Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Recovery Resource Guide

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Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Recovery Resources
Dear Fellow Floridian,  
Since Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast and brought massive storm surge, flooding and deadly tornadoes, I’ve traveled across the state to see the damage firsthand, spoke with families who are starting to pick up the pieces and am in constant contact with local, state and federal officials to make sure they have every federal resource they need to rebuild and recover. Like I told them, you aren’t alone. I know this recovery is an all-hands-on-deck approach from our local, state and federal partners. That is why I’m fighting to make sure the federal government, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) all SHOW UP as a partner today, tomorrow and every day until Florida is fully recovered.  
My team has hosted 21 Mobile Office Hours in 12 impacted counties to help folks with federal agencies after they apply for federal assistance. If you or someone you know has applied for assistance and needs help with a federal agency, click HERE.
We cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. I continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve.
As your U.S. Senator, here are a few ways I’m fighting to make Washington work for Florida families:
  • Introduced the Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act which would replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program.
  • Led legislation that would add $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to ensure they can provide immediate aid to communities impacted.
  • Joined my Florida colleagues in sending a letter urging USDA Secretary Vilsack to take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
  • Fighting to pass the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which is needed to ensure the full recovery of families in all impacted communities.
  • Introduced legislation that provides a non-refundable tax break to families who purchase flood insurance coverage, and another bill that provides a $10,000 tax break for property insurance premiums.
  • Introduced the READY Account Act to help folks save for home mitigation and disaster response costs in tax-free accounts. 
I know there may be some concerns about what the process will look like for you as you recover from Milton and continue recovering from Helene. I've spoken to FEMA and want you to know, especially as more counties are approved for individual assistance because of Hurricane Milton, you must apply for assistance for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton separately, meaning if you were impacted by more than one storm, you should treat each storm as an individual occurrence when applying for assistance and reporting damage. For more information on the counties available for individual assistance following Hurricane Milton, click HERE. For more information on the counties available for individual assistance following Hurricane Helene, click HERE. For more information on the counties available for individual assistance following Hurricane Debby, click HERE.   
There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance: But remember, you MUST apply for each storm separately. Just because you applied for Helene or Debby assistance does not make you eligible for Milton, so take some time to apply again, and make sure you get every federal resource available to you after this storm, and if you have any questions at all, please contact my office for help.
To find the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) closest to you, visit HERE.
Floridians are resilient, and we will get through this together. My office is committed to making sure Floridians have access to the tools and federal resources necessary to rebuild. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal agency, click HERE. To see more about the resources available to you, your family or your businesses as you recover from Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, click HERE. 
To find a resource guide for Hurricane Helene, click HERE. To find a resource guide for Hurricane Milton, see below or click HERE.
Sincerely,
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Senator Rick Scott
United States Senator
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Si hay algo que sé, es que los floridanos somos resilientes y que juntos superaremos esto. Vea más sobre los recursos disponibles para usted y su familia AQUÍ.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency
On October 11, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Florida triggering the release of Federal funds to help people and communities recover from Hurricane Milton that began October 5, 2024, and continuing. 
For information on Hurricane Milton, click HERE. For information on Hurricane Helene, click HERE. For information on Hurricane Debby, click HERE.
Application deadlines: Hurricane Debby Nov. 12, 2024; Hurricane Helene Nov. 27, 2024; Hurricane Milton Dec. 11, 2024.
To find the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) closest to you, visit HERE.
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Floridians May be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241017/floridians-may-be-eligible-transitional-sheltering-hotels Once FEMA notifies eligible Floridians, find locations here: https://femaemergencyhotels.com/ to find participating hotels
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Please call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 if you are having trouble receiving information about your FEMA application, scheduling a FEMA inspector, or learning more about your housing options for recovery.
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FEMA recommends homeowners and renters affected take the following actions:
  • Report any damage to your local emergency management agency.
  • Make sure to document any property damage with photos and contact your insurance company for assistance and next steps.
  • Keep repair receipts.
  • Be aware of safety concerns and separate debris for collection as instructed by local officials.
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For the latest information about Florida’s current disasters, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema. 
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Housing
Any Floridian in need of assistance with housing, please register for BOTH State and FEMA housing assistance through the links below.

1. To apply for State Housing Program: Hope Florida (hopeflorida.com)
Activate Hope Disaster Assistance Form

Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Individuals in need of immediate housing assistance, including FDEM temporary housing trailers, can visit HERE or call 1-833-GET-HOPE.

2. To apply for FEMA Housing Program  
FEMA Assistance: Including Housing Assistance 

People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated Individual Assistance counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance: —
Operation Blue Roof
Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for FEMA. The purpose of Operation Blue Roof is to provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has received a mission assignment for the Blue Roof Mission in the following counties:
  • Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia
Eligible residents can apply now through Tuesday, Nov. 14. Sign Up form HERE. Check status & cancellation HERE.
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Small Business Administration
Business owners and residents in declared disaster areas can now apply for SBA assistance. To learn more about the disaster assistance available, click HERE.
Find a list of SBA's currently active Recovery Centers HERE.
Need help with your application?  Image
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American Red Cross
If you're searching for a family member affected by the storm, please complete the form at this link for the state where they live: https://rdcrss.org/3TSmO6K. 
To locate shelters near you, text "SHELTER" & your zip to 43362. You can also visit http://redcross.org/shelters.
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Internal Revenue Services
Find information on the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations in Florida HERE. See FAQs for disaster victims for information about the definition of an affected taxpayer.
To learn more about Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) updates, visit HERE. 
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United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as provided available resources on how to prepare, recover and build long-term resilience during disasters. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has issued flexibilities and waivers to multiple states in response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene, including Florida, which can be found HERE. 
Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency county office after they evaluate the impact on their operation. Click HERE for resources for farmers, ranchers and other growers who are reporting losses. A list of FSA county offices can be found HERE. To learn more about the USDA's response to Hurricane Milton, click HERE.
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Florida Division of Emergency Management
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has outlined all available resources for Floridians and will continue to update as resources become available. 
Having a stocked disaster supply kit is vital during Hurricane Season, which runs until November 30th. If you're recovering from Hurricane Milton, please take advantage of the over 30+ Points of Distributions open in impacted counties! Check locations here: http://arcg.is/0ff050.
Visit HERE for more information.
Crisis Cleanup
If you need help with damages caused by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton, call Crisis Cleanup: 844-965-1386.
Volunteer Resources
  • Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers. The number is 833-514-2940
  • Samaritan's Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234
    • Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
    • Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work & Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.
  • 2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls
    • Individuals can call for up-to-the-minute information including school closures and sandbag distributions.
    • Local Social Services Referral.
  • Red Cross Hotline is open to assist survivors: 1-800-Red Cross
  • Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123
    • Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
    • Volunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work and Muck outs
Activate Hope Disaster Assistance Form
Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Individuals in need of immediate housing assistance, including FDEM temporary housing trailers, can visit HERE or call 1-833-GET-HOPE. 
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Florida Commerce
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.
Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant.

Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) provides state resources for post-storm recovery. 
FDACS is accepting applications for Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. If you are an agricultural or aquaculture producer who has experienced damage, you can apply for a Disaster Recovery Loan HERE. To check your eligibility or status of your application, click HERE.  
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that people in Florida recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton may be eligible for food assistance through USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). For more information, click HERE.  
For more information on how to apply to D-SNAP, visit HERE.  
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Need Assistance?
  • Call the Florida State Assistance Information Line for additional resources and updated information: 1-800-342-3557
    • In case of an emergency, please hang up and dial 911
    • There are English, Spanish and Creole speakers available to answer questions. 
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After a Storm
  • If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until local emergency managers say it is safe to do so.
  • Be mindful of debris and down power lines.
  • Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to.
  • Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators, or while removing debris. Never use generators indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents. 
  • Stay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.
  • Do not drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards. 
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Hurricane Preparedness Resources Websites
  • FEMA: Visit FEMA for up-to-date information, support, services and to apply for disaster assistance following a storm.
  • SBA: Visit SBA to learn about low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from a major disaster.
  • FloridaDisaster.org: Visit FloridaDisaster.org for resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan for your family.
  • National Hurricane Center: Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats.
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Helpful Accounts on Twitter —
Senator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-season-resources for federal resources. See the latest from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT on Twitter.
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Sen. Rick Scott Joins President Biden in St. Pete Beach for Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Briefing, Surveys Damage
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Senator Rick Scott joined President Joe Biden, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in St. Pete Beach to receive a briefing on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing rescue and recovery missions. 
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Sen. Rick Scott Meets with Florida Growers & Ranchers on Major Hurricanes Helene & Milton Response & Recovery in Polk & Hillsborough Counties
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 Senator Rick Scott was in Polk and Hillsborough County to hear from Florida’s growers, ranchers and agricultural leaders regarding recovery and response efforts following major Hurricanes Helene and Milton and reinforce his commitment to having the federal government show up for the community. 
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott in Hillsborough County
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Attorney General Ashley Moody, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna at the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center in Tampa to receive a briefing from local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Hurricane Milton. 
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.  
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Senator Rick Scott in Sarasota County
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Senator Rick Scott received a briefing in Sarasota County from Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Major Hurricane Milton and urged Floridians to prepare for landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.  
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Senator Rick Scott in Lee County
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Byron Donalds and State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka to receive a briefing in Lee County from Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Lee County Public Safety Director Ben Abes, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Major Hurricane Milton and to urge Floridians to prepare for landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.  
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Senator Rick Scott joined Sheriff Carmine Marceno and local emergency management officials in Fort Myers to survey damage from Hurricane Milton. He assured them that he's here to be their partner in getting folks every federal resource they need to recover.
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott in Charlotte County
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Senator Rick Scott joined local officials in Punta Gorda to be briefed and survey the damage in the area. Like so many people, Senator Scott loved visiting and bringing his grandkids to Punta Gorda, and knows this the community will be back stronger than ever. He reassured the community he is going to do everything he can to make sure the federal government keeps showing up, and Floridians get the relief and resources needed to recover. 
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott in Hillsborough County
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Senator Rick Scott visited Lithia to receive a briefing from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, County Administrator Bonnie Wise, Fire Chief Jason Dougherty, Hillsborough County officials and local emergency management leaders regarding response and recovery efforts.
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott in Sarasota County
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Greg Steube in Sarasota to receive a briefing from Chief of Police Rex Troche, Mayor Liz Alpert, Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terrence Connor, Sarasota County officials and local emergency management leaders regarding response and recovery efforts.
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott in Pinellas County
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Senator Rick Scott was in Pinellas County to receive a briefing from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing high-water rescue missions.
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Scott in Volusia and Lake Counties
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Michael Waltz in Volusia and Lake Counties to receive a briefing from both Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing high-water rescue missions. 
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott in St. Lucie County
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Brian Mast in St. Lucie County to receive a briefing from Sheriff Keith Pearson on the response to Hurricane Milton.
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott in Manatee County
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Senator Rick Scott stopped by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to thank Sheriff Rick Wells and the entire Sheriff’s department for all they are doing to keep Florida families safe after Hurricane Milton.
Read more HERE. 
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Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Recovery Resource Guide