WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell requesting that FEMA coordinate closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on housing recovery. Thousands of Floridians are still without power, and many who evacuated their homes have sadly returned to inhabitable or destroyed homes. In the letter, the senator emphasizes his readiness to partner with local and state partners to work together to get Florida families and businesses the resources they need to recover from Hurricane Helene.

Read the full letter HERE or below.

October 1, 2024

Dear Administrator Criswell:

I want to thank the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for their assistance with Hurricane Helene, which has devastated Florida and many other southern states. As you respond to this catastrophic disaster, I am writing to request that FEMA continue to prioritize clear and frequent communication with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and local communities in Florida regarding recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. In particular, I urge FEMA to provide regular updates on housing recovery initiatives and temporary accommodation options for displaced residents.

As you know, Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and widespread devastation in Florida's Big Bend. Thousands of Floridians are still without power, and many who made the smart choice to evacuate their homes have sadly returned to inhabitable or destroyed homes. I want to emphasize how imperative your, and the State of Florida’s, efforts are to getting Floridians and their families into safe, quality housing accommodations immediately. As you know, in times of crisis, effective communication between federal, state and local agencies is crucial for coordinating an efficient response and recovery operation. Therefore, I write today to respectfully ask the following questions:

·         How is FEMA working with FDEM leadership to share the latest information on federal recovery efforts with affected Floridians and local communities?

·         Is FEMA working with FDEM and local governments to provide detailed updates to county emergency management offices on available housing assistance programs and temporary shelter options?

·         When and where can Floridians expect FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to be stood up?

·         How is FEMA ensuring their on-the-ground representatives are readily accessible to answer questions from state and local officials about the recovery process?

·         How is FEMA working with FDEM to support and supplement the State of Florida’s temporary housing program?

Florida's communities need clear guidance on how to access federal resources for housing recovery. Importantly, I ask that FEMA coordinate closely with FDEM on any public messaging regarding housing recovery to ensure consistency and clarity for affected residents. My team and I stand ready to disseminate this guidance as we work with Florida families and businesses to connect them with federal resources and recover from this storm. By prioritizing communication with our state and local partners, FEMA can help streamline the recovery process and provide much-needed assistance to Floridians impacted by this devastating storm.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to continue working with you to support Florida's recovery from Hurricane Helene.

Senator Scott encourages any Floridians in need of assistance with a federal agency, including FEMA and the SBA, or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Helene to contact his office at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework. Find additional resources and information on Hurricane Helene response and recovery at  www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-season-resources or from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.

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