State provides updated hurricane recovery information for its residents

12/10/2024

Florida Hurricane Recovery Key Messages

  • FEMA Mitigation specialists are at the Home Depot in Spring Hill Monday, Dec. 9 through Dec. 14. These specialists can offer free improvement tips and proven methods for rebuilding in a way that can prevent or lessen damage from future disasters. Insurance specialists are also available to answer NFIP questions and Disaster Survivor Assistance team members are present to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance.
  • Fraud and scams can be common following disasters, not only at the beginning of response but as recovery continues and people may be more vulnerable. 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
  • The State of Florida, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FEMA are coordinating one-day Farm Recovery Centers in Hendry, Lee, Levy, Madison and Polk counties. These events have been organized to provide support for farmers affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. The Farm Recovery Centers will help Florida’s agriculture and aquaculture producers learn about disaster recovery assistance. These one-day events have already been completed in Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee, Levy and Polk counties.
  • Learn more here: One-Day Farm Recovery Centers Planned for December in Eight Florida Counties | FEMA.gov
  • In-person help with FEMA applications for assistance is still available at any Disaster Recovery Center in Florida. Centers are open in 20 counties to help survivors apply for assistance, answer questions and provide access to resources from other agencies. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.

National Flood Insurance Program Policy Renewal Deadline

By the Numbers

  • To date, FEMA has approved a total of more than $1.1 billion to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:
    • $502 million approved for Hurricane Milton
    • $579 million approved for Hurricane Helene
    • $53 million approved for Hurricane Debby
  • 34,071 Households for a total of more than 81,839 people are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels.

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)

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 or Helene, 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 Florida Hurricane Application deadlines: Hurricane Helene Jan. 7; Hurricane Milton Jan. 7.
  • 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.

Additional Resources