FDACS Provides Update on Hurricane Idalia Response and Recovery Efforts

Dan Agri-Business, Beef, Cattle, Crop Insurance, Dairy, Economy, Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Funding

Hurricane Idalia
Hurricane Idalia

(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/SEPT. 1, 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.
    • To request assistance for your livestock and animals in critical need please complete this form [ Adobe PDF Document ] then send it to DAIOPSAssessment@FDACS.gov, or call 863-993-5460.
    • 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.
    • FDACS Division of Aquaculture has created a survey to assess damage to the aquaculture industry from Hurricane Idalia. The survey is for all Aquaculture Certificate of Registration holders and will remain anonymous. The survey for Shellfish Processors requests facility information so that inspectors can make contact but will not be shared otherwise. The survey is estimated to take 10-15 minutes to complete, and information collected could help determine federal disaster relief funding. The surveys will remain open until September 8 at 5 p.m. EST.
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Click here for the Hurricane Idalia Survey for Certificate Holders

Click here for the Hurricane Idalia Survey for Processors

  • 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.
    • As of 10 a.m., inspectors have completed 307 assessments of food establishments in impacted areas. 344 facilities are open for business, 15 are closed, and 2 are unknown.
  • 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 [ pdf 560.1 kB ] allowing the movement of critical citrus nursery stock from structures that have been compromised by Hurricane Idalia.
  • Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency rule [ pdf 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 [ pdf 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. An updated 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