HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-018ORDINANCE NO.26-018
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18 "EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES" OF THE ST. LUCIE
COUNTY CODE, BY AMENDING ARTICLE I "IN GENERAL", TO
PROVIDE FOR A NEW ARTICLE I, SETTING FORTH PURPOSE;
DEFINITIONS; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY;
EMERGENCY POWERS; CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS;
COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY PLAN; TRAINING; AND
REPORTING; AMENDING ARTICLE II, SEC. 18-21 "DECLARATION
OF EMERGENCY" TO REMOVE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS;
CREATING ARTICLE V "COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW, TRAINING, AND EXERCISE
REQUIREMENTS, AND PROCEDURES FOR THE HEALTH CARE
INDUSTRY", SETTING FORTH PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS;
APPLICABILITY; EMERGENCY PLAN REVIEW; APPROVAL;
COMPLIANCE; FEES; AND CERTIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY
AND APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE;
PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR
ADOPTION.
WHEREAS, Section 252.38, Florida Statutes, provides that safeguarding the life and
property of citizens is an innate responsibility of the governing body of each political subdivision
of the State; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, (Board),
pursuant to Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, has the authority to provide for the health, safety, and
welfare of the people and property within St. Lucie County during an emergency; and,
WHEREAS, the Board, pursuant to Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, has the authority to
direct and coordinate the development of emergency management plans and responses for all areas
of the County; and
WHEREAS, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 01-21 creating Chapter 6.3. Civil Defense
and Emergency Management, which among other things, established criteria and procedures for
the declaration of emergency; and,
WHEREAS, the Board desires to amend Chapter 18, Emergency Management and
Emergency Services, to provide for a new Article I, which provides for purpose; definitions;
creation of emergency management agency; emergency powers; continuity of government and
operations; comprehensive emergency management plan; training and exercise; compliance and
reporting requirements; to amend Article II to delete obsolete emergency management provisions;
MICHELLE R. MILLER, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
SAINT LUCIE COUNTY
FILE # 5646640 07/20/2026 02:06:36 pM
OR 13OOT(5 ,M PAGE 975 - 969 p� Type: ORDN
RECORDING: $129.00
and add Article V, which provides for purpose; definitions; applicability; emergency plan review;
approval; compliance; fees; and certification; and
WHEREAS, the Board is authorized to enact this ordinance pursuant to Article VIII,
Section l(f) of the Florida Constitution, Section 125.01, Florida Statutes, Chapter 252, Florida
Statutes, and 27P-20.003, Florida Administrative Code; and,
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the proposed amendments to the Code are in
the best interest of the health, safety, and public welfare of the citizens of the County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of
St. Lucie County, Florida:
SECTION 1. RATIFICATION OF RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are hereby
ratified and confirmed as true and correct and are hereby made a part of this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. Chapter 18, Emergency Management and Emergency Services, Article I, In
General, is amended as follows:
ARTICLE I, IN GENERAL
Sec. 18-1 18 18. Reser-ved. Purpose and Intent.
The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners finds and declares that the provisions of
this Article are necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people and property of
St. Lucie County during state and local emergencies.
Sec. 18-2. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning_
(a) Board means the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida.
(b) Comprehensive Emery Management Plan (CEMP) means the plan written by
the St. Lucie County Emergency Management Division pursuant to Section 252.38,
Florida Statutes. The Plan establishes the framework through which St. Lucie
County prepares for, responds to, recovers from, and mitigates the impacts of a wide
variety of disasters that could adversely affect the health, safety and/or general
welfare of the residents of St. Lucie County. The Plan provides ,guidance to St. Lucie
County and local officials on procedures, organization, and responsibilities, as well
as provides for an integrated and coordinated local, State and federal response. The
Plan establishes a method of operation that spans the direction and control of an
emergency from initial monitoring through post -disaster response, recovery, and
mitigation..
(c) County means St. Lucie Count yea political subdivision of the State of Florida.
(d) Director means the Public Safety Director who fulfills the role of Emergency
Management Director at the time of issuance of the Governor Declared State of
Emergency encompassing St. Lucie County, or any declaration of Local State of
Emergency made pursuant to Section 252.38, Florida Statutes, as amended. The
Public Safety Director fulfills the role of Emergency Management Director and shall
meet all qualifications set forth in Section 252.38(1)(b), Florida Statutes.
(e) Disaster means any natural, technological, or civil emergency that causes damage of
sufficient severity and magnitude to result in a declaration of a state of emergency
by St. Lucie County, the Governor, or the President of the United States.
(fl Division means the St. Lucie County Emergena Management Division, created in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, to discharge the
emerizena management responsibilities and functions of St. Lucie County.
(g) Emergency means any occurrence, or threat thereof, whether natural, technological
or manmade, in war or in peace, which results or may result in substantial injury or
harm to the population or substantial damage to or loss of property_
(h) Emergency Management means the protection against, prevention of, the response
to, the recovery from, and the mitigation against emergencies and disasters. Specific
emergency management responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
(1) Reduction of the vulnerability of the people and communities of the County
to damage, injury, and loss of life or property resulting from natural,
technological, or manmade emergencies, disasters, or hostile military or
paramilitary actions.
(2) Preparation for prompt and efficient response and recovery to protect lives
and property affected by emergencies, rescue, care, and treatment of persons
victimized or threatened by disasters.
(3) Response to emergencies using all systems, plans, and resources necessary to
preserve adequately the health, safety, and welfare of persons or property
affected by the emergency.
(4) Recovery from emergencies by providing for the rapid and orderly start of
restoration and rehabilitation of persons and property affected by
emer encies.
(5) Provision of an emergency management system embodyingall of
prevention, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation.
(6) Assistance in anticipation, recognition, appraisal, prevention, and mitigation
of emergencies which may be caused or aggravated by inadequate planning
for, and regulation of, public and private facilities and land use.
(i) Emergency Operations Center means the pre -established, secured, and protected
facility from which St. Lucie County coordinates, monitors, and directs countywide
emergency response and recovery from an incident or disaster.
6) Governor Declared State ofEmeMen!a means a state of emergency declared by the
Governor of the State of Florida pursuant to Section 252.36, Florida Statutes, as this
statute may be amended from time to time.
(k) Local State of Emer encv means the formal declaration made by the County
Administrator or the Public Safety Director, pursuant to Section 252.38, Florida
Statutes, when a disaster or emergency situation exists or is imminent and requires
extraordinary measures to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
0) Localized County emergency means an emergency that affects only a small part of
the County. Examples of localized emergencies include, but are not limited to, small
plane crashes, hazardous material spills, wildfires and leaking gas mains.
(m)Manmade emergency means an emer encv caused by an action against persons or
society, including, but not limited to, enemy attack, sabotage, terrorism, civil unrest,
or other action impairing the orderly administration of government.
(n) Natural emergency means an emergency caused by a natural event, including, but
not limited to, a hurricane, storm, tornado, fire, flood, severe wave action or drought.
(o) Technological emergency means an emergency caused by a technological failure or
accident, including, but not limited to, an explosion, transportation accident,
radiological accident, or chemical or other hazardous material incident.
Sec. 18-3. Emergency Management Division.
(a) In order to provide effective and orderly governmental control and coordination of
emer encv operations during emergencies or disasters, there is established, pursuant
to Section 252.38, Florida Statutes, an emergency management agency known as the
St. Lucie County Emergency Management Division, organized under the St. Lucie
County Public Safety Department.
(b) The Division shall be under the direction of the Public Safety Director, who serves
as the Emergency Management Director. Subject to the direction and control of the
Board in conformance with applicable resolutions, ordinances, and laws, the
Director shall be responsible for the organization, administration, and direction of
the Division, and shall advise the County Administrator and the Board regarding
emergencies and disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
(c) An Emergency Management Division Manager ("Manager") shall be appointed to
direct the day-to-dayperations of the Division and serve as the principal advisor to
the Emergency Management Director during preparedness, response, recovery, and
mitigationperations. The Manager shall coordinate with municipalities, state and
federal agencies, private -sector partners, and non -governmental organizations to
carry out the functions of this Article. The Emergency Management Division shall
consist of the following:
(1) The Director and such assistants and other employees as are deemed
necessary for the proper functioning of the Division.
(2) All departments, divisions, agencies, and services of St. Lucie County
government, including employees, property, equipment, and other resources
administered by the County Administrator, which may be assigned and made
available to the Division as required to effectuate the purposes of this Article.
(3) Volunteer persons and agencies offering service to, and accepted by, the
colDly.
Sec. 18-4. County Emergency Powers.
(a) Declaration ofEmergency. If the Public Safety Director, after consultation with the
County Administrator, determines that a local emergency exists in the County, the
Director may declare that a local emergency exists. The declaration invokes the
emergena powers and authority necessary to fulfill the general powers and duties
prescribed in this Article. The judgment of the Public Safety Director shall be the
sole criteria to invoke local emer engy powers provided herein and under applicable
law. The state of local emergency shall remain in effect until the Board, Public
Safety Director, or County Administrator determines otherwise. Each local
emergency declaration shall be limited to seven (7) days and may be renewed, as
necessary in increments of up to seven (7) dgys consistent with Section
252.38(3)(a)5., Florida Statutes. The Director or County Administrator shall notify
the Board as soon as practicable following issuance of a declaration.
(b) Filing with the Clerk of Court. Pursuant to Section 252.46(2), Florida Statutes, all
emergency orders imposed and enacted hereunder must be reduced to writing as
soon as possible, filed with the Clerk to the St. Lucie County Board of County
Commissioners within three (3) dgys of issuance, and concurrently posted on a
dedicated webpaae accessible through a conspicuous link on the Countys
homgpaae. The webpage shall meet all statutory requirements. Copies of such
Emergency Orders must also be delivered to representatives of the print and
electronic news media, appropriate law enforcement officials, and other relevant
government officials.
(c) Board Powers. The Board may convene to perform its legislative duties as the
situation demands and shall receive reports related to emergency and disaster
preparedness activities. The Board shall, in addition to any other powers conferred
by law, rule, regulation or other ordinances, have the power and authority to waive
the procedures and formalities otherwise required by law pertaining to:
(1) The performance of public work and taking whatever prudent action is
necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community.
(2) Entering into contracts.
(3) Incurring of obligations.
(4) Employment of permanent and temporary workers.
(5) Utilization of volunteer workers.
(6) Rental of equipment.
(7) Acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies,
materials, and facilities.
(8) Appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
(9) Authorization of the removal of derelict vessels pursuant to current statutes
of the State of Florida and in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission.
(10) Authorization of the removal of abandoned vehicles pursuant to
current statutes of the State of Florida and in conjunction with law
enforcement of the County and State.
(d) County Administrator powers. Nothing herein shall be construed limit any power or
authority otherwise granted to the County Administrator in this Code, including the
powers enumerated in Section 38-161, Article V, Chapter 38.
(e) County Forces. The Director or designee a may coordinate emergency services of any
County department, division, or employee. If regular County forces are inadequate,
the Director may require the services of such other available personnel, including
citizen volunteers. All duly authorized persons rendering emergency services shall
be entitled to privileges and immunities as provided by state law, County
ordinances, and policies for regular County employees and emergency management
workers and, upon demand, may receive appropriate compensation for their
emergency employment.
Sec. 18-5. Continuity of Government and Operations.
(a) The County Administrator shall identify the specific order of succession among the
County organization to ensure continuity of leadership, organization, and essential
services during emergency circumstances. The County Administrator shall advise
the Board of this succession annually and whenever changes occur. Each County
department shall also establish an internal chain of succession. Departments
responsible for public records shall identify essential records and implement
measures for protection and alternate storage.
(b) All County departments shall develop and maintain a Continuity of Operations Plan
(COOP) consistent with the CountyComprehensive Emergency Management Plan
to ensure continuation of essential functions during an emergency or operational
disruption.
(c) County department directors and managers shall appoint department emergency
management liaisons to manage and coordinate functional responsibilities and assist
in supporting implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
and Continuity of Operations Plan.
(d) County department directors shall ensure that support and recovery team members,
including Emergency Operations Center staff, are identified, trained, and equipped
to provide 24-hour coverage when required. During a declared state of emergency,
directors, managers, and supervisors shall act in accordance with responsibilities
outlined in the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan or as directed by the
County Administrator and/or Public Safety Director.
Sec. 18-6. Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
As required by Section 252.38, Florida Statutes, the St. Lucie County Board of County
Commissioners shall adopt and maintain a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
("CEMP"). The CEMP is the master operations document that provides a framework through
which the Counter es emergencies and disasters. It defines the responsibilities of
government, private, volunteer, and non -governmental organizations that comprise the Counter's
Emergency Operations Center. The CEMP ensures that all levels of government are able to
mobilize as a unified emergency organization to safeguard the well-being of residents and
visitors.
Sec. 18-7. Training and Exercises.
(a) The Division shall coordinate annual training and exercises in accordance with the
Coun , 's Integrated Preparedness Plan.
(b) All County departments shall participate in scheduled exercises to validate
emergency roles, responsibilities, and resource coordination.
(c) After -action reports and improvement plans shall be developed for each exercise or
major activation and presented to the Board within ninety (90) dqys. Reports shall
identify corrective actions, responsible offices, and implementation timelines.
Sec. 18-8. Compliance and Reporting:
The Division shall track departmental compliance with this Article and include status updates in
the annual Emergency Management Program Report provided to the Board.
Secs. 18-9—18-18. Reserved.
SECTION 3. Chapter 18, Emergency Management and Emergency Services, Article II,
Price Gouging During Emergencies, is amended as follows:
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• OI .:-. MMFOMMEMORMIUME
Sec. 18-212-2. Prohibitions against price gouging.
(a) Upon declaration of an emergency pursuant to section 18-21, and through the duration of
such emergency, it shall be an unlawful method of competition and an unfair and
deceptive trade act or practice for a person or his agent or employee doing business in the
county to charge more than the average retail price for any consumer goods.
(b) Upon declaration of an emergency pursuant to section 18-21, and through the duration of
such emergency, it shall be an unlawful method of competition and an unfair and
deceptive trade act or practice for a person or his agent or employee to impose
unconscionable prices for the rental or lease of any dwelling unit or self -storage facility.
(c) This section does not prevent the seller of consumer goods from charging an amount in
excess of the average retail price, if such higher price is the direct result of, and limited
to, any increased cost for the consumer goods from the manufacturer, distributor, or
wholesaler to the seller. In such instances, only the actual cost increase per item from the
manufacturer, distributor, or wholesaler can be added to the average retail price.
(d) This section does not interfere with the authority of government to acquire and to
distribute consumer goods, supplies, materials, and facilities, with or without
compensation.
(e) A price increase approved or authorized by a government agency, law, statute, or
regulation shall not be a violation of this article's prohibitions.
(Code 1982, § 1-6.3 -54; Ord. No. 01-21, pt. A, 10-16-2001)
Secs. 18-222-3--18-47. Reserved.
SECTION 4. Chapter 18, Emergency Management and Emergency Services, Article V,
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Review, Training and Exercise Requirements, and
Procedures for the Health Care Industry, is hereby created as follows:
ARTICLE V. COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW,
TRAINING AND EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS, AND PROCEDURES FOR THE HEALTH
CARE INDUSTRY
Sec. 18-102. Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to establish uniform standards, procedures, and fees for the
review, approval, and certification of disaster preparedness plans, training, and exercises for health
care facilities regulated by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Florida
Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
(APD). These provisions ensure compliance with applicable emergency planning criteria, enhance
community resilience, and protect the health and safety of vulnerable populations during disasters.
Sec. 18-103. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(a) Division means the St. Lucie County Emergency Management Division.
(b) Emergency Planning Criteria Regulations means the federal or state regulations or
law establishing the emergency planning criteria which includes a required whole community
training and exercise element for which a certificate of participation must be issued by the local
Emergency Management Agency, as thew be amended.
Created: 2025-10-01 10:58:38 [EST]
(Supp. No. 30)
Page 9 of 13
(c) Emergency Environmental Control Plan (EECP) means a facility's plan that
ensures essential power and environmental control can be maintained during an electrical outage
to protect people's health and safety as mandated by the Florida Administrative Code.
(d) Facility6es) mean those healthcare facilities covered by this article pertaining to
local emergency management agency including_
W Residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
Hospitals
M Ambulatory surgical centers
f Nursinghomes
omes
Intermediate care facilities
jo Transitional living facilities
(7) Assisted living facilities (facilities designed to provide "personal care services" to
include. but not limited to, senior living facilities, senior adult housing, aging in place facilities,
memory care facilities, etc.
Adult day care centers
Group Homes
(e) Health Care Facility Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)
means the plan that is created and submitted by the facilities as required by the emergency planning
criteria regulations.
Sec. 18-104. Applicability.
(a) This article applies to all facilities required by law or rule to submit a CEMP and/or
EECP for review and approval by the local emergency management agency.
(b) If additional healthcare facilities are in the future subjected to the emergency
planning criteria regulations, those facilities will automatically fall into their applicable
category(ies)upon notification pursuant to Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, Florida
Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Florida Department of Children and Families
(DCF) and Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).
Sec. 18-105. Emergency Plan Review.
a) Facilities subiect to elan review. The facilities reauired to have their plans reviewed
and approved by the Division as required by the Emergency Planning Criteria Regulations include:
W Residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
Hospitals
Ambulatory surgical centers
Nursing homes
Intermediate care facilities
Transitional living facilities
10
Assisted living facilities (facilities designed to provide "personal care
services" to include, but not limited to, senior living facilities, senior adult housing, aging
in place facilities, memory care facilities, etc.)
Adult day care centers
(99,) Group Homes
(b) The Division shall be the sole authority within St. Lucie County for the review of
facility ency plans required at the county level.
(c) Facilities must develop their own plans to be reviewed in accordance with
Emergency Planning Criteria Regulations.
(d) The Division will collaborate with facilities to achieve plan approval each year.
(e) Plan review criteria, guidance documents, and procedures shall be published on the
Division's official website.
Sec. 18-106. Plan Submission and Review.
(a) Facilities shall submit their plans to the Division at least 90 days prior to license
renewal or upon significant change in operation.
(b) The Division shall complete its initial review within 60 calendar days of receipt and
shall approve the plan or issue written comments requiring revision.
(c) Plans shall conform to current AHCA planning criteria and the corresponding
crosswalk for each facility Me.
(d) The Division shall maintain records of all submissions, approvals, revisions, and
fees collected.
Sec. 18-107. Approval and Notification.
Plans meeting all applicable state and local criteria shall be approved in writing. Copies of
approvals and deficiency notices shall be provided to the facility and, when required, to the
licensing authority (e.g., AHCA, DCF, etc.).
Sec. 18-108. Noncompliance.
Failure to submit a required plan or pay applicable fees may result in denial of local
approval and notification to AHCA or other licensing authorities, which may affect facility
licensure status.
Sec. 18-109. Fees for plan review and technical assistance.
11
(a) Fees for plan review and technical assistance shall be determined and paid in
accordance with Rule 27P-20.003, Florida Administrative Code, as it may be amended.
(b) The Division shall provide the submitting Facility an invoice for the cost of
performing the plan review within sixly (60) days of completing the review.
(c) By August 1 of each year, the Division shall post via the St. Lucie County
Emergency Management web page the estimated cost of review for the next fiscal year.
Sec. 18-109. Training and Exercise.
(c) The Emergency Planning Criteria Regulations and rules require facilities to
participate in training and exercise on an annual basis.
(d) The Emergency Planning Criteria Regulations and rules require facilities to
participate in one community wide exercise per
(e) The Division will provide a minimum of two training opportunities for facilities to
complete their training and exercise requirements each year.
M The training and exercise calendar is based on the county's fiscal ,Year (October 1—
September 30).
Sec. 18-110. Certification.
(a) The Division will issue facilities certificates of participation in whole community
training or exercise events within ten (10) business days of completion of the training or exercise
event.
(b) Certificates will be issued to both the facility/entity and the individual(s)
participating in the training and/or exercise event.
(c) Certificates will be issued in accordance with reauirements set forth in applicable
rules, codes, and/or statutes.
SECTION 5. CONFLICTING PROVISIONS. Special acts of the Florida legislature
applicable only to unincorporated areas of St. Lucie County, and adopted prior to January 1, 1969,
County ordinances and County resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict with this ordinance are
hereby superseded by this ordinance to the extent of such conflict.
SECTION 6. SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABILITY. If any portion of this
ordinance is for any reason held or declared to be unconstitutional, inoperative, or void, such
holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance. If this ordinance or any provision
thereof shall be held to be inapplicable to any person, property, or circumstance, such holding shall
not affect its applicability to any other person, property, or circumstance.
SECTION 7. FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE. The Clerk is hereby
directed forthwith to send a certified copy of this ordinance to the Department of State.
12
SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE. A certified copy of this ordinance shall be filed with
the Department of State by the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County
within ten days after enactment by the Board, and this ordinance shall take effect upon filing with
the Department of State.
SECTION 9. CODIFICATION. Provisions of this ordinance shall be incorporated in the
Code of Ordinances of St. Lucie County, and the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section",
"article", or other appropriate word, and the sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or
relettered to accomplish such intention; provided, however, that Sections 3 through 7 shall not be
codified.
SECTION 10. ADOPTION. After motion and second, the vote on this ordinance was as
follows:
Chair Jamie Fowler
AYE
Vice Chair Larry Leet
AYE
Commissioner James Clasby
AYE
Commissioner Erin Lowry
AYE
Commissioner Cathy Townsend
AYE
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 7th_day of Jam, 2026.
�y GpMM/Ss�o BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: J2� ti� T. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
v � M% , N
rlav lQ> qOe y .
Deputy Clerk �GciF cou►�� f��� Chair
AS TO FORM AND
CORRECTNESS:
BY:
County AiVorney
13
L.UC-;�LP...
BUSINESS IMPACT ESTIMATE
Before the enactment of a proposed ordinance, the County shall prepare or cause to be prepared a
business impact estimate in accordance with Section 125.66(3), Florida Statutes.
BOCC Meeting Dates: permission to advertise requested on June 2, 2026, for a public hearing to be
held on July 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM, or as soon thereafter as the item may be heard.
Proposed Ordinance Title/Reference:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18 "EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY
SERVICES" OF THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY CODE, BY AMENDING ARTICLE I "IN GENERAL", TO
PROVIDE FOR A NEW ARTICLE I, SETTING FORTH PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS; EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY; EMEGRENCY POWERS; CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS;
COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY PLAN; TRAINING; AND REPORTING; AMENDING ARTICLE II,
SEC. 18-21 "DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY" TO REMOVE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS; CREATING
ARTICLE V "COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW, TRAINING, AND
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS, AND PROCEDURES FOR THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY",
SETTING FORTH PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS; APPLICABILITY; EMERGENCY PLAN REVIEW;
APPROVAL; COMPLIANCE; FEES; AND CERTIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING
PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR FILING
WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION
The Proposed Ordinance ❑ does ® does not fall under one of the followine enumerated exceptions:) -
❑ The proposed ordinance is required for compliance with Federal or State law or regulation;
❑ The proposed ordinance relates to the issuance or refinancing of debt;
❑ The proposed ordinance relates to the adoption of budgets or budget amendments, including revenue
sources necessary to fund the budget;
❑ The proposed ordinance is required to implement a contract or an agreement, including, but not limited to,
any Federal, State, local, or private grant or other financial assistance accepted by the county government;
❑ The proposed ordinance is an emergency ordinance;
❑ The ordinance relates to procurement; or
❑ The proposed ordinance is enacted to implement the following:
a. Part II of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, relating to growth policy, county and municipal planning,
and land development regulation, including zoning, development orders, development agreements
and development permits;
b. Sections 190.005 and 190.046, Florida Statutes, regarding community development districts;
c. Section 553.73, Florida Statutes, relating to the Florida Building Code; or
d. Section 633.202, Florida Statutes, relating to the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
A business impact estimate is not required for the above exceptions.
Summary of Proposed Ordinance and Statement of Public Purpose to be Served:
Section 252.38, Florida Statutes, provides that safeguarding the life and property of citizens is an innate
responsibility of the governing body of each political subdivision of the State.
The Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, (Board), pursuant to Chapter 252,
Florida Statutes, has the authority to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the people and
property within St. Lucie County during an emergency; and,
The Board desires to amend Chapter 18, Emergency Management and Emergency Services, to provide
for a new Article I, which provides for purpose; definitions; creation of emergency management
agency; emergency powers; continuity of government and operations; comprehensive emergency
1 F.S. 125.66(3)(c)(2025)
management plan; training and exercise; compliance and reporting requirements; to amend Article II to
delete obsolete emergency management provisions; and add Article V, which provides for purpose;
definitions; applicability; emergency plan review; approval; compliance; fees; and certification.
The Board is authorized to enact this ordinance pursuant to Article VIII, Section 1(f) of the Florida
Constitution, Section 125.01, Florida Statutes, Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, and 27P-20.003, Florida
Administrative Code.
The Board has determined that the proposed amendments to the Code are in the best interest of the health,
safety, and public welfare of the citizens of the County.
Estimate of Direct Economic Impact on Private/For Profit Businesses:
a. Estimate of Direct Business Compliance Costs:
Direct compliance costs are expected to be minimal to moderate, as affected facilities are already required under
state law and rule (AHCA, DCF, APD) to develop, maintain, and submit Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plans (CEMPs), and to participate in annual training and exercises.
Any additional costs will primarily be administrative in nature and may include:
• Staff time to prepare, review, and submit plans in accordance with standardized county procedures
• Minor updates to existing plans to align with county review criteria and crosswalks
• Coordination time for participation in required training and exercises
These activities are largely part of existing operational and regulatory compliance responsibilities; therefore,
incremental costs attributable to this ordinance are expected to be low.
b. New Charges/Fees on Businesses Impacted:
The ordinance establishes fees in accordance with Rule 27P-20.003, Florida Administrative Code. The current
fees associated with plan review and related services are as follows:
• $62.50 filing fee (covers up to two (2) hours of review)
• $31.25 per additional hour of review
• Maximum annual fee:
o $250.00 for facilities with 16 beds or fewer
o $500.00 for facilities with more than 16 beds (per Rule 27P-20.003, F.A.C.)
• $25.00 consultation fee (as applicable)
These fees are consistent with state -authorized cost recovery provisions and are capped to limit financial impact
on facilities.
c. Estimate of Regulatory Costs:
The estimated regulatory cost per facility is expected to range from approximately $250 to $500 annually,
depending on facility size and level of review required.
Because these costs are capped and aligned with state fee structures, the fmancial impact is considered limited
and predictable.
Good Faith Estimate of Number of Businesses Likely Impacted:
• Hospitals:5
• Nursing homes: 10
• Assisted living facilities (ALFs): 125
• Adult day care centers: 6
• Ambulatory surgical centers: 7
• Group Homes 99 (approximately 30 new applications in process)
• Other (ICF, transitional living, RTF, etc.): 3
Reasonable total estimate: Approximately 255 — 285 facilities
Any Additional Information:
NONE.
l 1
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT 0 STATE
RON DESANTIS
Governor
July 16, 2026
Michelle R. Miller
Clerk & Comptroller
St. Lucie County
2300 Virginia Ave.
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
Dear Michelle Miller,
CORD BYRD
Secretary of State
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 125.66, Florida Statutes, this will acknowledge receipt of your
electronic copy of St. Lucie County Ordinance No. 26-018, which was filed in this office on July 15, 2026.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Leij on
Administrative Code and Register Director
AL/dp
R. A. Gray Building • 500 South Bronough Street • Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250
Telephone: (850) 245-6270