Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 25 counties as Tropical Depression Nine moves toward the state's northwest, with authorities preparing for potentially severe weather across the Panhandle and Big Bend regions.

DeSantis signed Executive Order on Wednesday (IST), placing the affected counties under a state of emergency ahead of the tropical depression. The governor said the order would give communities additional time and resources to prepare for possible weather-related impacts.