Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: Florida Hurricane Recovery DR-4834-FL RU-033
Florida Hurricane Recovery DR-4834-FL RU-033
Florida Hurricane Recovery Marc 31, 2025 (Distributed on Mondays) Key MessagesMore than 1,100 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
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Missing or outdated information could result in delays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,by 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 lessen damage from future disasters
Insurance specialists are also available to answer NFIP questions
As of March 31, the state of Florida has removed more than 36 million cubic yards of debris
FEMA specialists will be available from March 27 through April 5 from 8:00 a
m
to 4:30 p
m
ET, Monday – Friday and on Saturday from 8:00 a
m
to 2:30 p
m
ET, at the following location:Charlotte County: Home Depot, 12621 McCall Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33981FEMA specialists will be available from March 31 through April 12 from 8:00 a
m
to 4:30 p
m
ET, Monday – Friday and on Saturday from 8:00 a
m
to 2:30 p
m
ET, at the following location:Lee County: Lowe’s, 285 SW 25th Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33914Debris RemovalAppealsSurvivors 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
FraudWe 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
govIndividual AssistanceAs of March 31, FEMA has approved a total of more than $1
5 billion to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including: $734
3 million approved for Hurricane Milton $753
7 million approved for Hurricane Helene $56
8 million approved for Hurricane DebbyFEMA 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
Public AssistanceFEMA 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: $338,280,729 Milton: Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) total obligated: $647,677,699Helene: Category A (Debris) total obligated: $86,995,225 Helene: Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) total obligated: $348,183,066National Flood Insurance ProgramAs of March 31, NFIP has paid $6
6 billion in claims to 60,884 claimants from Milton, Helene and Debby
NFIP Information available online at https://www
floodsmart
gov/
U
S
Small Business AdministrationDR-4806DR-4828DR-4834Applications: 1,949Applications: 21,361Applications: 44,612Dollars Approved: $39,401,071Dollars Approved: $758,941,081Dollars Approved: $672,442,659Additional ResourcesActivate Hope: Displaced survivors can apply for State Non-Congregate Sheltering by visiting the Activate Hope website at hopeflorida
com and filling out the Assistance Request Form or by calling the Hope Florida support line at 833-GET-HOPE (833-438-4673)
Florida 211: Whether it’s a natural or human-caused disaster, a mental health issue, searching for job training or a food pantry, Florida 211 connects people to help, with a caring human on the other end of the phone
It’s a go-to, 24/7 free resource that can connect you with a wide range of social services and resources, including food, housing, utilities payment assistance, health care, transportation, childcare, employment opportunities, mental health crises, disaster information and assistance, and more
FDEM Statewide Debris Dashboard: Debris Survey Results (Milton)
Clean & Sanitize: FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup
Clean and Sanitize Assistance | FEMA
gov
Multi-Agency Resource Centers: Florida Division of Emergency Management and local communities are operating these centers to assist residents with storm recovery
FEMA specialists are available at most centers
U
S
Department of Agriculture/Farm Services Agency: emergency_disaster_designation_declaration_process-factsheet
pdf FEMA & Citizenship: You or a member of your household must be U
S
citizen, non-U
S
citizen national or qualified non-citizen to qualify for FEMA assistance
FEMA Rumor Response: Know what’s true and what isn’t
Hurricane Rumor Response | FEMA
govSmall Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program FAQs | U
S
Chamber of Commerce FoundationMental health resources for Floridians For help with cleanup: Call 833-GET HOPETips for Mold CleanupFlorida Division of Emergency Management Updates: floridadisaster
org/disaster-updates/storm-updates/Disaster Legal Hotline: 833-514-2940
lindsay
tozer
Mon, 03/31/2025 – 18:04