Governor DeSantis Declared Major State of Emergency Due to Powerful Wintertime Cold Front

On February 9, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis executed Executive Order 26-33, declaring a major state of emergency across all 67 counties in Florida. The Order responds to a powerful wintertime cold front that moved across Florida from January 31 to February 3, 2026, bringing record-low temperatures and life-threatening wind chills nearly statewide.

The emergency declaration addresses three concurrent crises:

1. Prolonged freezing temperatures that have significantly impacted Florida's agricultural industry;
2. Severe to extreme drought affecting more than 95% of the State, with rainfall deficits ranging from two to seven inches below normal; an
3. Approximately 120 wildfires burning an estimated 9,700 acres at the time of the Order's issuance.

Florida Senate Bill 250, which went into effect on July 1, 2023, extends the tolling period for State of Emergency Orders from 6 months to 24 months for building permits and development authorizations. The total extension cannot exceed 48 months in the event of multiple natural emergencies for which the Governor declares a state of emergency. This law is retroactive to September 28, 2022. 

Developers and property owners with expiring permits should review their project timelines to determine whether tolling provisions under Florida Statute 252.363 apply. The Executive Order is effective immediately and expires 60 days from February 9, 2026, which would be April 10, 2026, unless extended.

We will continue to monitor the situation. If you have questions in the meantime dealing with real property rights, land use, and zoning matters, please contact Becky Wilson at Rebecca.Wilson@Lowndes-law.com, Jonathan Huels at Jonathan.Huels@lowndes-law.com or Tara Tedrow at Tara.Tedrow@lowndes-law.com.