AIA Florida is serving as the central information source for members to learn more about the state’s hurricane recovery and assistance efforts. The component is joining public officials and allied organizations in relief and recovery efforts, reaching out to its own members who need assistance, and keeping others up-to-date on state resources for hurricane victims, reports AIA Florida Communications and Public Relations Director Lauren Larson. The component is committed to providing members with the most up-to-date information and opportunities regarding the assistance of fellow Floridians post-disaster.

The component keeps members up-to-date through its Friday Facts weekly e-newsletter and other external communications. They also have been contacting state agencies and associations, including the departments of community affairs, community planning, emergency management—as well as the Building Officials Association of Florida, Florida Association of Counties, and Florida League of Cities—offering a list of architects available to assist in the damage assessment and community rebuilding phases of the state’s protocol. As this process continues, AIA Florida is continually reminding state and local government of the need for licensed architects to be part of the post-disaster process. It is also helping to distribute information about executive orders relating to evacuations and rebuilding efforts.

Timely Good Samaritan Act
AIA Florida supported the passing of the Good Samaritan Act during the 2004 state legislative session. The act provides immunity from civil liability to any person who gratuitously provides care, treatment, or service during emergency response activities in connection with local emergency management agencies, the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Community Affairs, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The component reports that the legislation (HB321/SB532) has proven a timely response to this active hurricane season. It protects a person from civil liability for damages caused by an act or a failure to act to arrange further care, treatment, or services if such person acts as a reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances. Architects have, in the past, been called in as experts to opine on the safety of damaged buildings to allow rescue workers to enter for either rescue or recovery. This bill is expected to provide some additional liability protection to architects and others who respond to emergencies such as the 9-11 terrorist attacks, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes. The bill finally was approved by the Florida House in the late afternoon on the last day of session and has been signed into law by the governor.

AIA Florida also participated in a conference call to aid in the aftermath of Hurricanes Charley and Frances. AIA Florida, Florida Home Builders Association, Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractor Association, and Building Officials Association of Florida took part in the phone conference with the lieutenant governor and the secretary of community affairs. The group considered the lack of contracted and licensed roofers available to repair the damage to commercial and residential property, and discussions are under way as to whether the state should call on contractors and roofers from other states for help. The governor subsequently on September 14 issued an order allowing specialty licenses to out-of-state contractors.

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