FDACS Provides Update on Hurricane Idalia Response and Recovery Efforts

(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/August 31, 2023) — Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provided an update on Hurricane Idalia response and recovery efforts. 

• The department is coordinating with agricultural partners and producers to conduct damage assessments and to ensure those impacted have adequate resources and support.
  • For producers that experienced losses and/or damages due to Hurricane Idalia,  please call the FSA Producer Hotline: 1-877-508-8364 M-F 8 a.m.-8 p.m. or send an email to the FSA disaster group inbox at FPAC.FSA.FLFSA.Disaster@USDA.GOV.  Please indicate the county of loss in the subject line – emails sent to the disaster group inbox will receive an auto reply acknowledging receipt.
  • The department is reminding producers to document damage and/or loss by taking photos before beginning the clean-up process.
  • UF/IFAS is studying the agricultural losses and damages resulting from Hurricane Idalia. Producers can share information about impacts experienced at your farm, ranch, or aquaculture operation here.
• Fuel inspectors are responding to impacted areas to ensure retail fuel dispensers are working properly and testing the quality of fuel.
• Food safety inspectors are responding to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of permitted food establishments.  
• The Florida Forest Service (FFS) has deployed 13 chainsaw crews (more than 100 total personnel) to support search and rescue operations and power restoration. Heavy equipment – like front-end loaders, skid steers, excavators, and dump trucks – has been deployed to assist with road clearing activities.
• Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency rule [  290.2 kB ] waiving certain fuel volatility standards to ensure a robust and consistent supply of fuel in the state.
• Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency rule authorizing out-of-state licensed security guards to protect people and property in Florida.
• Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order [  172.8 kB ] temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals from the areas expected to be impacted by Hurricane Idalia. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida, pets and livestock leaving the expected impact areas of Hurricane Idalia: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
• FFS is providing incident management support at the State Emergency Operations Center for planning and logistics operations.
• The Florida Forest Service has announced State Forest closures due to Hurricane Idalia. A update list can be found here.
• The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement has deployed a 20-man search and rescue team to impacted areas.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services