Current FEMA updates for hurricane recovery

Key Messages

• Today, Nov. 12, is the last day for Hurricane Debby survivors to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
• FEMA is providing multiple temporary housing options to meet Floridians’ individual needs. More than 17,000 households are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels. The first step to receiving housing assistance is applying with FEMA.
• Florida residents affected by Hurricane Milton have until Nov. 14 to sign up for the free installation of fiber-reinforced sheeting to damaged roofs through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof.
• Disaster Recovery Centers are open in 20 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 $967.7 million to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:

• $423.9 million approved for Hurricane Milton
• $495.6 million approved for Hurricane Helene
• $48.2 million approved for Hurricane Debby

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)

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 is open through 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.

Disaster Recovery Centers

Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Manatee, Martin, Orange, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, Suwannee, St. Lucie and Taylor 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.

FEMA is Hiring – Apply Online

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.

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. 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 Debby Nov. 12; Hurricane Helene Nov. 27; Hurricane Milton Dec. 11.

Additional Resources