DeSantis administration deploys support for Broward floods

By Eric Daugherty

Published Apr. 13, 2023, 1:03 p.m. ET | Updated Apr. 13, 2023

The Broward County flooding is an evolving situation and information is subject to change. Check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida Division of Emergency Management has deployed staff to Broward County to support recovery and damage assessment efforts.

According to the division, Broward County has not yet requested assistance from the Florida government.

Thursday afternoon, DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Broward County.

Division Director Kevin Guthrie has also been in contact with the county emergency management director along with the Fort Lauderdale city manager to offer support.

There were reportedly 4-8 inches of rainfall in southeastern Broward and northeastern Miami-Dade Counties, but parts of Fort Lauderdale witnessed more than 15-25 inches.

Across the area, cars can be seen in city streets stranded and broken down because of the high water levels.

A flood watch is in effect for parts of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties until Thursday evening, at the time of reporting.

Below are the state efforts to help locals deal with the flooding and its aftermath:

Department of Transportation

FDOT is pumping flood waters at multiple locations including the New River Tunnel (US 1).

FDOT is providing maintenance of traffic for roadway closures and working with Broward County on traffic signal outages.

FDOT has posted messaging to digital signage advising of the airport closure and road closures caused by flooding in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

FDOT is activating damage assessment survey applications in FDOT District 4.

Hollywood International Airport remains closed due to weather conditions. Lauderdale International Airport is expected to remain closed.

Florida Highway Patrol

FHP is increasing staffing to coordinate coverage in response to the flooding and in anticipation of additional storms forecasted in the area.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission

FWC has deployed three swamp buggies, two high lift UTVs, and 15 4×4 trucks to aid response.

FWC is currently supporting Broward County Fire Rescue and the Broward County EOC to respond to high water levels in Ft. Lauderdale.

FWC has deployed a 15-officer team in high water vehicles to assist with welfare checks, neighborhood patrols, non-emergency evacuations and calls for service.

Department of Education

All Broward County Public Schools and District offices are closed on Thursday, April 13, 2023. All afterschool activities, events, and extracurricular activities have also been cancelled.

Florida Division of Emergency Management