The State Mutual Aid Agreement (SMAA) was updated and distributed to all counties in the State of Florida. The updated version, now known as the 2018 SMAA, was signed last week by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. All municipalities, colleges, universities, special districts and Native American Tribes within the County are required to sign the 2018 SMAA so that all jurisdictions are operating under the same agreement.
The Emergency Management Act, in Florida Statutes Chapter 252, provides that each local government enter into mutual aid agreements within the State for reciprocal emergency aid and assistance in cases of escalating emergencies that strain existing resources and personnel. The SMAA ensures timely reimbursement of the costs incurred by the local governments who render such assistance.
The 2018 update includes several new provisions, including:
· No declaration of a state of emergency is needed for agreements to be activated. This allows for a formal mutual aid process for Florida entities to use for smaller events.
· The requesting entity agrees to reimburse the assisting party per the terms in the SMAA. If reimbursement terms vary from the provisions of the SMAA, signatures from both parties are required on supplemental Form B prior to the assistance being rendered.
· The SMAA automatically renews each year; only the contact information needs to be updated on the supplemental Form C each year.