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.

Helpful Links

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

The Florida Bar Hurricane Information page 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 LegalFuel for free guidance and resources online or by chat, email, 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 Disaster Resources page 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 Florida Bar Mental Health and Wellness Center includes additional mental health and wellness-related resources.

Florida Supreme Court – https://supremecourt.flcourts.gov/Weather-Related-Emergency-Orders

Legal Fuel – https://www.legalfuel.com/disaster-planning-business-continuity/

Florida Bar – https://www.floridabar.org/public/consumer/hurricaneinfo/#1505308831967-4b730d43-35ff

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.)

Colleen C. Sachs, Chair, csachs@oldrepublictitle.com
Amy B. Beller, Co-Vice Chair, abeller@bellersmith.com
Michael A. Bedke, Co-Vice Chair, michael.bedke@dlapiper.com
Daniel Seigel, Co-Vice Chair, dseigel@seigel-law.com