Florida Emergency Management promotes hurricane readiness programs ahead of 2026 season

Florida's Division of Emergency Management is rolling out updated disaster preparedness guidance and mitigation programs as the state looks ahead to the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, according to information released through FloridaDisaster.org.

The state agency is emphasizing three key components of hurricane readiness: evacuation planning, special needs registries, and access to local shelter information. The initiatives aim to help Florida residents prepare for potential storms months before the traditional June 1 start of hurricane season.

State officials said the updated preparedness guidance reflects lessons learned from previous hurricane seasons and is designed to ensure residents have adequate time to develop emergency plans.

The special needs registry program allows Florida residents who require additional assistance during evacuations to register with their local emergency management offices. This includes individuals with medical conditions, disabilities, or other circumstances that may require specialized transportation or sheltering arrangements during emergency evacuations.

The Division of Emergency Management is also working to coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on current disaster designations to streamline assistance and recovery resources for Florida communities, according to state officials.

The coordination between state and federal agencies is intended to expedite the delivery of disaster aid and recovery resources when needed. Florida communities that have active FEMA disaster designations can access various forms of federal assistance for recovery efforts.

FloridaDisaster.org serves as the state's central hub for emergency preparedness information, providing residents with guidance on creating family emergency plans, assembling disaster supply kits, and understanding evacuation zones.

The early promotion of hurricane preparedness programs reflects Florida's vulnerability to tropical storms and hurricanes. The state's extensive coastline and geographic location make it particularly susceptible to Atlantic hurricane activity.

Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, oversees the state's emergency management operations through the Division of Emergency Management, which coordinates disaster response and recovery efforts across Florida's 67 counties.

The division encourages residents to review their hurricane preparedness plans annually and to stay informed about their local evacuation zones and designated shelter locations well before any storm threatens the state.

State officials said residents can access detailed preparedness information, evacuation zone maps, and shelter locations through FloridaDisaster.org or by contacting their local county emergency management offices.