Abstract

Under Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) enacted under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K), the State of Florida is required to have a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-approved hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible for federal hazard mitigation funding.

The purpose of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) is to reduce death, injuries, and property losses caused by natural hazards in Florida. The 2018 Plan identifies hazards based on the history of disasters within the state and lists goals, objectives, strategies, and actions for reducing future losses. Implementation of planned, pre-identified, and cost-effective mitigation measures not only helps to reduce losses to lives, property, and the environment but it also streamlines the disaster recovery process. Hazard mitigation is most effective when based on an inclusive, comprehensive, long-term plan that is developed before a disaster occurs. 

The SHMP serves several purposes; including providing an explanation of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Mitigation Bureau and the strategies the State uses to implement an effective comprehensive statewide hazard mitigation plan. Plans are coordinated through appropriate state, local, and regional agencies, as well as non-governmental interest groups. This 2018 Plan, and its future revisions, will provide guidance in merging the planning efforts of all state agencies, local governments, the private sector, and non-profit organizations into one viable, comprehensive, and statewide mitigation program.