WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, following a letter from Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio urging his quick action, President Biden approved the State of Florida’s request for a federal pre-landfall disaster declaration in anticipation of Tropical Storm Idalia. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts Idalia to become a major hurricane that could impact Florida as early as Tuesday, August 29.

Senator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness to get prepared today. See the latest on Tropical Storm Idalia from the National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov or @NHC_Atlantic on Twitter, and from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT on Twitter.

Read the full letter HERE or below.

August 27, 2023

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for 33 of Florida’s counties due to Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and impact Florida in the coming days.

Currently, Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast by Wednesday morning.  In addition to strong winds and heavy rain, this approaching storm is expected to bring severe storm surge and flooding. While Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, this storm approaches less than a year after Hurricane Ian brought widespread damage, and from which the state is still recovering.  

Ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians, property, and our communities.  As such, we request that you promptly approve Governor DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely, 

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