Gov. Ron DeSantis to request a major disaster declaration after southeast Florida flooding

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he would request a Major Disaster Declaration for Broward County to support recovery efforts in Southeast Florida communities impacted by unprecedented flooding.

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A Major Disaster Declaration, if granted, could provide federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure damaged by the floods.

On Monday, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie requested Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams to go in person to Broward County.

State and federal teams have been in the area conducting damage assessments since Wednesday. The goal is to complete physical examinations this weekend. So far, crews have assessed over 1,300 homes and identified over 1,000 with significant damage.

Read: Florida Dept. of Health issues swimming advisory for Cocoa Beach Pier due to fecal bacteria

Gov. DeSantis also activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support businesses impacted by flooding in southeast Florida.

The program will grant $5 million to support businesses in Broward County, including sole proprietors.

Florida’s small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit this website to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

Read: Here’s why historic downpour in Fort Lauderdale just wouldn’t stop

On April 12, the National Weather Service in Miami issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood.

In addition to the flooding, the National Weather Service in Miami confirmed areas of damage were consistent with two EF-0 tornadoes in Broward County. One tornado in Dania Beach produced metal siding and roof damage through a mobile home park. The second tornado caused tree damage near West Hollywood.

On April 13, less than 24 hours after the flooding began, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-65 declaring a State of Emergency in Broward County.

The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) has been helping the areas impacted with state resources, including 1 million gallons of fuel, in response to fuel distribution delays.

Video: ‘Extensive flooding’: Fort Lauderdale airport, schools close after 12+ inches of rainfall The city of Fort Lauderdale released a statement Wednesday evening urging residents and visitors to stay off the roads until the water has subsided. (Brian Shields, WFTV.com)

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