Hurricane Ian News
Updated Disaster Resources for those Impacted by Hurricane Ian
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance Homeowners and renters in the following counties who had uninsured losses from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. FEMA may provide financial help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs. Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola,…
Read MoreGovernor Ron DeSantis, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Host Roundtable with Southwest Florida Businesses to Discuss Next Steps for Hurricane Ian Recovery
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) hosted a roundtable with more than a dozen Southwest Florida businesses. The roundtable discussion included representatives across industry sectors who shared their unique perspectives, needs, and obstacles for regaining economic self-sufficiency. This discussion will inform the state’s immediate and long-term…
Read MoreHurricane Business/Personal: FEMA Expands Disaster Aid to Additional Counties, Helps More Communities Recover from Severe Loss
WASHINGTON — Homeowners in Brevard, Hendry, Monroe and Okeechobee counties are now eligible to apply for FEMA individual assistance. More than $268 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for over 178,000 individuals and households to help jumpstart their recoveries. How FEMA is Helping Floridians · FEMA has made individual assistance available to 24 counties…
Read MoreHurricane Ian Business/Personal: USPS Resumes Operations at Saint James City & Bokeelia Post Offices -Reminder: COA Filing Is Critical
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — The Postal Service continues its efforts to restore service as quickly as we can safely do so. Below is information on additional offices which are resuming operations following temporary suspensions, due to Hurricane Ian. Customers affected by Hurricane Ian, especially in heavily damaged areas such as Sanibel & Captiva Islands and Fort…
Read MoreInitial Payment Centers Open in Fort Myers and Port Charlotte
SOUTHWEST, Fla. – Following the impacts of Hurricane Ian, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) has deployed two Initial Payment Centers in Fort Myers and Port Charlotte, where insurance carriers will be on hand to assist residents with the insurance claims process. The Port Charlotte Initial Payment Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to…
Read MoreDepartment Requests Swift Approval of Innovative Approach to Disaster SNAP Benefits for Families
Department Requests Swift Approval of Innovative Approach to Disaster SNAP Benefits for Families TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris called on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve Florida’s application for Disaster-SNAP (D-SNAP) benefits. The Department has included in its request innovative strategies that will allow…
Read MoreHurricane Ian Business: DBPR Issues Emergency Order For Contractors To Assist With Roofing Repair
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued an emergency order allowing certified or registered general, building, or residential contractors to install and repair roofs in 44 counties affected by the storm. Charlotte, Collier, and Lee are included. A certified or registered general, building, or residential contractor is not required to subcontract roofing work for the…
Read MoreShare your Hurricane Ian Survival Story or your company anniversary story
In the wake of Hurricane Ian, we want you to share your successes and struggles as you, your family and your business move forward after Hurricane Ian—with us and with your fellow Southwest Florida business community members. There is no charge for these guest column submissions. They run on a space-available basis. Please email them…
Read MorePresident Biden Amends Florida Disaster Declaration
WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Florida by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures undertaken in the state of Florida as a result of Hurricane Ian beginning Sept.…
Read MoreHurricane Ian Business: Private Sector Support
Work search reporting and other requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian in FEMA disaster-declared counties. Eligible Floridians must file for regular state Reemployment Assistance benefits before applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is also available for individuals and businesses in FEMA disaster-declared counties. Learn more here. The…
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