TALLAHASSEE, Nov. 2, 2026 — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order Monday declaring a state of emergency in seven counties hit by days of heavy rain: Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie.
Executive Order 26-227, titled "Emergency Management - 2026 Fall Flooding," says a broad area of low pressure moving across the peninsula from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 "produced widespread heavy rainfall across portions of Florida with several occurrences of consequential flooding." It notes that, as of 12:30 p.m. Monday, flash flood warnings were in effect for parts of all seven counties, and that the flooding "has affected and may continue to impact" major interstates, state and county roads, airports and schools.
What the order does, according to its text:
- Guard. It orders the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard "as needed," and the director of the Florida State Guard to do the same.
- Shelters. Public buildings suitable for shelters, including schools, colleges and state universities, must be made available when local emergency managers ask.
- Prescriptions. Pharmacists may dispense up to a 30-day emergency refill of maintenance medication to people who live in the covered counties.
- Prices. It's unlawful to rent or sell, or offer to rent or sell, essential commodities "at an unconscionable price" in the emergency area, under the state's price-gouging law.
- Money and help. It directs funding from the state's Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund as needed and lets the state seek federal help.
The order took effect immediately and expires in 60 days unless it's extended.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management announced the order on X at 4:16 p.m., saying it will "expedite resources and assistance to communities impacted by the heavy flooding across portions of Florida." The division added: "@FLSERT is working closely with local partners to ensure Floridians receive the support they need to respond and recover."
The rain hadn't let up everywhere by evening. At 5:46 p.m., the National Weather Service in Melbourne extended a flash flood warning until 8 p.m. for southeastern Indian River and northern St. Lucie counties, including Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Lakewood Park, saying "between 5 and 11 inches of rain have fallen." For Brevard, see our latest on schools, shelters and Tuesday's flood watch.
The state's flood safety information is at FloridaDisaster.org/Floods.
Sources: Executive Order 26-227; Florida Division of Emergency Management on X; National Weather Service Melbourne flash flood warning, 5:46 p.m..
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