Florida waives HOS for truckers as state braces for Hurricane Ian

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency declaration relaxing trucking regulations as a major hurricane is expected to hit the state this week.

Hurricane Ian Could Make Landfall in Florida Midweek

On Saturday afternoon, DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Florida ahead of Hurricane Ian gaining intensity. DeSantis also activated the National Guard to assist in disaster response.

Currently, forecasters expect that Ian will impact the west coast of Florida and the Florida panhandle midweek, but the trajectory of the storm could change.

Florida Waives HOS, Other Trucking Rules For Relief Haulers

As part of the state’s preparation for Ian, Florida has waived Hours of Service requirements for motor carriers that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies, or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida.

Additionally, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has waived weight and size requirements for any vehicles transporting fuel, emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agricultural commodities and citrus.

FDOT is taking several other actions to prepare Florida infrastructure for the storm, including:

• Preparing Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) corridors for needed future activation.
• Inspecting and clearing roadways.
• Securing maintenance yards, active projects and barges, facilities, and high mast lighting.
• Checking and clearing drainage areas and inlets.