Following the impact of three hurricanes in 2024, Florida lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at improving disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, including debris removal and post-storm rebuilding.

On Friday, the House unanimously passed the bill (SB 180) with a 106-0 vote, while the Senate approved it 34-1. The measure now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis for final approval.

“This bill is meant to help those folks in the future that are going through their darkest hours because, unfortunately, we know that we’re going to continue to have hurricanes,” said Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton.

Key provisions of the bill include requiring local governments to annually pre-designate at least one debris-management site, create streamlined permitting plans for post-storm rebuilding, establish mutual-aid agreements for emergency support, and plan for adequate staffing during disaster recovery.

Additionally, local governments would be barred from raising building permit and inspection fees for 180 days after a hurricane or tropical storm emergency declaration.

The legislation also includes new safety requirements for hoisting equipment, aimed at preventing incidents like the crane collapse in St. Petersburg during Hurricane Milton. It mandates that all cranes be secured 24 hours before a forecasted hurricane, following manufacturer guidelines.

An earlier version of the bill included provisions related to election operations after storms, but those were removed and may be revisited in the 2026 session, according to House sponsor Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota.

Florida’s six-month hurricane season begins June 1. In 2024, the state was struck by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, which caused tens of billions of dollars in damage.

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