FEMA still in Florida to help residents impacted by hurricanes

More than 1,200 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, and 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 Missing or outdated information could result in delays.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, 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 prevent or lessen damage from future disasters.

Insurance specialists are also available to answer NFIP questions.

Debris Removal

As of March 10, the state of Florida has removed 36.19 million cubic yards of debris. That’s more than 223,671 tractor-trailer loads.

Appeals

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.

Fraud

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

To date, FEMA has approved a total of more than $1.5 billion to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:

• • $708.1 million approved for Hurricane Milton
  • $738.7 million approved for Hurricane Helene
  • $56.4 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.

 Transitional Sheltering Assistance

8,172 Households for a total of 19,966 people are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels.

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)

Generally, every 14 days FEMA will review applicants’ eligibility for continued TSA.  Applicants who meet the conditions of continued eligibility may remain in TSA.

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: $337,891,440      

Milton: Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) total obligated: $645,772,626

Helene: Category A (Debris) total obligated: $86,995,225      

Helene: Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) total obligated: $347,375,967

National Flood Insurance Program

As of March 10, NFIP has paid $6.18 billion in claims to 57,632 claimants from Milton, Helene and Debby.

U.S. Small Business Administration

Additional Resources