Hurricane Ian: How To Apply For FEMA Assistance In Florida

FLORIDA — Many Florida homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for federal assistance through FEMA after Hurricane Ian tore through the state last week and likely caused more than $100 billion in damage.

According to FEMA, Floridians with homeowners, renters, or flood insurance should file a claim as soon as possible. While FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance, some residents may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses caused by Ian.

• Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

Examples of assistance include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs.

As of Wednesday, Residents in the following Florida counties are eligible for assistance, according to FEMA:

• Charlotte
• Collier
• DeSoto
• Flagler
• Hardee
• Highlands
• Hillsborough
• Lake
• Lee
• Manatee
• Orange
• Osceola
• Pinellas
• Polk
• Putnam
• Sarasota
• Seminole
• St. Johns
• Volusia

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, be sure to provide FEMA with the number.

According to FEMA, residents should take photos to document the damage. They should also begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Homeowners and renters should keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Learn more about federal assistance available to Floridians after Hurricane Ian.