Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Milton Resource Guide for Floridians
October 16, 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 Milton. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs and police chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state, and has visited St. Lucie, Volusia, Lake, Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee, Charlotte and Manatee Counties to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials. On Sunday, Senator Scott met with President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in St. Pete Beach to receive a briefing on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing rescue and recovery missions and discuss communities’ needs as they begin their recovery. Today, Senator Scott announced a bill with Senator Rubio to provide $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to ensure the agency has what it needs to provide immediate aid to communities.
Senator Rick Scott said, “My job as Florida’s U.S. Senator is to make sure that YOUR federal government shows up for YOU when you need it most. What’s clear is that Floridians are still hurting from storms years ago and need the federal government to do its part as families work to recover. This storm, along with Hurricane Helene, has knocked so many communities down, but Floridians are resilient. Following Hurricane Helene, I told President Biden exactly what is needed to ensure Florida has every federal resource to fully recover from that storm and now Hurricane Milton, I reiterated that in our call last week and again when I met with him on Sunday. Here’s what I stressed to the president: I’m calling on Schumer to bring the Senate back ASAP when our communities have assessed their needs, which I told the president must be expedited, to pass needed disaster funding for FEMA, SBA and the USDA and approve common sense relief like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. The president told me he agreed with me on this last week. I also reiterated that FEMA must open Disaster Recovery Centers close to the areas hit hardest, so those impacted have easy access to federal resources to recover. Finally, I again stressed to President Biden the importance of USDA immediately approving block grants for our farmers that have been struggling since Ian in 2022. I discussed the same things during my calls on Thursday with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. I’m going to continue fighting like hell to make sure this happens and aid is delivered to families in need.
"I’ve been visiting communities across the state as they continue lifesaving work and begin their recovery. Floridians are strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger, and I will be working alongside you every step of the way. I have nine offices around the state, so please, if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.”
El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “Mi trabajo como Senador de los Estados Unidos por Florida es asegurarme de que su gobierno federal esté presente para usted cuando más lo necesita. Lo que está claro es que los floridanos todavía están sufriendo por las tormentas de hace años y necesitan que el gobierno federal haga su parte mientras las familias trabajan para recuperarse. Esta tormenta, junto con el huracán Helene, han derribado a tantas comunidades, pero los floridanos son resilientes. Después del huracán Helene, le dije al Presidente Biden exactamente lo que se necesita para garantizar que Florida tenga todos los recursos federales para recuperarse completamente de esa tormenta y ahora del huracán Milton, reiteré eso en nuestra llamada la semana pasada y nuevamente cuando me reuní con él el domingo. Esto es lo que le enfaticé al presidente: estoy pidiendo a Schumer que vuelva a convocar el Senado lo antes posible cuando nuestras comunidades hayan evaluado sus necesidades, lo que le dije al presidente que debe acelerarse, para aprobar los fondos necesarios para desastres para FEMA, SBA y el USDA y aprobar un alivio de sentido común como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. El presidente me dijo que estaba de acuerdo conmigo en esto la semana pasada. También reiteré que FEMA debe abrir Centros de Recuperación de Desastres cerca de las áreas más afectadas, para que los afectados tengan fácil acceso a los recursos federales para recuperarse. Por último, volví a enfatizarle al Presidente Biden la importancia de que USDA apruebe de inmediato subvenciones en bloque para nuestros agricultores que han estado luchando desde el huracán Ian en 2022. Hablé de las mismas cosas durante mis llamadas del jueves con la Administradora de FEMA, Deanne Criswell, y la Administradora de la SBA, Isabel Casillas Guzman. Voy a seguir luchando para asegurarme de que esto suceda y que se entregue la ayuda a las familias necesitadas.
"He estado visitando comunidades en todo el estado mientras continúan con su trabajo para salvar vidas y comienzan su recuperación. Los floridanos somos fuertes, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos aún más fuertes, y trabajaré junto a ustedes en cada paso del camino. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, así que, por favor, si necesitan ayuda con una agencia federal, visiten www.rickscott.senate.gov”.
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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 Hurricanes Milton and 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 Hurricanes Milton and 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.
Senator Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Vern Buchanan and all members of the Florida congressional delegation to send a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Biden urging him to promptly approve the State of Florida’s Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic landfall and support Florida’s response and recovery efforts. Following their letter, President Biden approved the request. Ahead of Milton’s landfall, Senator Scott had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida’s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.
Senators Scott and Rubio have written letters to President Biden in support of the State of Florida’s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio’s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida’s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida’s economy and ensure a swift recovery.
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Senator Scott Travels the State as Communities Prepared for, Responded to and Began Recovery from Hurricane Milton:
Senator Rick Scott joined President Joe Biden, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in St. Pete Beach to receive a briefing on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing rescue and recovery missions. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Attorney General Ashley Moody, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna at the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center in Tampa to receive a briefing from local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Hurricane Milton. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott received a briefing in Sarasota County from Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Major Hurricane Milton and urged Floridians to prepare for landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Byron Donalds and State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka to receive a briefing in Lee County from Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Lee County Public Safety Director Ben Abes, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Major Hurricane Milton and to urge Floridians to prepare for landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott joined Sheriff Carmine Marceno and local emergency management officials in Fort Myers to survey damage from Hurricane Milton. He assured them that he's here to be their partner in getting folks every federal resource they need to recover. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott joined local officials in Punta Gorda to be briefed and survey the damage in the area. Like so many people, Senator Scott loved visiting and bringing his grandkids to Punta Gorda, and knows this the community will be back stronger than ever. He reassured the community he is going to do everything he can to make sure the federal government keeps showing up, and Floridians get the relief and resources needed to recover. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott visited Lithia to receive a briefing from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, County Administrator Bonnie Wise, Fire Chief Jason Dougherty, Hillsborough County officials and local emergency management leaders regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Greg Steube in Sarasota to receive a briefing from Chief of Police Rex Troche, Mayor Liz Alpert, Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terrence Connor, Sarasota County officials and local emergency management leaders regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott was in Pinellas County to receive a briefing from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing high-water rescue missions. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Michael Waltz in Volusia and Lake Counties to receive a briefing from both Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing high-water rescue missions. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Brian Mast in St. Lucie County to receive a briefing from Sheriff Keith Pearson on the response to Hurricane Milton. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Sen. Rick Scott Visits Manatee County EOC for Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Briefing
Senator Rick Scott stopped by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to thank Sheriff Rick Wells and the entire Sheriff’s department for all they are doing to keep Florida families safe after Hurricane Milton. Read more HERE.
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Senator Scott Shares Resources to Help Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Milton:
As Florida begins to recover from Hurricane Milton, 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.
Families working to recover from Hurricane Helene can also find resources HERE.
Reminder: FEMA requires Floridians to apply for each storm separately. Just because you applied for Helene or Debby assistance does not make you eligible for Milton, so take some time to apply again, and make sure you get every federal resource available to you after this storm, and if you have any questions at all, please out to our office HERE.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency
On October 11, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Florida triggering the release of Federal funds to help people and communities recover from Hurricane Milton that began October 5, 2024, and continuing.
For information on Hurricane Milton, click HERE. For information on Hurricane Helene, click HERE. For information on Hurricane Debby, click HERE.
FEMA recommends homeowners and renters affected 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.
For the latest information about Florida’s current disasters, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
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Operation Blue Roof
Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for FEMA. The purpose of Operation Blue Roof is to provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has received a mission assignment for the Blue Roof Mission in the following counties:
- Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia
Eligible residents can apply now through Tuesday, Nov. 5. Sign Up form HERE Check status & cancellation HERE.
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Housing
Any Floridian in need of assistance with housing, please register for BOTH State and FEMA housing assistance through the links 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 visit HERE 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 the 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.
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Business owners and residents in declared disaster areas can now apply for SBA assistance. To learn more about the disaster assistance available, click HERE.
Find a list of SBA's currently active Recovery Centers HERE.
Need help with your application?
- Call: (800) 659-2955
- Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
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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.
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, visit HERE.
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United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided available resources on how to prepare, recover and build long-term resilience during disasters. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has issued flexibilities and waivers to multiple states in response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene, including Florida, which can be found HERE.
Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency county office after they evaluate the impact on their operation. Click HERE for resources for farmers, ranchers and other growers who are reporting losses. A list of FSA county offices can be found HERE. To learn more about the USDA's response to Hurricane Milton, click 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 Milton, 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 or Hurricane Milton, 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 visit HERE 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 Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) provides state resources for post-storm recovery.
FDACS is accepting applications for Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. If you are an agricultural or aquaculture producer who has experienced damage, you can apply for a Disaster Recovery Loan HERE. To check your eligibility or status of your application, click HERE.
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Florida Department of Children and Families
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Milton can apply for food replacement by completing the form HERE.
To apply, individuals must:
- Be a current SNAP Recipient
- Complete the form by October 19th, 2024.
- Households are required to provide verification of having a power outage of 4 or more hours or damage that caused food loss to their MYACCESS Account, except for households located in Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, and Volusia.
- For households in the following counties, complete the online replacement form and upload supporting verification of food loss to your MyACCESS Portal using “Other” as the document type.
- Brevard, Clay, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Sumter.
For more information, click 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, Debby or Milton 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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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.
- National Hurricane Center: Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats.
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Senator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, visit floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.
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