Sarasota County and its jurisdictions face a variety of natural hazards that could affect the lives and property of residents and visitors. The Sarasota County Unified Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) provides a mechanism for the county, its jurisdictions and partners to build a strong and resilient community through mitigation projects that address these hazards.

The first Sarasota County Local Mitigation Strategy was approved in 1999. It has been updated every five years since. View the 2021 update here.

Like previous updates, the 2025 update is a coordinated, cooperative effort of unincorporated Sarasota County, the cities of Sarasota, Venice and North Port, the Town of Longboat Key, and several community partners who make up the Sarasota County Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group.

The plan will be implemented following approval by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency and adoption by the Sarasota County Commission.

Public awareness is a key component of the mitigation strategy’s success. 

Continue to follow this page for updates as they are announced.