Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Recovery Resources

Dear Fellow Floridian,  

Since Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast and brought massive storm surge, flooding and deadly tornadoes with it, I’ve traveled across the state to see the damage firsthand, and spoke with families who are starting to pick up the pieces and are just devastated by the damage. Like I told them, you aren’t alone and 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.  

On Sunday, I joined President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on the ground in St. Pete Beach, which was completely destroyed by Hurricane Milton. Following Hurricane Helene, I told President Biden exactly what is needed to ensure Florida has every federal resource to fully recover from that storm and now Hurricane Milton, I reiterated that in our call last week and again today. Here’s what I stressed to the president: I’m calling on Schumer to bring the Senate back ASAP when our communities have assessed their needs, which I told the president must be expedited, to pass needed disaster funding for FEMA, SBA and the USDA and approve common sense relief like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. 

The president told me he agreed with me on this last week. We must also ensure FEMA opens Disaster Recovery Centers close to the areas hit hardest, so those impacted have easy access to federal resources to recover. Finally, I again stressed to President Biden the importance of USDA immediately approving block grants for our farmers who have been struggling since Ian in 2022. I discussed the same things during my calls on Thursday with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. I’m going to continue fighting like hell to make sure this happens and aid is delivered to families in need. 

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 apply for FEMA assistance:

• Online by visiting disasterassistance.gov.
• Calling 1-800-621-3362.
• Download and apply on the FEMA App.

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.

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. See more about the resources available to you, your family or your businesses as you recover from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton below or click HERE. 

Sincerely,

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.

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.

For the latest information about Florida’s current disasters, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4or 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 apply for FEMA assistance:

• Online by visiting disasterassistance.gov.
• Calling 1-800-621-3362.
• Download and apply on the FEMA App.

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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? 

• Call: (800) 659-2955 
• Email: [email protected]

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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. 

As of October 13, 2024, FDACS has not begun accepting or processing applications for Hurricane Milton. However, if you are an agricultural or aquaculture producer who has experienced damage from Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Debby, you can apply for a Disaster Recovery Loan HERE. To check your eligibility or status of your application, click HERE.  

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Florida Department of Children and Families

Replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Milton can apply for food replacement by completing the form HERE. 

To apply, individuals must:

• Be a current SNAP Recipient
• Complete the form by October 19th, 2024.
• Households are required to provide verification of having a power outage of 4 or more hours or damage that caused food loss to their MYACCESS Account, except for households located in Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, and Volusia.
• For households in the following counties, complete the online replacement form and upload supporting verification of food loss to your MyACCESS Portal using “Other” as the document type.
  • Brevard, Clay, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Sumter.

For more information, click 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. 

• Floridians in need of assistance with federal resources following the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Debby or Milton can contact Senator Scott’s office at: www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework
• If you are suspicious of fraud, please report it immediately at: FraudFreeFlorida.com
  • Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline: 1-866-966-7226 or visit MyFloridaLegal.com
  • Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: 1-800-435-7352
  • Report Insurance Fraud: https://first.fldfs.com/
  • Verify contractor licenses by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com or call (866) 532-1440.

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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

• @FLSERT
• @NHC_Atlantic
• @MyFDOT
• @GasBuddy
• Local Sheriff’s Office
• Local Emergency Operations Centers

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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

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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Senator Rick Scott in Hillsborough County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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