President Joe Biden has declared Broward County in South Florida a disaster area after the region was hit with record-breaking rainfall earlier this month. The area experienced over 2 feet of rain in some parts, leaving some neighborhoods with up to 3 feet of water. Approximately 1,000 homes were severely damaged. Governor Ron DeSantis requested the declaration earlier this week, and the move will make residents and business owners who sustained damage eligible for federal loans and other assistance. Local governments and nonprofit organizations will also be eligible for aid.
The flooding caused several disruptions in the area, including the closure of the airport for almost two days and slowed gas deliveries to the port. However, both the Democratic president and Republican governor have previously worked together during times of disaster. This includes last year's Hurricane Ian, which killed over 140 people and left thousands homeless, and the 2021 collapse of a condo tower in Surfside, which killed 98 people.
While Governor DeSantis is expected to announce his intention to seek his party's nomination to challenge Biden in next year's election, the two administrations have been able to work together despite their political differences. The disaster declaration will provide much-needed relief to Broward County residents and businesses affected by the recent flooding.