The Florida Legislature's Committee on Appropriations convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss key legislative measures aimed at enhancing the state's emergency preparedness and insurance management capabilities.

The meeting began with a significant discussion on Senate Bill 114, which proposes the establishment of the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University. This initiative seeks to expand the scope of the previously named Florida Catastrophic Storm Risk Management Center, aiming to create a premier academic research center focused on all lines of insurance. The center will also house the public hurricane loss projection model, currently located at Florida International University, enhancing the state's capacity for disaster preparedness and response.

Following the discussion, the committee voted unanimously in favor of SB 114, signaling strong bipartisan support for the initiative.

Next on the agenda was Senate Bill 180, introduced by Senator DeSigli, which addresses emergency preparedness and response in light of the challenges faced during the 2024 hurricane season. The bill aims to improve state and local government coordination in disaster response and empower residents and businesses to enhance their preparedness efforts. Key provisions include revamping the natural hazards work group, establishing biennial training for local emergency management officials, and requiring annual regional hurricane readiness sessions.

The bill also mandates local governments to provide recovery permitting guides and ensures that permitting processes are expedited post-storm. Notably, it allows for the waiver of match requirements for beach renourishment projects in affected areas and prohibits local governments from increasing building permit fees for 180 days following a hurricane.

An amendment to SB 180 was introduced, allowing nonprofits to train county officials and requiring annual reports on hazard mitigation grants. It also clarifies activation measures for local governments near hurricane tracks and increases evacuation time for the Florida Keys.

Public testimony was heard in support of the amendment, reflecting community backing for the proposed changes.

The meeting concluded with a clear direction towards enhancing Florida's resilience against natural disasters through improved research, preparedness, and response strategies. The committee's actions underscore a commitment to safeguarding residents and infrastructure in the face of future emergencies.