FEMA updates on state hurricane recovery efforts

11/18/2024

Key messages

  • Join the team that helps people before, during and after disasters. FEMA is hiring more than 600 local hire positions in Gainesville, Melbourne Beach, Sarasota and Tallahassee. Visit USAJobs.gov, type “FEMA” and “Local Hire” in the keywords section and “Florida” for location.
  • Florida residents affected by Hurricane Helene or Milton do not need to wait for a visit from FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams before applying for assistance.
  • The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or downloading the FEMA App. You can also apply by calling 800-621-3362.
  • Disaster Recovery Centers are open in 29 counties to help survivors apply for assistance, answer questions and provide access to resources from other agencies. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.

By the numbers

  • To date, FEMA has approved a total of more than $988.3 million to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:
    – $435.2 million approved for Hurricane Milton
    – $504.3 million approved for Hurricane Helene
    – $48.8 million approved for Hurricane Debby
  • 17,747 Households for a total of more than 43,261 people are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels.
  • 7,563 Blue roofs have been installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

FEMA seeks property owners for hurricane survivors in Florida communities

Transitional Sheltering Assistance

  • Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is available 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)

Disaster Recovery Centers

  • Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lafayette, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, Suwannee, St. Lucie, Taylor and Volusia counties. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 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.

U.S. Small Business Administration

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration 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. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

How 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.
  • 2024 Application deadlines: Hurricane Helene Nov. 27; Hurricane Milton Dec. 11.

Additional resources