(LAKELAND, Fla.) - People impacted by Hurricane Milton now have access to federal assistance following the President's approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida. The declaration provides crucial federal disaster aid to support recovery efforts in areas affected by the hurricane on Oct. 5, 2024.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other programs designed to help individuals and business owners recover from the storm's impact.
The action opens up federal funding for individuals in numerous counties, including:
- Brevard,
- Charlotte,
- Citrus,
- Clay,
- Collier,
- DeSoto,
- Duval,
- Flagler,
- Glades,
- Hardee,
- Hendry,
- Hernando,
- Highlands,
- Hillsborough,
- Indian River,
- Lake,
- Lee,
- Manatee,
- Marion,
- Martin,
- Okeechobee,
- Orange,
- Osceola,
- Palm Beach,
- Pasco,
- Pinellas,
- Polk,
- Putnam,
- Sarasota,
- Seminole,
- St. Johns,
- St. Lucie,
- Sumter, and
- Volusia,
- Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.
In addition to aiding individuals, federal funding is also available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations. This funding will be provided on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in the designated counties and tribal areas.
For the first 90 days of the incident period, federal assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures has been authorized at 100 percent under the Public Assistance program.
Application Process for FEMA Assistance
- Gather Personal Information:
Collect home, mailing, and email addresses; phone numbers; Social Security numbers; banking and insurance details. - Register for Assistance:
Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1-800-621-3362, or use the FEMA App. If using relay services, provide FEMA with the appropriate service number. - Complete the Application:
Fill out the application with as much detail as possible. You can return later to complete any missing information. - Submit the Application:
Review your information for accuracy, then submit the application to FEMA. Make sure to save your Application ID for future reference. - Await FEMA Review:
FEMA will review your application and may request additional information or schedule a home inspection if necessary. - Check Email for Updates:
Monitor your email for messages regarding your application status. - Check Application Status:
Log in to your account at any time to check the status of your application. - Receive Payment:
If you qualify, FEMA will issue payments through your chosen method, either via direct deposit or by check through the mail.
FRLS can Help with FEMA Appeals
Floridians seeking help with FEMA appeals can turn to Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) for support. FRLS provides resources and legal assistance to individuals navigating the appeals process after receiving a FEMA decision.Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining:
- whether you are approved for assistance
- how much assistance you will receive
- how the assistance must be used
- how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it
The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application. If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal. It must be submitted within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.
Individuals and business owners who experienced losses in the designated areas are encouraged to apply for assistance. They can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1-800-621-3362, or use the FEMA App. Those using relay services are advised to provide FEMA with the appropriate service number.