President Biden Approves Florida Disaster Declaration One Month After Tornadoes Rock Tallahassee

President Joe Biden has finally approved Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration (MDD) following a series of severe weather events in early May. 

Northern Florida was rocked by strong storms, winds, and tornadoes on May 10th, 2024. 

Local media reported three different tornadoes smashed into Florida’s capital, causing dramatic destruction and killing one individual.

Governor DeSantis requested the federal government issue a MDD shortly thereafter. 

US Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) subsequently supported DeSantis’ request by writing to President Biden and urging him to accept DeSantis’ plea. 

However, it was not until now, over one month since the date of the storms, that Biden decided to accept DeSantis’ request. 

Senator Scott emphasized Biden’s decision to declare a MDD followed his efforts to convince the latter into doing the same.

“Following my and @SenMarcoRubio’s letter, @POTUS has approved Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration,” said Scott. “These tornadoes were devastating, but with the full support of local, state and federal partners, these communities will fully recover.”

Biden’s MDD enables Leon County residents adversely impacted by the storms to apply for federal recovery aid. 

Those eligible can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. 

Federal funds for disaster recovery have been at the fore of political debate in recent months, as FEMA’s Disaster Relief Funding (DRF) fund has repeatedly neared precipitously low levels.

The latest report, published on May 31st, projects DRF funds will be entirely liquidated by the end of the summer.