Emergency powers invoked by Crist

Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Florida due to ongoing wildfire threats, a move that allows the governor to waive certain state laws and requirements for the duration of the emergency or as long as 60 days.

One of the powers that Crist can invoke: The ability to tap into reserves, including the Budget Stabilization Fund, in order to pay for items needed by the state agencies responding to wildfires in Brevard, Volusia and Glades counties. The declaration also calls for the activation of the National Guard, allows the Department of Transportation to waive certain tolls and weight restrictions for emergency vehicles, and state officials to close state buildings and state parks affected by wildfires.