Key Messages

  • Survivors of hurricanes Helene and Milton have about a week to apply for Individual Assistance. The application deadline is January 7, 2025.
  • FEMA obligated over $1 billion in Public Assistance funds to aid Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Milton. Reaching this milestone in just over two months after the hurricane’s major disaster declaration on Oct. 11, has never been done before in Florida.
  • As of Dec. 30, the state of Florida has removed 37.97 million cubic yards of debris. This number of debris equals to more than 234,672 tractor trailer loads.
  • 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.
  • FEMA Mitigation specialists are at the Home Depot in New Port Richey through Saturday, Jan. 4.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • In-person help with FEMA applications for assistance is still available at any Disaster Recovery Center in Florida. Centers are open in 17 counties to help survivors apply for assistance, answer questions and provide access to resources from other agencies; this includes 12 DRCs and 5 MDRCs. 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.

By the Numbers

To date, FEMA has approved a total of more than $1.22 billion to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:

  • $547.2 million approved for Hurricane Milton
  • $623.9 million approved for Hurricane Helene
  • $53.5 million approved for Hurricane Debby

19,739 Households for a total of more than 47,118 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

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