Floridians and visitors with real-time hotel availability and lodging options during emergencies.

Florida Department of Lottery

The Florida Lottery has approximately 127 terminals down in Northwest Florida impacting 109 retailers.

Florida Department of Financial Services

Insurance Assistance Hubs are now open in Pensacola (University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Parking Lot B) and Destin (Morgan Sports Complex, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail) to help Hurricane Isaias victims navigate insurance claims. Both locations open October 12, 2026, with hours generally from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Floridians are encouraged to bring supporting documentation if possible, including photo ID, insurance cards and policy information, and photos or other documentation of storm damage. Insurance carriers will be on-site to assist with claims and may issue checks.

For assistance or to report fraud: Call the Department of Financial Services at 1-877-693-5236 or visit MyFloridaCFO.com/Division/Consumers. Report suspected insurance fraud at 1-800-378-0445 or FraudFreeFlorida.com.

Office of Financial Regulation

The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued a proclamation to more than 3,700 financial institutions and securities professionals.

OFR offers online resources at FLOFR.gov/education/disaster-resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services providers, including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.

Florida Department of Revenue

Florida law allows exporters, petroleum carriers, and importers to request a temporary fuel tax license during a disaster or declared state of emergency. Out-of-state applicants are not required to submit a fee, secure bonding, or undergo a background check if they apply for and receive a temporary fuel tax license. Visit Florida’s Fuel Tax webpage for more information on the temporary fuel tax licensing program: FloridaRevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/fuel.aspx.

Florida Statutes provide direction for property affected by a catastrophic event. The Department of Revenue has created two helpful resources to assist homeowners:

• A Florida Homeowner’s Guide: Disaster Damage – This brochure explains how property taxes are handled when a property is damaged or destroyed.
• Frequently Asked Questions for the Catastrophic Event Refund – This document answers common questions about a catastrophic event refund.

Volunteer and Nonprofit Coordination

Volunteer Florida

Volunteer Florida is coordinating with more than 100 Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (FLVOAD) partners to support response and recovery efforts.

Identifying staging locations and beginning distribution of food buckets, cleanup kits, hygiene supplies, and tools.

Working with partners through Operation Clear Path to provide disaster cleanup and debris removal assistance to vulnerable populations.

Airbnb.org is partnering with Florida’s 211 network and regional organizations to provide free emergency housing for residents under mandatory evacuation orders and relief personnel.

Disaster assistance hotlines are available:

• 211: Connects Floridians with food, housing, healthcare, and other essential resources.
• 833-513-2940: Provides free civil legal assistance to disaster survivors.

Encouraging coordinated volunteer efforts through Volunteer Connect and the “Cash, Confirm, Connect” strategy, while reminding volunteers not to self-deploy.

Partners are documenting donations, in-kind contributions, and volunteer hours, currently valued at $34.88 per hour in Florida