Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Helene Resource Guide for Floridians
October 2, 2024
Highlights Actions to Help Floridians Prepare, Respond and Recover from Major Hurricane
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott shared the below resources available to Floridians as they work to recover from Hurricane Helene. Over the past week, Senator Scott has visited 11 Florida counties as they prepared for, responded to and recovered from Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state and local leaders, law enforcement, military base leaders, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Helene to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, DHS Secretary Mayorkas, Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Guzman and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida is incredibly resilient, we’ve recovered from devastating storms before and we will do it again. But communities recovering from Hurricane Helene aren’t in this alone – it’s all hands on deck. Local, state and federal partners must all come together to and work to support each other to get families back on their feet. My job as Florida’s U.S. Senator is to stand alongside them in their recovery, and I am fighting every day to ensure FEMA, the SBA, and the entire federal government shows up and does their part. As soon as FEMA, the SBA and communities assess damage and what they need for recovery, I’ve called on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate to pass a clean supplemental disaster funding bill and other disaster relief legislation, like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, to ensure the full recovery of families in all impacted communities. I’ve also called on FEMA Administrator Criswell to work in concert with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to address emergency housing needs and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to make assistance available immediately through state block grants to our farmers and agriculture industry.
“I have nine offices in Florida, and an office in Washington, and while I fight on the federal level to deliver resources to the state, my team and I are standing by, ready to help any Floridian needing assistance with a federal agency, like FEMA, the SBA, or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Helene. I urge Florida families and businesses to contact us HERE or visit one of our Mobile Office Hours over the coming days so we may continue to coordinate resources and ensure a full recovery for everyone in our state impacted by this monstrous storm.”
El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “Florida es increíblemente resiliente, nos hemos recuperado de tormentas devastadoras antes y lo haremos nuevamente. Las comunidades que se recuperan del huracán Helene no están solas en esto: todos deben colaborar. Los líderes locales, estatales y federales deben unirse y trabajar para apoyarse para que las familias se recuperen. Mi trabajo como senador de los EE. UU. de Florida es estar junto a ellos en su recuperación, y lucho todos los días para asegurar que FEMA, SBA y todo el gobierno federal se presenten y hagan su parte. Tan pronto como FEMA, SBA y las comunidades evalúen los daños y lo que necesitan para la recuperación, he pedido al líder de la mayoría Chuck Schumer que vuelva a convocar de inmediato al Senado para aprobar un proyecto de ley de financiación suplementaria para desastres y otra legislación de ayuda en caso de desastre, como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, para garantizar la recuperación total de las familias en todas las comunidades afectadas. También he pedido a la Administradora de FEMA, Criswell, que trabaje en conjunto con la División de Gestión de Emergencias de Florida (FDEM, por sus siglas en inglés) para abordar las necesidades de vivienda de emergencia y al Secretario del USDA, Tom Vilsack, para que la asistencia esté disponible de inmediato a través de subvenciones estatales en bloque para nuestros agricultores y la industria agrícola.
“Tengo nueve oficinas en Florida y una oficina en Washington, y mientras lucho a nivel federal para obtener recursos para el estado, mi equipo y yo estamos listos para ayudar a cualquier floridano que necesite asistencia con una agencia federal, como FEMA, SBA o cualquier otro asunto federal mientras se recupera del huracán Helene. Insto a las familias y empresas de Florida a que se comuniquen con nosotros AQUÍ o visiten una de nuestras horas de oficina movil durante los próximos días para que podamos seguir coordinando recursos y garantizar una recuperación completa para todos en nuestro estado afectados por esta monstruosa tormenta”.
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Senator Scott Fights to Bring Federal Resources to Florida:
Senator Scott has been fighting to ensure the State of Florida and communities across the nation impacted by Hurricane Helene have the full support needed from the federal government as they recover. Senator Scott has been sounding the alarm on potential funding shortfalls within FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund for months. Now, as Florida and several states recover from Hurricane Helene, he is calling on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate and vote on a clean Hurricane Helene supplemental aid package once FEMA, local and state officials determine the funding needs, as well as his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to bring relief to families.
To ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources, Senator Scott has been in constant contact with FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and written letters to the Biden administration in support of Florida’s request for pre-landfall emergency declaration ahead of Hurricane Helene and Major Disaster Declaration following the storm. The Senator also led a bipartisan group of his Florida delegation colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting the state’s request to issue a Disaster Declaration for Florida’s counties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene and make support available in the form of state block grants. Senator Scott also sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell requesting that the agency coordinate closely with FDEM on housing recovery as thousands of Floridians are still without power, and many are returning to uninhabitable or destroyed homes.
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Senator Scott Travels the State as Communities Prepared for, Responded to and Began Recovery from Hurricane Helene:
Senator Rick Scott visited the Bay County Emergency Operations Center to receive briefings from local law enforcement and emergency management officials as Florida braced for the landfall of Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott was joined by Bay County Emergency Services Chief Matt Lindewirth, Florida State Senator Jay Trumbull, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford and Bay County Commissioner Doug Moore. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Scott visited the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to receive briefings from local law enforcement and emergency management officials as Florida braced for the landfall of Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott was joined by Franklin County Sheriff AJ Smith, Franklin County Commissioner Ricky Jones and Franklin County Commissioner Cheryl Sanders. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Scott visited the Taylor County Emergency Operations Center to receive briefings from local law enforcement and emergency management officials as Florida braced for the landfall of Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott was joined by Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett and Florida State Senator Corey Simon. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited the Levy County Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing from Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum and Emergency Management Director John MacDonald as Florida braced for the landfall of category 4 Hurricane Helene. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited Pasco County Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing from Sheriff Chris Nocco, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing on Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts and survey damage with Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited the Hernando County Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing on Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts from Sheriff Al Nienhuis, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited Cedar Key to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and received a briefing from Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Cedar Key Mayor Sue Colson and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott Joins Volunteers of Feeding Tampa Bay in Hillsborough County
Senator Rick Scott stopped by Feeding Tampa Bay in Hillsborough County and met the incredible volunteers going above and beyond to help Florida families after Hurricane Helene. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and receive a briefing from Sheriff Rick Wells and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited Fort Myers Beach in Lee County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and receive a briefing from Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers, City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson, Congressman Byron Donalds and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited Venice in Sarasota County and joined Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman for an aerial tour of damage from Hurricane Helene. In addition to the aerial tour of damage in Sarasota County, Senator Scott received a briefing from Sheriff Hoffman and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited Punta Gorda in Charlotte County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and receive a briefing from Congressman Greg Steube, Sheriff Bill Prummell, Charlotte County Emergency Management Director Patrick Fuller, and other local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Scott Shares Resources to Help Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Helene:
As Florida begins to recover from Hurricane Helene, Senator Scott’s office is committed to making sure Floridians have access to the tools and federal resources necessary to rebuild. Floridians in need of assistance with federal agencies, including FEMA and the SBA, can reach out to our office HERE or visit one of our Mobile Office Hours in the state over the coming days. See a list of resources below or county-specific resources HERE.
Housing
Any Floridian in need of assistance with housing, please register for BOTH State and FEMA housing assistance through the below.
1. To apply for State Housing Program: Hope Florida (hopeflorida.com)
Activate Hope Disaster Assistance Form
Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Individuals in need of immediate housing assistance, including FDEM temporary housing trailers, can complete this form or call 1-833-GET-HOPE.
2. To apply for FEMA Housing Program
FEMA Assistance: Including Housing Assistance
People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in designated Individual Assistance counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.
There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:
- Online by visiting disasterassistance.gov.
- Calling 1-800-621-3362.
- Download and apply on the FEMA App.
Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on September 24th that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Florida to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning September 23rd and continuing.
For the latest information about Florida’s Hurricane Helene recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
FEMA recommends homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Helene take the following actions:
- Report any damage to your local emergency management agency.
- Make sure to document any property damage with photos and contact your insurance company for assistance and next steps.
- Keep repair receipts.
- Be aware of safety concerns and separate debris for collection as instructed by local officials.
Individual Assistance (IA): Individuals and households in these designated counties are eligible to apply for financial and direct services. Apply for assistance, or learn more about the Individual Assistance program.
IA-Designated Counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla Counties.
People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.
Public Assistance (PA): State, local, tribal and territorial governments and certain private-non-profit organizations in these designated counties are eligible for assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Learn more about the Public Assistance program.
PA-Designated Counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance.
Hazard Mitigation (HM): Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards
HM-Designated Areas: All areas in the State of Florida are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
OTHER: Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Individuals in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties can apply with FEMA the following ways:
- Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Constituents may call the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
To check on the status of disaster assistance available to individuals and families, click HERE.
Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Disaster survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications. Find the location closest to you HERE.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Homeowners and renters in IA designated counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties can apply.
If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby and have additional damage from Hurricane Helene, you will need to apply separately for Helene and provide the dates of your most recent damage. Apply for either storm online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
What You’ll Need When You Apply:
- 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.
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SBA Disaster Loan Assistance is available in the Florida counties of Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla; for economic injury only in the contiguous Florida counties of: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Collier, DeSoto, Gadsden, Glades, Gulf, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Liberty, Marion, Polk, Sumter, and Union.
What Types of Disaster Loans are Available?
- Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
- Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
To apply, click HERE.
SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) are open to assist businesses complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status. Find locations HERE. These Centers are open to assist survivors from both Hurricanes Helene and Debby. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at an SBA Business Recovery Center in advance.
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Florida Agriculture
Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have launched the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Helene to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans. Find out more or apply HERE.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has also requested a USDA Disaster Declaration to support Florida farmers, ranchers and growers impacted by Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott and members of the Florida delegation wrote to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting this request and urging him to make assistance available immediately in the form of state block grants to expedite support for Florida’s farmers and agricultural producers as they recover from the destructive impacts of the storm.
The USDA has staff deployed to the affected states supporting FEMA and other response and recovery efforts. The agency has approved Florida’s request for waivers for food assistance programs to Florida and is standing by to render additional flexibilities and assistance as requested by the states. Find more from USDA’s Disaster Resource Center HERE.
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If you're searching for a family member affected by the storm, please complete the form at this link for the state where they live: https://rdcrss.org/3TSmO6K.
Shelters are open in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. To locate shelters near you, text "SHELTER" & your zip to 43362. You can also visit http://redcross.org/shelters.
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Find information on the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations in Florida HERE. See FAQs for disaster victims for information about the definition of an affected taxpayer.
To learn more about Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) updates following Hurricane Helene, visit HERE.
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Florida Division of Emergency Management
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has outlined all available resources for Floridians and will continue to update as resources become available.
Having a stocked disaster supply kit is vital during Hurricane Season, which runs until November 30th. If you're recovering from Hurricane Helene, please take advantage of the over 30+ Points of Distributions open in impacted counties! Check locations here: http://arcg.is/0ff050. Visit HERE for more information.
Crisis Cleanup
If you need help with damages caused by Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup: 844-965-1386.
Volunteer Resources
- Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers. The number is 833-514-2940
- Samaritan's Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234
- Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
- Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work & Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.
- 2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls
- Individuals can call for up-to-the-minute information including school closures and sandbag distributions.
- Local Social Services Referral.
- Red Cross Hotline is open to assist survivors: 1-800-Red Cross
- Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123
- Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
- Volunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work and Muck outs
Activate Hope Disaster Assistance Form
Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Individuals in need of immediate housing assistance, including FDEM temporary housing trailers, can complete this form or call 1-833-GET-HOPE.
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The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.
Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant.
Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.
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Florida Department of Children and Families
Current SNAP recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Helene can apply for food replacement. To learn more, visit http://myflfamilies.com/Helene.
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Feeding Tampa Bay
In partnership with the Tampa Bay area Emergency Operations Centers, Feeding Tampa Bay works directly with local emergency management operations to provide food, water and hygiene items to their service area, state and neighboring states during crisis situations. For more information about the resources Feeding Tampa Bay is offering following Hurricane Helene, visit HERE.
If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene and need additional assistance, please call Feeding Tampa Bay's Neighbor Services helpline: 813-710-9003.
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Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Second Harvest of the Big Bend is working around the clock to provide food, water and essential supplies to those affected by the storm. For more information on the resources available, visit HERE.
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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
- There are English, Spanish and Creole speakers available to answer questions.
- Floridians in need of assistance with federal resources following the impacts of Hurricane Helene 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 or visit MyFloridaLegal.com
- Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: 1-800-435-7352
- Report Insurance Fraud: https://first.fldfs.com/
- Verify contractor licenses by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com or call (866) 532-1440.
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After a Storm
- If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until local emergency managers say 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.
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