Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen - May 2020 | Page 24

Section 252.34(8), Florida Statutes, defines “natural emergency” as an emergency caused by a natural event, including, but not limited to, a hurricane, a storm, a flood, severe wave action, a drought, or an earthquake. The statute goes on to define “manmade emergency” and “technological emergency.” Th exa NU me wh While COVID-19 is not a hurricane or an earthquake, it is clearly a “natural event” that is neither manmade nor technological in nature. While the governor’s executive orders issued to date do not appear to clarify that a pandemic is a “natural emergency,” we have been working with local governments throughout Florida to ensure they allow for the permit extensions. Furthermore, we worked with the Department of Business & Professional Regulation to include the statutory building and development permit extension allowance in their “Frequently Asked Questions” document as guidance for local governments.