NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Senator Rick Scott issued a statement and guide with federal resources available for Florida families and businesses working to recover from the devastation of Major Hurricane Idalia. Senator Scott continues visiting and speaking with mayors, law enforcement, business and community leaders, utilities and federal officials to ensure Florida’s families and communities are getting every resource needed to recover from the storm.

Senator Rick Scott said, “As we begin to recover from Hurricane Idalia, I urge all Floridians to continue to listen to local officials in order to keep you and your loved ones safe. My team and I have been in contact with our mayors, law enforcement, utilities, business and community leaders and state and local officials to make sure we are getting your communities the help and resources needed to assist families.

“We will continue to visit impacted communities and meet with officials to make sure everyone is well equipped with the tools needed to recover. Yesterday, I announced that I will be fighting to immediately pass the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act. This bill will combine my Disaster Relief Fund Replenishment Act, Hurricane Tax Relief Act, Block Grant Assistance Act, and other essential provisions, to make sure that the immediate needs for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund are fully funded and Florida’s military bases, families and growers impacted by disasters have the federal support they need and deserve. I have been working for months to pass these bills and now with Idalia impacting our state, this is even more important. Families in the Sunshine State have had enough with Washington playing politics and demand that Congress does what’s right for American families, starting with ensuring our federal government has all the resources it needs to show up after disasters, now and in the future.”

Senator Scott’s nine state offices stand ready to assist Floridians with getting in contact with the appropriate resources and agencies. Visit HERE to submit a casework request. Click HERE for more information on federal resources following Hurricane Idalia. 

Need Assistance?

• Call the Florida state assistance information line for additional resources and updated information: 1-800-342-3557
• In case of an emergency, please hang up and dial 911
• Floridians in need of assistance with federal resources following the impacts of Hurricane Idalia can contact Senator Scott’s office at: www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework
• If you are suspicious of fraud, please report it immediately at:  FraudFreeFlorida.com
• Attorney General's Price Gouging Hotline: 1-866-966-7226
• Agriculture & Consumer Services Price Gouging Hotline: 1-800-435-7352
• Insurance Fraud Hotline: 1-800-378-0445
• Florida has now activated the Businesses Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Idalia: floridadisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments
• Survey results will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Idalia recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses.

After a Storm

• If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until it is safe to do so.
• Be mindful of debris and down power lines.
• Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to.
• Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators, or while removing debris. Never use generators indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents. 
• Stay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.
• Do not drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards. 

Hurricane Preparedness Resources Websites

• FEMA: Visit FEMA for up-to-date information, support, services, and to apply for disaster assistance following a storm.
• SBA: Visit SBA to learn about low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from a major disaster
• FloridaDisaster.org: Visit FloridaDisaster.org for resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan for your family.
• HUD: Visit HUD to learn about housing assistance available to homeowners and renters
• National Hurricane Center: Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats.

Helpful Accounts on Twitter

• @FLSERT
• @NHC_Atlantic
• @MyFDOT
• @GasBuddy
• Local Sheriff's Office
• Local Emergency Operations Centers

Senator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-season-resources for federal resources. See the latest on Hurricane Idalia from the National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov or @NHC_Atlantic on Twitter, and from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT on Twitter.

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