Residents of 34 counties across Florida can now apply for disaster relief through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Included in that purview are Flagler and Volusia counties, both at the northern end of the affected area when the hurricane carved through Florida last week.
The relief was made available to residents when President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration, creating a direct path for federal relief funds to be distributed to residents and local government entities. Those who already applied for relief following hurricanes Debby and Helene will need to submit another application in order to access resources for damage caused by Hurricane Milton.
The portal to apply for FEMA relief funds is accessible through the agency's Disaster Assistance webpage. Alternate methods of applying include the FEMA mobile app and the toll-free assistance call center at (800) 621-3362. Applicants will need to provide a current phone number, their address at the time of the storm (and where they're currently staying if it's separate), a social security number, a general list of damage and losses, banking information for those who choose direct deposit, and an insurance policy number for those who have an applicable insurance policy.
In Flagler and Volusia counties, these funds will likely contribute to the restoration of damaged beaches and the repair of several homes which were struck by debris or eroded by floodwater. For some, this will mean reimbursements for costs already paid to bear the burden of Milton's damage. For others, it may entail a later resource to fix less pressing issues in homes and businesses.
Those who are seeking relief funds for damage sustained in Hurricane Milton should make a point to do through only via the agency's website; fake recovery scams have already mobilized to defraud victims of critical funds in the immediate aftermath of a life-changing disaster. Applications for disaster assistance will never come with a fee, according to FEMA's website, and they'll never require advance cash deposits. At a more local level, unlicensed contractors are one of the most prevalent forms of fraudulent recovery schemes seen after hurricanes.
FEMA asks that those with a tip about relief fraud report what they've found to StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, or call (866) 223-0814. The Florida Division of Consumer Services also offers resources for those who've been victimized by such scams.
