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Applying for FEMA assistance in Florida after Helene? Here’s what you need

Homeowners, renters in 17 counties may be eligible

Law enforcement officers from the Florida Fish Wildlife and Conservation Commission drive past destruction in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Cedar Key, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida homeowners and renters in 17 counties impacted by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The eligible counties are Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties. FEMA may be able to help with “serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.”

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If you’ve applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Debby and have more damage due to Helene, you need to apply separately for Helene.

You can apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. using the FEMA mobile app or calling FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362.

To apply, here’s what you will need:

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
  • Your Social Security numbers.
  • A general list of damage and losses.
  • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

“If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance,” FEMA said in a release.


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