(1)(a) An interagency workgroup is created for the purpose of sharing information on the current and potential impacts of natural hazards throughout the state, coordinating the ongoing efforts of state agencies in addressing the impacts of natural hazards, and collaborating on statewide initiatives to address the impacts of natural hazards. As used in this section, the term “natural hazards” includes, but is not limited to, extreme heat, drought, wildfire, sea-level change, high tides, storm surge, saltwater intrusion, stormwater runoff, flash floods, inland flooding, and coastal flooding.
(b) Each agency within the executive branch of state government, each water management district, and the Florida Public Service Commission shall select from within such agency a person to be designated as the agency liaison to the workgroup.
(c) The director of the Division of Emergency Management or his or her designee shall serve as the liaison to and coordinator of the workgroup.
(d) Each liaison shall provide information from his or her respective agency on the current and potential impacts of natural hazards to his or her agency, agency resources available to mitigate against natural hazards, and efforts made by the agency to address the impacts of natural hazards.
(e) The workgroup shall meet in person or by teleconference on a quarterly basis to share information, leverage agency resources, coordinate ongoing efforts, and provide information for inclusion in the annual progress report submitted pursuant to subsection (2).
(2)(a) On behalf of the workgroup, the Division of Emergency Management shall prepare an annual progress report on the implementation of the state’s hazard mitigation plan, developed and submitted in accordance with 42 U.S.C. s. 5165 and any implementing regulations, as it relates to natural hazards. At a minimum, the annual progress report must:1. Assess the relevance, level, and significance of current agency efforts to address the impacts of natural hazards; and
2. Strategize and prioritize ongoing efforts to address the impacts of natural hazards.
(b) Each liaison is responsible for ensuring that the workgroup’s annual progress report is posted on his or her agency’s website.
(c) By January 1, 2019, and each year thereafter, the workgroup shall submit the annual progress report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
