The Disaster Recovery Centers in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Hernando, Polk and Suwannee counties will be closed on Sundays starting Sunday, Nov. 17.

​Center locations:
Citrus County
West Citrus Community Center
8940 W. Veterans Drive
Homosassa, FL 34448
Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Columbia County
Lake City Reporter
180 E. Duval St.
Lake City, FL 32055
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Dixie County
Old Town Education Center
841 SE 349 Highway
Old Town, FL 32680
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Hernando County
West Hernando Branch Library
6335 Blackbird Ave.
Brooksville, FL 34613
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
 
Polk County
UF/IFAS Extension Office-W.H. Stuart Center
1710 US-17 S
Bartow, FL 33830
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
 
Suwannee County
Hale Park
215 Duval St. NE
Live Oak, FL 32064
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

To find other center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.

Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

FEMA assistance can help people who are self-employed, including artists, musicians and mechanics. Independent contractors are considered self-employed.

To be considered for FEMA assistance, you must be a resident of or work in a county designated for FEMA Individual Assistance following Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby. You must also have had damage or losses as a result of the Florida hurricanes.
Eligible Occupational Tools

FEMA can help replace tools and equipment required for self-employment, or not provided by an employer but required for employment. Eligible tools may include:

• Computers
• Equipment such as power tools, art materials, musical instruments, tractors, utility vehicles, lawnmowers and ladders
• Uniforms

You may be reimbursed for these items if they were damaged by the disaster, you do not have another working piece of equipment or item, and the loss was not covered by insurance.

An inspection is required to review the damage to essential tools/materials. If you have damage to personal property or essential tools, include this information on your FEMA application and notify the inspector of damage at the time of inspection.

Required Documents
To be eligible for self-employment assistance, apply for FEMA assistance. When you apply, include:

• Documentation that proves you’re self-employed, such as a tax return
• Insurance documents for all potential coverages and benefits
• Itemized receipts or estimates for repairing or replacing the requested items
• A written statement that explains you need the items for self-employment

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters.Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

If you applied to FEMA after Hurricanes Debby or Helene and have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide the dates of your most recent damage.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

​At the request of the State of Florida and FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will continue to collect Right of Entry (ROE) forms for Operation Blue Roof through Thursday, Nov. 14, extending the original deadline by nine days. Homeowners impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign-up for this FREE service at BlueRoof.gov or by calling toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258).
 
The program provides a temporary solution that protects a homeowner’s property and allows them to remain in their home. Though commonly misreferred to as a “tarp,” this is fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting that is well-suited to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs.
 
To date the Army Corps has received 463 ROE forms from Polk County residents. Of those, 415 of those have been reviewed and approved, and 281 blue roofs have been installed.
 
Applying for the program requires a Right of Entry, or ROE, form, which allows USACE access to a homeowner’s property to their home's damage. The ROE also allows contracted crews to complete the Blue Roof installation.
 
Not all roof types qualify for the program. Check www.BlueRoof.gov for details.

​ Key Messages 

• DeSoto County is now eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance after Hurricane Helene. 
• FEMA’s Public Assistance program may provide assistance to faith-based organizations that provide essential social services to the public that were affected by Hurricanes Debby, Helene or Milton. 
• Houses of worship, whether they provide critical or essential social services, may submit a FEMA Request for Public Assistance. To learn more, visit FEMA Assistance for Houses of Worship | FEMA.gov. 
• Questions about the process can be answered by the local and/or state emergency manager. 
• A Disaster Recovery Center is now open at the W.H. Stuart Center in Polk County. 
• To date, FEMA has approved a total of more than $574.1 million to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:
  
  • $181.6 million approved for Hurricane Milton 
    
  • $349.2 million approved for Hurricane Helene 
    
  • $43.3 million approved for Hurricane Debby 
• 7,352 Households for a total of more than 17,902 people are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels. 

FAQ of the Day: Is my vacation home covered? 
No, FEMA can provide disaster assistance only for a primary residence. Second homes, vacation homes or homes used as vacation rentals (AirBnB/VRBO) do not qualify for FEMA assistance. 

FEMA is Hiring 
FEMA is hiring more than 600 local hire positions in Gainesville, Melbourne Beach, Sarasota and Tallahassee, Florida. Local Hire employees are typically local residents who aid in the recovery of their community and help fellow neighbors in the recovery process. Visit USAJobs.gov, type “Local Hire” in the keywords section and “Florida” for location. 

Operation Blue Roof 
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is installing fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs to damaged homes across affected Florida communities. The service is free and the initial sign-up period ends Nov. 5. Florida Residents affected by Hurricane Milton can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov, by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or by visiting a Right-of-Entry collection center throughout the affected areas. 

Disaster Recovery Centers 
Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hernando, Indian River, Madison, Manatee, Martin, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, St. Lucie, Suwanee and Taylor counties. Additional locations will continue opening in the coming days. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers. 

Transitional Sheltering Assistance 
FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for Floridians displaced by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton in 52 counties and for tribal members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians. Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. Applicants do not need to request TSA. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance. Survivors who have been approved for TSA can find hotel options here: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) 

Serious Needs Assistance 
Serious Needs Assistance is money to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. Serious Needs Assistance is available for survivors who apply during the first 30 days after a disaster is declared. If you don’t agree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal by showing why you need FEMA assistance. The decision letter you get from FEMA will have more information about the types of documents you should send. Learn more about Serious Needs Assistance. 

U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. SBA Business Recovery Centers are open in Hillsborough and Manatee counties. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
If you sustained damage or loss from Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.

• Quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Or use the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
• If you choose to apply by phone, please understand calls to FEMA’s helpline are experiencing delays because of the increased volume due to multiple recent disasters.

2024 Application deadlines: Hurricane Debby Nov. 12; Hurricane Helene Nov. 27; Hurricane Milton Dec. 11.
Additional Resources
Clean & Sanitize: FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup. Clean and Sanitize Assistance | FEMA.gov.
Multi-Agency Resource Centers: Florida Division of Emergency Management and local communities are establishing these centers to assist residents with storm recovery. FEMA specialists are available at most centers.
FEMA & Citizenship: You or a member of your household must be U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national or qualified non-citizen to apply for FEMA assistance.
Be Alert to Fraud: Con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after disasters. Be Alert to Fraud After Florida Hurricanes | FEMA.gov
FEMA Rumor Response: Know what’s true and what isn’t. Hurricane Rumor Response | FEMA.gov
Mental health resources for Floridians
For help with cleanup: Call 833-GET HOPE
Tips for Mold Cleanup
Florida Division of Emergency Management Updates: floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/storm-updates/
Disaster Legal Hotline: 833-514-2940

FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have collaborated to create a guide to help local businesses affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton access recovery resources. The agencies created a one-stop-shop resource with information about multiple kinds of federal support that is available to assist local businesses with their recovery. The guide—tailored for each affected state—is available on FEMA’s website at the links below: 

• Florida 
• Georgia 
• North Carolina 
• South Carolina 
• Tennessee 
• Virginia 

Many local business owners are also disaster survivors. This means they’re dealing with two separate recoveries, one for their household and another for their business.  Recovery for local businesses after events like Helene and Milton may seem daunting. FEMA encourages chambers of commerce and other civic organizations to share this guide to help local businesses recover. Below are examples of the resources available to local businesses and their owners: 

• FEMA grants to make home repairs. 
• Low interest disaster loans from the SBA to repair homes and businesses. Business owners may also qualify for loans for economic injury. 
• Disaster Recovery Centers where business owners and survivors can meet representatives from various federal agencies who may be able to help. Centers are open in every state affected by Helene and Milton. 
• SBA Business Physical Disaster Loans. The SBA provides long-term low interest loans up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance. 
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The SBA provides long-term low interest loans up to $2 million for working capital to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations impacted by a disaster meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations until normal operations resume. 
• Livestock indemnity. The USDA provides benefits to livestock owners and contract growers for livestock deaths.
• Emergency loans. The USDA provides loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses.

A full list of more than 70 resources from 17 federal agencies is available on disasterassistance.gov.

President Biden has declared a major disaster for six states affected by Helene--Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia—and Florida for Milton.

FEMA reminds survivors affected by hurricanes Helene or Milton that they can apply for FEMA assistance in four ways: online at disasterassistance.gov, on the FEMA App, calling 800-621-3362, or in person at a local Disaster Recovery Center. 

Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs:

• Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at [email protected]
• Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at [email protected]
• Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at [email protected]
• Private Sector Engagement at (202) 646-3444 or at [email protected]

Follow Us
Follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Español on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.

Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

FEMA Mission
Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

​Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are currently visiting Polk County neighborhoods.
 
DSA specialists are going door-to-door in affected neighborhoods to help people apply for federal assistance, check the status of an application, identify potential needs and make connections with organizations that can provide resources.
 
DSA specialists carry federal photo identification. DSA crews never ask for or accept money.
 
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at (800) 621-3362.
 
FEMA is increasing staff at call centers but wait times may be long due to increased call volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

As we continue to respond to Hurricane Milton, my team and I are traveling across FL-18, assessing Central Florida damage and meeting with state and local leaders to discuss recovery efforts. 

Thank you to the National Guard, first responders, emergency management staff, utility workers and volunteers who are working to get our community back on its feet. I’m happy to see our communities banding together and supporting one another. Our resilience will help us rebuild and make our communities stronger than ever. 

If you need assistance, FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other government agencies offer initial assistance to residents and business owners impacted by natural disasters. 
You may apply for FEMA assistance by:

• Visiting disasterassistance.gov
• Calling 800-621-3362
• Using the FEMA app

You may apply for SBA assistance by:

• Using the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov
• Calling 800-659-2955
• Emailing [email protected]

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has also announced Operation Blue Roof, a no-cost service to provide and install industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs. Hurricane-impacted residents in DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee and Polk counties can now apply through Tuesday, November 5. You may apply by:

• Visiting blueroof.gov and filling out this sign-up form
• Calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258)
• Visiting a Right of Entry (ROE) collection center in affected area

It is important to be on high alert for bad actors taking advantage of Helene and Milton. Always ask FEMA and other agency staff to show you a photo ID badge. Never agree to pay a fee for disaster assistance or filling out applications. If an inspector comes to your home and you haven't filed a FEMA or other relief application, your information may have been used without your knowledge. Call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 to report scam or other fraud-related incidents.

Rest assured, my team and I will continue to work to ensure FEMA and related federal agencies are equipped to deal with the aftermath of strong winds, extensive flooding, power outages and post-storm debris. If my office can help, or you need assistance with a federal agency, click here or call 863-644-8215 for further assistance.
​
It's an honor and privilege to represent you in Congress. For more information or to sign up for my e-newsletter, please visit my website at franklin.house.gov.

Congresswoman Lee's office is hosting Mobile Office Hours this week to answer any questions you have regarding the FEMA disaster assistance application or any general casework questions that you may have. Please stop or call my office at (813) 393-5077. 

RP Funding Center/Sikes Hall
701 W Lime St
October 16, 17, 18 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Florida homeowners and renters in counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Milton may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. 

Currently eligible counties: Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.

Ways to Apply for Disaster Aid:
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
​Call: 1-800-621-3362
When you apply, have the following information on hand:

• The address of your damaged home or apartment
• Names of people living in your household
• A description of your disaster damages
• Insurance information
• Your Social Security Number
• A telephone number where you can be reached or left a message
• An address where you can get mail
• If you want your disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank, provide FEMA your bank information

SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
Online: www.SBA.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Call: 1-800-659-2955

USDA - Agriculture Assistance
Online: www.Farmers.gov/protection-recovery
Call: 1-352-379-4500

​Red Cross
Online: www.RedCross.org
Call: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)