• Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Committees

General Standing

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response

   

Mission Statement

The mission of the Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee of The Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section is to educate and support attorneys in safeguarding themselves, their practices, and their clients before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. The Committee provides practical guidance on preparedness and recovery related to natural hazards—such as hurricanes, floods, and fires—as well as technological threats including cybercrime. When emergencies impact Florida communities, the Committee serves as a resource by sharing timely information on court operations, closures, and trusted organizations offering assistance, helping practitioners remain informed, resilient, and ready to serve.

 
   
 

Weather-Related Emergency Orders for Isaias:

 For the most up-to-date information, visit the Supreme Court website at:
 

COURT CLOSURES (as 0f 10/12/26)

Escambia County - Closed Monday, 10/12/26
 Santa Rosa County - Closed 10/12/26 through 10/14/26
 Walton County - Closed Monday, 10/12/26
 

OTHER INFORMATION

Orders Extending Court Deadlines

Orders extending legal deadlines due to the emergency are on our website under Administrative Orders. The Florida Supreme Court issues retroactive orders extending deadlines on a county-by-county basis for periods of time when state courts are closed due to a storm or other emergency. There is no need to file motions for extension of times solely because a Florida court is closed because of a storm.

About This Web Page

This page is used for informing the public about developments with tropical storm systems. This emergency website will be updated regularly as long as the storm and its aftermath cause problems. Check back here for updated information.

Emergency Contacts

You can ask court-related questions by email to [email protected]. You also can call the Supreme Court's Public Information Office during business hours at (850) 414-7641.

Forecast Information

You can obtain the latest forecast information from the National Hurricane Center.

Florida Bar Information for Attorneys

Hurricane-related information from The Florida Bar can be found on its Hurricane Page.

 
Helpful Links - 

Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline: (833) 514-2940 (Bay Area Legal Services link)

includes important and timely updates on court closures/administrative orders and other resources for lawyers and consumers. 

 

Florida Bar members can contact the Practice Management Advisors at for free guidance and resources online or by , , and phone at (866) 730-2020. LegalFuel also has free CLEs that can assist with a variety of practice management topics including remote work and cybersecurity assistance. Head to their for additional information.

 

Florida Bar members and Florida Registered Paralegals can call the Florida Lawyers Helpline 24/7 to speak to mental health professionals at 833-351-9355. This service is free and completely confidential. The includes additional mental health and wellness-related resources.
 
 

FEMA Support and Services: FEMA Individual & Household Assistance: IHP Assistance may include funds for temporary housing (rental assistance or hotel reimbursement), repair or replacement of primary residences, coverage for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-related expenses, and other needs. 

Ways to Register with FEMA

  1. Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA app.
  2. Phone: Call the FEMA registration hotline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585, 711 or VRS users can also call 800-621-3362) for assistance.
  3. In-Person: Register at a Disaster Recovery Center; locations can be found on the DRC Locator or via the FEMA app

Hope Florida

Activate Hope, part of the Hope Florida initiative, connects Floridians with resources from the private sector, nonprofits, and government to support disaster recovery, including food, household goods, and home repairs. 1-833 438-4673 (GET-HOPE).

Disaster Mental Health Resources: Offers essential mental health support, recovery information, and helplines for immediate assistance related to Hurricane Helene.

  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): 800-385-3920
  • For those who have lost their jobs due to the disaster and need unemployment benefits.

  • State Assistance Information Line (SAIL): 800-342-3557
  • A resource for general state assistance programs, including financial aid and recovery services.

 

  • DBPR Email: www2.myfloridalicense.com. Contact DBPR for any licensing issues or inquiries related to your professional license.

  • Find A Contractor: DCNOnline - Home Page
    Use this site to locate licensed contractors for repairs or rebuilding efforts.

  • Florida Disaster Resources: Floridadisaster.biz
    A comprehensive resource for businesses seeking assistance and recovery options.

 Private Sector Hotline: 850-815-4925 / 850-410-1403

  • For businesses affected by the hurricane, this hotline offers support and guidance.

  • Price Gouging Hotline: 866-966-7226
  • Report any instances of price gouging for essential goods and services during the disaster recovery period.

  • Department of Labor: 866-487-9243
  • For inquiries related to labor rights, wages, and workplace issues following the hurricane.

  • Florida Power Outage: 1-800-468-8243
  • Report power outages and get updates on restoration efforts.