Florida § 252.40 - Mutual aid arrangements.

§ 252.40. Mutual aid arrangements.

(1) The governing body of each political subdivision of the state is authorized to develop and enter into mutual aid agreements within the state for reciprocal emergency aid and assistance in case of emergencies too extensive to be dealt with unassisted. Copies of such agreements shall be sent to the division. Such agreements shall be consistent with the state comprehensive emergency management plan and program, and in time of emergency it shall be the duty of each local emergency management agency to render assistance in accordance with the provisions of such mutual aid agreements to the fullest possible extent. (2) The Governor may enter into a compact with any state if she or he finds that joint action with that state is desirable in meeting common intergovernmental problems of emergency management planning or emergency prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery. (3) Local governments may create inspection teams to review and approve expedited permits for temporary housing solutions, repairs, and renovations after a natural disaster. Local governments are encouraged to establish interlocal agreements with other jurisdictions to provide additional inspection services during a state of emergency. (4) Municipalities and counties are encouraged to develop and adopt plans to provide temporary accommodations for contractors, utility workers, first responders, and others dispatched to aid in hurricane recovery efforts. Public areas, including, but not limited to, fairgrounds and parking lots, may be used for tents and trailers for such temporary accommodations.