Hurricane Idalia

FEMA

As Florida begins our recovery from Hurricane Idalia, my office is committed to making sure Floridians have access to the necessary tools and resources need to recover.

While I continue to fight for much needed disaster relief in Washington and to pass my Federal Disaster Responsibility Act, our nine offices around the state are here to help Floridians every step of the way. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal issue or agency, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

See more about the resources available to you and your family below or click HERE.

Major Disaster Declaration

Individual Assistance (IA): Assistance to individuals and households

IA-Designated Counties: Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor Counties.

Public Assistance (PA): Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities

PA-Designated Counties: Citrus, Dixie, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties for permanent work [Categories C-G] (already designated for assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures [Categories A and B], including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program). Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, and Wakulla Counties for debris removal [Category A] and permanent work [Categories C-G] (already designated for emergency protective measures [Category B], including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program).

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 assessments.

Individuals in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor 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).

The deadline to apply with FEMA is Oct. 30, 2023.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/and fema.gov/disaster/4734.

Disaster Recovery Centers

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.

  • Citrus County: West Citrus Community Center

    • 8940 W Veterans Drive, Homosassa, Florida 34448

  • Columbia County: DRC-11

    • 180 E Duval Street, Lake City, Florida 32055

  • Dixie County: Dixie County Public Library

    • 16328 SE US-19, Cross City, Florida 32628

  • Dixie County: Suwannee Baptist Church

    • 23103 SE Highway 349, Suwannee, Florida 32692

  • Gilchrist County: Gilchrist County Library

    • 105 NE 11th Avenue, Trenton, Florida 32693

  • Hamilton County: Chamber of Commerce

    • 1153 US Highway 41 NW, Jasper, Florida 32052

  • Jefferson County: Jefferson County Library

    • 375 S Water Street, Monticello, Florida 32344

  • Lafayette County: Mayo Community Center

    • 150 NW Community Circle, Mayo, Florida 32066

  • Levy County: Cedar Key Fire Station

    • 489 1st Street, Cedar Key, Florida 32625

  • Levy County: Inglis Community Center

    • 137 Highway 40, Inglis, Florida 34449

  • Madison County: Career Source North Florida

    • 705 E Base Street, Madison, Florida 32340

  • Suwannee County: Exhibition 2 Building (Colosseum)

    • 1302 SW 11 Street, Live Oak, Florida 32064

  • Taylor County: Loughridge Park

    • W 15th Street, Perry, Florida 32347

  • Taylor County: Steinhatchee Community Center

    • 1013 Riverside S. Drive, Steinhatchee, Fllorida 32359

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Residents can visit any center. More centers will open soon.

American Red Cross

Anyone who needs a safe place to go, or a warm meal, can find information on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). You can also check with local officials and monitor local news, or in Florida, visit floridadisaster.org.

Florida Division of Emergency Management

FDEM has outlined all available resources for Floridians, including family resources, food assistance and businesses resources. Visit HERE for more information.

Small Business Administration

SBA disaster loan assistance is available in the Florida counties of: Citrus, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Taylor; for economic injury only. In the contiguous Florida counties of: Alachua, Columbia, Gilchrist, Hernando, Jefferson, Madison, Marion, and Sumter

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.

More detailed information can be found in the Hurricane Idalia disaster fact sheet . Read more HERE.

IRS

Those impacted by Idalia qualify for tax relief; Oct. 16 deadline, other dates postponed to Feb. 15.

The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief.

for individuals and businesses affected by Idalia in parts of Florida. These taxpayers now have until Feb. 15, 2024, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently, 46 of Florida’s 67 counties qualify. Individuals and households that reside or have a business in these counties qualify for tax relief, but any area added later to the disaster area will also qualify. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.

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: 1-800-966-7226

    • 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.