Florida Hurricane Recovery Resources

After the Storm: Coming Together As a Community With Resources for Recovery

As a local resident and homeowner, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our community faces in the devastating aftermath of hurricanes like Andrew, Ian, Irma, and now Helene and Milton. And as a Tampa real estate agent whose vocation revolves around where your next “Welcome Home” doormat will go, I know full well that home is where the heart is.

Seeing homes damaged is heartbreaking. While nothing can replace treasured keepsakes and what it feels like to lay your head down on your own pillow at night, there are many resources available to help those impacted. Below, I’ve outlined some essential resources for individuals and businesses to help recover and rebuild. Please know I am also a resource for you and your family during this difficult time.

Immediate Housing Assistance

If you or someone you know has been displaced by Helene or Milton, Airbnb is offering free temporary housing for affected residents in Pinellas, Hernando, Hillsborough, Charlotte, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Walton, Okaloosa, Gulf, Lee, Hendry, Glades, Leon, Taylor, Wakulla, Madison, Liberty, Gadsden, Franklin and Jefferson counties. You can call 211 or visit 211.org for more info.

For support in Sarasota and Manatee, call (863) 688-5563 or (800) 282-8011 (toll-free). In Pasco County, call (800) 995-7604.

FEMA Assistance

FEMA provides vital support for homeowners and renters who have suffered serious losses or displacement. Assistance includes help with temporary lodging, home repairs, critical needs, and personal property losses.

Apply for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app, or by calling 800-621-3362. In-person support is also available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). Find your nearest DRC here.

HUD Assistance

These counseling agencies help you get back on your feet through personalized action plans. You can search for a HUD counselor here.

Financial Assistance for Businesses

FloridaCommerce has activated the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, offering $15 million in funding for businesses affected by the hurricanes. Apply here.

Additionally, even though the U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program is out of money, officials are still encouraging those in declared disaster areas to apply for loans. You can visit the website for more information.

Also, the Florida Department of Revenue issued an emergency order extending the September and October tax filing deadlines for businesses until Nov. 22. The order applies to sales and use taxes, documentary stamp taxes, insurance premium taxes, unemployment taxes, and others. Learn more here.

Emergency Response for Local Floridians with Critical Needs

Activate Hope helps Floridians impacted by the storm with needed resources like food, supplies, home repairs, and more. It connects the private sector, nonprofits, and government to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Apply here.

Operation Blue Roof: Free Roof Tarps

The US Army Corps of Engineers is offering free roof tarps for homeowners and qualifying rental properties in disaster-affected areas until permanent solutions are found. You must apply by November 5th. For more information, call (888) 766-3258.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

If you’ve lost your source of income due to Hurricane Helene or Milton, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Click here to register.

For Hurricane Helene, apply by December 2-9, 2024 (depending on your county).
For Hurricane Milton, apply by December 10, 2024.

Insurance and Mortgage Relief

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued orders to protect policyholders in hurricane-impacted areas. This includes extending grace periods and halting policy cancellations until November 26, 2024.

According to FloridaRealtors.com, the details are as follows:

Extends grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence, or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured to perform any act.
Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder
Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering a property repaired due to damage from Hurricane Helene for 90 days after it has been repaired.
Directs insurers, surplus lines, and other regulated entities to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims

For more information, take a look at the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s Searchable Database of Florida insurance providers (including property) and the Insurance Information Institute’s Hurricane insurance FAQ: What your insurance does—and does not—cover.

And while your mortgage note still needs to be paid, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the FHA have programs to help after a disaster upon request.

If you’re navigating recovery from the hurricanes, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance or support. Together, we’ll rebuild and move forward. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, feel free to contact me or explore these resources further.