Hurricane Disaster Resource Page
Florida Rural Legal Services is following reports from local and state officials who are tracking Hurricane Idalia, which is moving toward Florida with powerful winds and life-threatening storm surge.
On Aug. 29, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-175, expanding the number of counties under a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Idalia from 46 counties to 49 counties.
Counties now included in the executive order are:
Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties.
Hurricane Ian Damage AND Hurricane Idalia Damage: What you should know when it comes to FEMA
If you live in Hurricane Ian impacted areas and are also impacted by Hurricane Idalia, you can apply for FEMA assistance AGAIN, but you will need to prove the damage is new as a result of the new storm Idalia. We recommend that you take pictures of your property BEFORE Idalia hits, in case you suffer additional damage.
DISASTER RESOURCES TO KEEP IN MIND
Know what aid could be afforded to you after a hurricane in Florida.
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.
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.
FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
If you live in one of the counties listed above, you may be eligible for FEMA benefits.
Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home
A temporary housing unit, when you are not able to use rental assistance due to a lack of available housing resources
Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence
Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, funeral
Funds for hazard mitigation assistance to help eligible homeowners repair or rebuild stronger, more durable homes.
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.
FEMA's Temporary Sheltering Program
Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is a FEMA program that allows for temporary, short-term accommodations for eligible survivors when other housing options are not available after a declared disaster. TSA is used to move survivors out of congregate recovery shelters and into hotels and motels.
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.
