How many Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) does Florida have, organized by function rather than agency?

Florida has organized its Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) into 18 distinct categories that align with specific functional areas of emergency management. Each ESF is responsible for coordinating the necessary resources and support during an emergency response. This organization by function allows different agencies and organizations to come together under clearly defined roles, ensuring that a coordinated and efficient response is achieved during incidents.

In Florida, these ESFs include areas such as transportation, communications, public health, and housing, among others. This structure is designed to streamline the response process by clearly delineating responsibilities and ensuring that all aspects of disaster management are covered.

The number of 18 is significant because it reflects Florida's comprehensive approach to emergency management, considering various functional areas that may need support during disasters, rather than focusing solely on the different agencies involved. This enables a more holistic view of disaster response and recovery strategies within the state's emergency management framework.