In the nineteenth century, the term “law of storms” described rules of navigation, which, when followed, would allow a sailing vessel to avoid the most dangerous and violent parts of a hurricane. Like the nineteenth century mariners, twenty-first century local governments confront challenges from natural and man-made disasters and might benefit from a discussion of the applicable law under which they will have to navigate through such disasters. Indeed, leading climatologists predict an increase in the number and severity of hurricanes in the coming decades. “Florida is more susceptible to hurricanes than any other state.” Because of Florida’s population concentrations, hurricanes threaten the safety of large numbers of people and have the potential to cause extensive property damage. Florida also is threatened by wildfires, which result from a dangerous combination of droughts and lightning. Local governments must act exigently to protect their citizens from the threat of hurricanes and wildfires and the havoc they cause.