ORLANDO, Fla. – Time is running out for Central Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Milton to apply for free temporary roof repairs through Operation Blue Roof Program. The program, managed by FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides fiber-reinforced sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until permanent repairs can be made. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Nov. 14.
“Last week I went out and went to meet with a homeowner, and she was so appreciative of the support we were able to provide,” says Major Cory Bell. “To provide a roof for her, after the inspection. Within 48 hours we had a roof installed on her home, and it actually started sprinkling and she was so grateful and thankful.”
Maj. Bell oversees the Jacksonville District for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is over all of Central and South Florida projects.
Operation Blue Roof aims to support homeowners and renters in the hardest-hit areas, offering a free and immediate solution to help prevent further damage from rain and weather. Since Hurricane Milton hit, the program has installed 7,141 temporary roofs across 25 counties in Florida, including Brevard, Orange, Polk, Palm Beach, and Volusia.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to:
- Homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties
- Residents in specific FEMA-designated counties impacted by Hurricane Milton
- Roofs that qualify for the fiber-reinforced sheeting, such as standard shingle roofs (not all roof types are eligible)
How to Apply
To qualify, eligible residents must complete a Right of Entry (ROE) form, which gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permission to access and install the temporary roof covering. Applications can be submitted by:
- Visiting BlueRoof.gov. If you apply online, you have until 11:59 p.m. Thursday to do so.
- Calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Visiting a Right of Entry (ROE) collection center in the affected area (locations available on BlueRoof.gov)
Act Now Before the Deadline
Local officials are encouraging anyone who needs this free temporary roofing solution to apply before the Nov. 14 deadline. As hurricane recovery continues, Operation Blue Roof has become a crucial part of helping families secure their homes and start to rebuild their lives.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit BlueRoof.gov or call 888-ROOF-BLU.
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