As each new hurricane season begins, Florida can proudly stand by its record of emergency management in 2004 and 2005. As Florida experienced an unprecedented occurrence of hurricane activity, the state’s economy did not sustain any lasting harm.  In fact, the sun is shining more than ever over Florida’s economy.
 
Since 2004, Florida’s population has increased significantly, record numbers of jobs have been created or retained, and unemployment has dropped. These current successes are a testament to the state’s economic resilience and disaster preparedness. Now more than ever, Florida is ready to meet the challenges of the weather.

Disaster Preparedness:  A model for the nation

Even before the hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, Florida’s disaster response program served as a model for the nation.  The rapid recovery of Florida post-hurricanes economy is evidence of the state’s effective and efficient disaster management plans and implementation processes.  Even so, Florida continues to improve its preparedness. Drawing upon lessons learned from the past hurricane seasons, the state continously takes steps to instill a “culture of preparedness.”  

As part of the 2006 hurricane season preparations, the state Legislature approved $152 million to improve response, harden emergency operations centers, and sharpen evacuation plans and logistics.  Some of the pioneering programs initiated by Florida drew national and international attention.  

For example:

• The State of Florida is a national leader in incorporating hazard mitigation practices, such as acquisition of flood-prone properties and purchase of hurricane shutters for critical facilities, into decision-making practices for both the public and private sectors.
• The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, designed to provide expedient funds to businesses ready to begin repairs and replace destroyed inventory, was the first such program in the United States and has been a model for other states to follow.
• Florida reBuilds Construction Industry Training Initiative provides training and funding for workers of all skill levels to meet the ongoing demands of a healthy economy and hurricane recovery.

These innovative and effective initiatives are only a few examples of Florida’s ongoing commitment to preparedness for residents, businesses, and the overall state economy. To learn more about other Florida preparedness programs and information please visit our Resources page.

After The Storm:  A robust economy

Despite the storms, in 2005 Florida’s unemployment level reached an all-time low of 3.3%. New job creation is the reason behind this record unemployment. All 21 of the state’s major metropolitan areas posted job gains significantly larger than the rest of the nation. Time and again, Florida has led the country’s ten most populous states in the fastest annual job growth. From 2005 to 2006, Florida produced a net gain of 290,000 jobs. In terms of population, the state added more residents than any other state in 2005—the largest single gain in 25 years. Regardless of the weather, Florida continues to enjoy a unique set of resilient economic factors.

Florida’s Business Climate: Access to insurance for all

Florida’s government leadership understands that the availability and affordability of residential and commercial insurance is critically important for business owners.  It has spearheaded numerous initiatives, several of them focused on ensuring that commercial insurance remains affordable for Florida businesses. For more details, please visit the Office of Insurance Regulation.

(Source: eFlorida.com)