FEMA approves assistance for three more Fla. counties after requested by Gov. DeSantis. However, every Fla. county qualifies for at least some type of help.

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Florida’s request to amend its Major Disaster Declaration issued on Sept. 29 related to Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. A Major Disaster Declaration provides a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals, as well as funds for both emergency and permanent work and public infrastructure.

The amendment extends the declaration to three more Florida counties – Brevard, Orange and Osceola.

However, all Florida counties qualify for some type of hurricane benefit. For a period of 60 days from the start of the incident period, for example, FEMA is authorized to fund debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance, at 100% of the total eligible costs.

The assistance categories by county include:

Individual assistance: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Public assistance debris (Category A): Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Public assistance emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance (Category B): All 67 Florida Counties, the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Public assistance permanent work (Categories C-G): Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Hazard mitigation grant program: All municipalities in the State of Florida are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Federal funding also is available to state and local governments, eligible nonprofit organizations, and tribal governments on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal in the counties listed. Damage assessments are being conducted in other areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to determine if assistance is needed in any additional areas.

Individuals and businesses can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling (800) 621-3362.

For more information on Hurricane Ian recovery efforts and survivor options, visit Florida Realtors Hurricane Recovery Center.

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Author: kerrys