Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response and Recovery Efforts for Hurricane Isaias

October

12

2026

PENSACOLA, Fla.- Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Florida Department of Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly at a Walmart in Pensacola to provide updates on Florida's ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias and highlight additional resources available to impacted Floridians.

The Governor highlighted Walmart and the Walmart Foundation's commitment of $1 million in funding and supplies to support hurricane recovery efforts across the Panhandle. Walmart is providing free hot meals, mobile showers, laundry services, Wi-Fi and device charging at locations throughout Northwest Florida.

Governor DeSantis also announced that nine Points of Distribution are now open across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties, providing free bottled water, shelf-stable food and other essential supplies to residents impacted by the storm.

As of 1 p.m. EDT, power has been restored to more than 70% of impacted customer accounts.

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 and five aircraft are conducting aerial reconnaissance, damage assessments, search and rescue operations, and monitoring storm impacts.

Eight shallow-water boat teams are supporting maritime search and rescue operations and damage assessments.

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

FSG amphibious rescue teams are on the ground in the Shoal River area, providing aid to majorly flooded 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.

Florida Department of Military Affairs

The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has approximately 5,000 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 48 missions of 72 missions assigned by the SEOC, including:

• Cleared more than 12,536 cubic acres of debris and 1,700 miles of roadway
• Distributed 4,635 cases of water, 1,710 MREs, 2,646 bags of ice and 2,248 tarps.
• 20.8 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 have 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

A team of officers conducted night patrols in Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County. They focused on being visible in affected areas as well as conducting proactive patrols in rural parts of the affected area.

A derelict vessel reconnaissance flight was conducted, and officers documented 36 derelict vessels on the waterways of Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.

Pilots conducted reconnaissance flights around the Shoal River to monitor flooding status.

A team of officers worked to complete welfare checks. After discovering several potentially dangerous situations caused by down trees, the officers worked to quickly remove the trees from houses and vehicles.

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.

Several FDC institutions impacted by the storm are safely operating on generators. and repopulation is underway.

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.
• Four Troopers are providing security in Escambia County while traffic signals are restored.

Four FHP cut teams have completed 60 debris removal missions, while 46 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

• All U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Outpatient Clinics will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  
• 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 provide assistance.

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.

DOH is augmenting 911 emergency response capabilities in five counties and mobilizing an AmbuBus to assist with patient transportation.

Special Needs Shelters remain open in Escambia and 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.

Seven County health departments reported closure: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Holmes, Walton, and Washington. 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 680 pallets of food, 110 pallets of water, 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 opening a comfort center at 150 East Pond Street in Century, Florida, beginning at 11 a.m. on October 12, providing residents with access to restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, food and water, feminine hygiene products, cooling tents, and a charging station.

DCF has also staged two shelter support teams, totaling 150 personnel, 32 nursing support personnel, and 18 survivor transportation vehicles, along with a crisis counseling task force.

DCF is completing outreach in impacted areas to assess the safety and unmet needs of families and caregivers involved in active child protective investigations, children in out-of-home care, and adult protective services clients. A resource center has been mobilized to provide essential items for impacted families.

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.

93% of traffic signals are operational in the storm-impacted area. 320 traffic signals have been restored on temporary generator power.

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

All seaports are open and operational.

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

FDACS is preparing 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 foundhere.

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 foundhere.

On October 8, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson approved anemergency 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 requestformmailto:form or calling 863-993-5460.

On October 12, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson launched theAgriculture 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.

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 Management Services

The Florida Department of Management Service (DMS)'s vendor Comcast has opened more than 26,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across Florida's Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The hotspots are available at no cost to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity customers.

Per associated mission requests, 76 Starlink kits activated and deployed.

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: 167 fully operational, 33 operating on backup power, and 3 non-operational.
• Wastewater facilities: 91 fully operational, 24 operating on backup power, and 2 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.

One Hazardous Assessment Response Team (HART) has mobilized in Panama City Beach and will coordinate with local HAZMAT teams and the State Watch Office on response operations.

Beach and shoreline assessments are underway in Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, with additional assessments scheduled for Bay, and Santa Rosa counties on Monday.

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.

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

25 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 Division of Regulation teams in the impacted areas conducting sweeps and vigilantly, proactively looking for bad actors to stop anyone from preying on vulnerable Floridians. The Division of Regulation deployed six staff who completed 57 site visits across Bay and Escambia counties. Staff spoke with six residents, checked five licenses and identified one advertisement that did not display a license number. No construction work was observed.

Division of Regulation teams are also at both CFO Insurance Hubs to provide information about working with licensed professionals and receive complaints about suspected unlicensed activity.

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.

It also provided over 9,600 regulated food service establishments with guidance on temporary food service events and commercial kitchens, including how to submit the required notices online under Emergency Orders 2026-01 and 2026-02.

As of 7:30 PM yesterday, the Division had also completed more than 400 assessments of affected businesses, helping ensure that restaurants can safely reopen and resume operations. 

DBPR has also 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 at DCNOnline.org.

DBPR has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to encourage more than 76,000 Florida-licensed lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees. Lodging operators who have waived pet policies and fees are encouraged to complete DBPR's Lodging Pet Fee Waiver Information Sheet. For a list of participating properties and corporate partners that have waived pet policies and fees, visit myfloridalicense.com/emergency.

Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco

DBPR's Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco visited 254 licensed locations on October 11, focusing on coastal areas from Mexico Beach westward. Agents found 87 locations completely closed for business, with Okaloosa County appearing to be the most heavily impacted area.

Division of Service Operations

DBPR has 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.

On October 11, the DCN recorded nearly 500 new contractor and supplier registrations, bringing its total to 7,172 registered contractors and suppliers.

Our Division of Service Operations has expedited nearly 200 contractors' applications so that contractors, including roofers, are ready to work in the impacted areas.  

DBPR's Division of Service Operations has expedited 21 applications from mold remediators and mold assessors so far.

DBPR has filed Emergency Orders 2026-01 and 2026-02, which waive or modify certain licensing requirements, deadlines and fees in response to Hurricane Isaias. The orders are available on the Department's Emergency Information Page.

DBPR emailed more than 202,000 licensees in the impacted areas with information about FloridaCommerce's Business Damage Assessment Survey and Emergency Bridge Loan.

DBPR is partnering with FloridaCommerce to deploy strike teams to conduct business-to-business canvassing, connecting directly with business owners and providing information about recovery resources.

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 79 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 onFloridaDisaster.biz.

FloridaCommerce staff have made 344 calls to rural and small businesses in affected areas to assess their needs following the storm.

FloridaCommerce 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.

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 [email protected].

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.

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 freeWiFi 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 athttps://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.

FloridaCommerce's Private Sector Hotline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (850) 815-4925 or by email at [email protected]. Additional business recovery resources and information are available atFloridaDisaster.biz.

VISIT FLORIDA

VISIT FLORIDA has activated emergency accommodation resources through partnerships withExpedia,Priceline andBooking.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 452 terminals down in Northwest Florida impacting 206 retailers.

All players wishing to cash their winning tickets at the District Office in impacted areas should retain your tickets cashing for normal business hours on Monday.

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 atFLOFR.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.