MIAMI – Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in Florida to help with Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
Scott's emergency order, signed Monday, is in effect for all 67 Florida counties.
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The declaration is intended to provide important resources and assistance needed to best accommodate the needs of families impacted by Maria when they come to Florida.
"Puerto Rico was totally devastated by Hurricane Maria and so many families lost everything," Scott said. "With families displaced by Hurricane Maria already present and still arriving in Florida, it is critical that our state is prepared to provide the resources they need upon entering our state."
The order directs Florida's emergency management director to execute the state's comprehensive emergency management plan "and other response, recovery and mitigation plans necessary to cope with the emergency."
Maria made landfall in the U.S. territory on Sept. 20 as a Category 4 hurricane.
Scott said the state "is an incredible melting pot" that remains committed to doing everything it can to help the families impacted by the storm.