State provides hurricane update report

04/08/2025

Key Messages

  • More than 1,100 FEMA staff are on the ground in Florida to help survivors recover from Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby.
  • FEMA will continue to process applications, receive and manage appeals, conduct inspections and assist applicants and local officials with questions and information about recovery programs.
  • FEMA may call Floridians who applied for disaster assistance from unknown phone numbers. It is important to answer these calls. Survivors should return any missed phone calls.
  • Survivors who applied for FEMA assistance should continue to stay in touch with the agency to update their application. Missing or outdated information could result in delays. Homeowners and renters can update their contact information online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA App or by phone at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages.

Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach

  • FEMA Mitigation staff are onsite at big box stores to help homeowners learn ways to build back stronger against future storms.
  • These specialists can offer free improvement tips and proven methods for rebuilding in a way that can lessen damage from future disasters.
  • Insurance specialists are also available to answer NFIP questions.
  • In Charlotte County, FEMA specialists will be available from March 27 through April 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the following location: Home Depot, 12621 McCall Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33981
  • In Lee County, FEMA specialists will be available from March 31 through April 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the following location: Lowe’s, 285 SW 25th Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33914

Debris Removal

  • As of March 31, the state of Florida has removed more than 36.5 million cubic yards of debris.
  • Survivors who applied for FEMA assistance will receive a decision letter in the mail or via email. If survivors disagree with the decision about their eligibility, they can appeal within 60 days from the date on that letter.  If survivors have questions about their letter or how to appeal, they can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
  • We encourage survivors to be aware of fraud and scams and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. For more information, visit: Be Alert to Fraud After Florida Hurricanes | FEMA.gov.

Individual Assistance

  • As of April 7, FEMA has approved a total of more than $1.5 billion to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including: $759.7 million approved for Hurricane Milton, $759 million approved for Hurricane Helene and $57.5 million approved for Hurricane Debby
  • FEMA may provide financial assistance to help displaced survivors rent temporary housing.
  • FEMA Rental Assistance is intended to cover the monthly rent amount, which may include a security deposit, at a place other than a damaged home. The rental can be near the survivor’s job, home, school and place of worship. The assistance may include essential utilities such as gas, oil, trash, sewer, electricity, and water, but not cable or Internet.

Public Assistance

  • FEMA has obligated over $1 billion in public assistance funds to aid Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Milton.
  • In just over two months from the date Hurricane Milton was presidentially declared, Public Assistance was able to obligate more than $1 billion to the state of Florida – something that has never been done before in Florida.
  • This rapid response highlights the partnership with the State of Florida to aid local governments’ efforts to help communities recover.
    • Milton: Category A (Debris) total obligated: $338,280,729
    • Milton: Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) total obligated: $647,835,969
    • Helene: Category A (Debris) total obligated: $86,995,225
    • Helene: Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) total obligated: $348,183,066

National Flood Insurance Program

  • As of April 7, NFIP has paid $6.64 billion in claims to 61,442 claimants from Milton, Helene and Debby. NFIP Information is available online at https://www.floodsmart.gov/.

U.S. Small Business Administration

DR-4806 DR-4828 DR-4834
Applications: 1,948 Applications: 21,474 Applications: 44,811
Dollars Approved: $39,401,071 Dollars Approved: $769,662,581 Dollars Approved: $681,682,359

 

Additional Resources