DeSantis Requests Biden Approve Major Disaster Declaration, Pledge Full Federal Cost Share for Hurricane Ian's Damages

Governor Ron DeSantis’ Press Office has officially requested President Biden approve Major Disaster Declaration and commit himself to 100 Percent Federal Cost Share for Hurricane Ian’s disastrous consequences.

"Florida is ready to respond. We have fleets of highwater vehicles, 42,000 linemen, 7,000 National Guardsmen and 179 aircraft prepared to help," stated Gov. DeSantis.

The request was publicized via press release:

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis requested President Biden grant a Major Disaster Declaration for all 67 counties, for all categories, and all types of assistance, due to the ongoing devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian. If granted, a Major Disaster Declaration provides a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals, as well as funds for both emergency and permanent work and public infrastructure. The request can be found here.

Governor DeSantis also requested President Biden grant the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the authority to provide 100% federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures (FEMA Categories A and B) for the first 60 days from landfall. This FEMA grant can only be authorized by the President of the United States. The letter with this request can be found here.

FEMA Category A funds costs associated with the removal of debris following a storm. This includes anything that eliminates the immediate threat to lives or public health and safety, and wreckage produced while conducting emergency work.

FEMA Category B funds emergency protective measures taken before, during and after a disaster. This includes warnings of risks and hazards, search and rescue efforts, emergency evacuations, food and water provisions at central distribution points and emergency mass care.

 Governor DeSantis and Florida Officials have also diverted much of the state’s maximum available resources towards assisting residents to combat the effects of Hurricane Ian. As the first glimpses of the Hurricane’s aftermath reveal themselves, DeSantis has assured Floridians that “Florida is ready to respond.”

In Florida, it’s all hands on deck for the DeSantis administration as they attempt to repair Ian’s destruction, with even First Lady Casey DeSantis seeking to actively aid impacted Floridians through announcing the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund.