Florida Hurricane Recovery

October 31, 2024

FEMAKey Messages

  • Local, state, federal and voluntary agencies are helping Floridians affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. In many cases, one or more resources may be able to fill in gaps for disaster survivors. Find a list of resources here: Resources Available for Floridians Recovering from Hurricanes | FEMA.gov.
  • A mobile Disaster Recovery Center is now open at The Nest in Palm Beach Gardens to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by the recent hurricanes.
  • To date, FEMA has approved a total of more than $793.9 million to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:
    • $303.9 million approved for Hurricane Milton
    • $444,7 million approved for Hurricane Helene
    • $45.3 million approved for Hurricane Debby
  • 12,808 Households for a total of more than 31,259 people are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels.

FAQ of the Day: Will I have to pay back any FEMA disaster assistance I receive?

  • No, FEMA grants do not need to be repaid, aren’t taxable, and won’t affect eligibility for federal benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, or other programs.

Operation Blue Roof

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is installing fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs to damaged homes across affected Florida communities. The service is free, and the sign-up period has been extended to Nov. 14. Florida Residents affected by Hurricane Milton can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov, by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or by visiting a Right-of-Entry collection center throughout the affected areas.

Salvaging Your Damaged Treasures

  • Preservation specialists from the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, co-sponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, are in the Manatee and Sarasota Disaster Recovery Centers through Nov. 1 to offer advice about salvaging damaged items such as photos, artwork, textiles and other items.

Disaster Recovery Centers

  • Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hernando, Indian River, Madison, Manatee, Martin, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, St. Lucie, Suwanee and Taylor counties. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. Some centers may close temporarily for election polling. Announcements will be made. Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance

  • FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for Floridians displaced by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton in 52 counties and for tribal members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians. Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. Applicants do not need to request TSA. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email. Survivors who have been approved for TSA can find hotel options here: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)

Serious Needs Assistance

  • Serious Needs Assistance is money to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. Serious Needs Assistance is available for survivors who apply during the first 30 days after a disaster is declared. If you don’t agree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal by showing why you need FEMA assistance. The decision letter you get from FEMA will have more information about the types of documents you should send. Learn more about Serious Needs Assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Three SBA Business Recovery Centers are open. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

fema appHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance

  • If you sustained damage or loss from Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.
  • Quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Or use the FEMA App for mobile devices.
  • You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
  • If you choose to apply by phone, please understand calls to FEMA’s helpline are experiencing delays because of the increased volume due to multiple recent disasters.
  • 2024 Application deadlines: Hurricane Debby Nov. 12; Hurricane Helene Nov. 27; Hurricane Milton Dec. 11.

Additional Resources

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