Floridians impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene now have until January 7, 2025, to apply for FEMA assistance. This extension offers more time for homeowners and renters to seek financial aid for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

RELATED: FEMA Extends Deadline for Hurricane Aid Applications in Florida

In conjunction with the deadline extension, FEMA announced an additional $76 million in funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures across the Tampa Bay area.

Aid Distribution and Program Overview

To date, FEMA’s Public Assistance program has provided:

• $820.9 million for Hurricane Milton recovery,
• $370.4 million for Hurricane Helene recovery,
• $102.2 million for Hurricane Debby recovery.

These funds reimburse state and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, for emergency responses, debris removal, and repairs to disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and other nonprofits may also qualify for assistance. The newly allocated funds include:

• $2,833,717 for debris removal in Oldsmar
• $29,176,400 for debris removal in Tampa
• $2,907,349 for debris removal in Holmes Beach
• $1,038,219 for debris removal in Bradenton Beach
• $2,331,111 for debris removal in Dunedin
• $2,872,284 for debris removal in Largo
• $1,357,200 for debris removal in Daytona Beach
• $2,494,914 for debris removal in Lake County
• $31,188,560 to reimburse the Florida Division of Emergency Management for its non-congregate sheltering program

How to Apply

Residents with damage from both Hurricanes Helene and Milton must apply separately for each disaster and provide specific damage dates. Applications can be submitted:

• Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
• FEMA App: Download and apply directly.
• By Phone: Call 800-621-3362. Lines are open daily, with assistance available in multiple languages.

If you use a relay service, captioned telephone, or another accessibility service, provide FEMA with the relevant contact number. For the latest information:

• Hurricane Milton recovery: www.fema.gov/disaster/4834
• Hurricane Helene recovery: www.fema.gov/disaster/4828
• Hurricane Debby recovery: www.fema.gov/disaster/4806

Looking Ahead

As recovery efforts continue, residents are encouraged to take advantage of this extended deadline to ensure they receive the aid they need.

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(Image credit: Luis Santana/AP)