• Hurricane Disaster Resource Page

    Florida Rural Legal Services is here to help victims after a disaster sweeps in and leaves residents with legal challenges in the storm's aftermath.

  • Upcoming Outreach Events for Disaster Services

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  • Disaster Legal Services offered by FRLS

    Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) works to help individuals and families recover from the effects of a major disaster. The aftermath of a disaster can be staggering leaving survivors overwhelmed by the process of recovery. FRLS works closely with disaster survivors to put them on the path to recovery.

     

    FRLS attorneys may provide FREE legal counseling, advice and when appropriate and necessary, full representation in the following types of disaster cases:

    • FEMA assistance and FEMA appeals
    • Help with insurance claims for property damage, and loss of personal property
    • Landlord disputes
    • Property ownership disputes
    • Help with home repair contracts and contractors
    • Questions about consumer scams and consumer protection matters
    • Assistance replacing legal documents lost in a storm
    • Help completing an application for disaster loans and grants and assistance
    • Applying for Disaster Food Assistance
    • Help with FEMA Notice of Potential Debt recoupment letters
    • and other disaster related legal issues
  • FAQs | KNOW YOUR TENANT RIGHTS AFTER A HURRICANE

    STEP 1) Take photos to document damage and keep receipts from all clean-up and repair related purchases.

    STEP 2) Call your insurance company right away.

     

    These steps may help maximize insurance and federal disaster assistance and payments.

    If you’ve evacuated, you can still start a claim now and provide specifics later.

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  • DISASTER RESOURCES TO KEEP IN MIND

    Know what aid could be afforded to you after a hurricane in Florida.

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    DISASTER SNAP BENEFITS

    The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Ian and who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

     

    Benefits will be automatically applied to EBT cards starting this week. There is no need to apply for these benefits. There is no need to come to an on-site DSNAP event, benefits will be automatically applied to EBT cards after applications are processed.

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    DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT (DUA)

    Did you lose your job, or was your work or self-employment interrupted because of the hurricane?

     

    If so, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance; if you:

    • are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Ian;

    • were scheduled to start a new job but were unable to as a direct result of Hurricane Ian;

    • are unable to reach your job or self-employment location because you have to travel through an affected area and Hurricane Ian prevented this;

    • have become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result Hurricane Ian; or

    • are unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of Hurricane Ian.

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    FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

    If you live in one of the counties listed above, you may be eligible for FEMA benefits.

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    How Do I Appeal the Final FEMA Decision?

    FRLS can help your appeal, please call 

    1-888-582-3410.

    • Applicants can appeal any FEMA decision. Appeals must be made in writing and sent by mail or fax to FEMA within 60 days of receiving the letter. Appeals, pictures and documents can be faxed to 800-827-8112 or uploaded to your FEMA account.
    • An appeal is a written request to FEMA to review your file again, and an opportunity to provide new or additional information not previously submitted that may affect the decision. 
    • Appeal letters and supporting documentation also can be uploaded to your account online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or faxed to 800-827-8112.
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    Beware of Fraud and Scams

    • Be cautious if somebody asks for your nine-digit registration number. A FEMA inspector will never ask for this information. They already have it in their records.
    • Don’t give anyone your banking information. FEMA inspectors never require banking or other personal information such as a Social Security number.
    • Ask the person to show you their identification badge. Federal employees always wear an official government badge to identify themselves.
  • FEMA Registration Process

    American Sign Language (ASL)

    How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance

    American Sign Language (ASL)