Just 3 days from now will mark 7 months since Hurricane Helene, and in only 2 weeks, 6 months since Hurricane Milton. Yet, hundreds, if not thousands, are still dealing with the fallout, attempting to recover from the double punch the historic storms delivered. 

Meanwhile, the Florida legislature is considering House Bill 1535, a set of measures that aim to make rebuilding quicker and efficient, plus ensure proactive steps are taken before a natural disaster hits.

State lawmakers have collected a lot of data, solicited feedback from residents and Property owners, along with businesses, and have suggested several improvements to make storm recovery less painful and cumbersome. The bill includes several changes, which include but are not limited to the following:

• Emergency Management Enhancements: The bill aims to strengthen the state’s emergency management capabilities by improving various procedures and requirements. 
• Tenant Rights: It addresses the rights of tenants during emergencies, ensuring they are not unduly impacted. 
• Election Procedures: The bill provides additional flexibility to county supervisors of elections when natural emergencies occur within 60 days of an election, allowing for changes to early voting sites and other necessary adjustments. 
• State Emergency Management Plan: The bill requires the development of a state emergency management plan that includes provisions for evacuation, sheltering, and post-disaster recovery, according to the Florida Senate. 
• National Flood Insurance Program: It revises provisions related to the National Flood Insurance Program, impacting how local governments interact with it. 
• Debris Management: The bill includes new provisions related to debris removal from roadways, particularly for fiscally constrained counties, and establishes maximum rates for debris hauling contracts. 
• Financial Assistance: It outlines provisions for financial assistance and funding for emergency management efforts, including grant programs and contracts for emergency services. 
• Hurricane Recovery: The bill addresses various aspects of hurricane recovery, including the transportation of essential supplies and the management of storm-generated debris. 

It would also help streamline the permitting process by establishing longer office hours for municipalities, so property owners have expanded access. Additionally, make substantial damage assessments quicker and easily accessible.

Now, what are your thoughts and experiences post-hurricanes Helene and Milton? What suggestions do you have?

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