Skip to main content
File #: 26-1622    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Agreement Status: Passed
File created: 3/2/2026 In control: Board of County Commissioners
On agenda: 3/10/2026 Final action: 3/10/2026
Title: Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Use of Starlink Satellite Kits between the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and DeSoto County Emergency Management
Attachments: 1. Starlink FDEM DESOTO MOA

? Consent Agenda ?Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing
? Regular Business 9:00 am
? Public Hearing Agreement

DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management
SUBMITTED BY: Dennis O'Hara
PRESENTED BY: Dennis O'Hara


TITLE & DESCRIPTION:
title
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Use of Starlink Satellite Kits between the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and DeSoto County Emergency Management
body

REQUESTED MOTION:
To approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for the transfer of ownership, operation, and maintenance of Starlink Satellite Internet Kits.


SUMMARY:
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is transferring ownership of Starlink Satellite Internet Kits to DeSoto County to ensure reliable, "hyper-local" internet connectivity during disaster recovery and severe weather events. This MOA formalizes the transfer of the equipment and outlines the county's responsibilities for ongoing service and maintenance.

BACKGROUND:
FDEM acquired Starlink kits to assist local counties in deploying resources to impacted areas where traditional communications may be compromised. Key terms of this agreement include:
* Ownership Transfer: Ownership and billing responsibilities are transferred from FDEM to the County.
* Maintenance: The County is responsible for all maintenance, repairs, software updates, and associated costs.
* Equipment Life: The expected life of the equipment is estimated at five (5) years.
* Usage: The kits must be used for their intended purpose of providing connectivity during emergent operations.
* Monitoring: FDEM retains the right to monitor the status and disposition of the kits through the SpaceX Starlink Portal.
FISCAL IMPACT


FUNDS:
Budget Amount: N/A
Actual Agenda Item: Click or tap here to enter text.
Cost: Recurring Monthly Service Fees (Variable based on SpaceX/Starlink rates) When in Use
Account Number: Click or tap here to enter text.
Explanation: While the hardware is pr...

Click here for full text