Florida Declares State of Emergency for Tropical Depression

Update: Hurricane Invest 93L has upgraded into Hurricane Idalia. Stay safe!

It seems both sides of the United States are getting hit with natural disasters this late in the summer. First, it was California with Hurricane Hilary, and now Florida is having a tropical depression, currently named Invest 93L, that has the potential to become a hurricane. As per usual with these potentially catastrophic events, a State of Emergency has been declared, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is stepping up to enable drivers to help the unfortunate.

Details

If you want to read the Declaration in full, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has it on the relevant webpage. In short, it temporarily suspends five regulations for drivers, both in-state and from out-of-state, that are driving to provide relief supplies to those affected.

1. Registration requirements for the commercial vehicles are temporarily shelved.
2. Hours-of-service regulations no longer apply for an applicable delivery, but the usual caveats are included (there is a ten-hour break after a completed delivery beyond the scope of normal hours-of-service, for example).
3. Out-of-state drivers are exempt from International Fuel Tax Agreement, International Registration Plan, and similar Florida statutes reporting (unless they are already registered under Florida with these entities, upon which recording and reporting still applies).
4. Fees for replacing or duplicating driving documents (driver’s licenses, titles, etc.) are waived for those impacted by Invest 93L.
5. Late fees for renewal or application for driving documents (including, but not limited to, driver’s licenses, vehicle registration certificates, and handicapped parking spaces) are waived for those who the process would have been on time but for delayed processing due to the tropical depression.

Conclusion

The Emergency Order is expected to expire on September 26th, 2023, or when the Florida state government has determined that there is no longer a need for a State of Emergency, whichever outcome happens sooner.

Nature is a truly powerful force. If you plan to drive in the affected counties, and especially if Invest 93L gains strength and evolves into a hurricane, we advise you to be on your best driving behavior, and if all else fails, to seek shelter.

ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING

TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.

We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!

We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.

Learn more about Trailer Financing.

Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.