Disaster Assistance Available 

Hernando County Housing and Supportive Services has funding available for qualified residents impacted by Hurricane Helene and/or Hurricane Milton.

• Purchase of emergency supplies to weatherproof damaged homes
• Interim repairs to avoid further damage
• Tree and debris removal required to make housing unit habitable
• Construction of wells or repair of existing wells damaged or not useable as a result of the disaster where public water is not available
• Payment of insurance deductibles for rehabilitation of homes covered under homeowner's insurance policy 
• Temporary rental assistance for loss due to declared disaster

Applications are available at the Hernando County Housing & Supportive Services office (621 W. Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601) or online. Click here to visit the website.

For more information, call 352-540-4338.

Households must meet income eligibility requirements. FEMA and insurance claim documentation must be provided.

Click here to download flyer.

Disaster Case Management

What is it?

Disaster Case Management is a FREE service where a skilled helper works with individuals or families affected by a disaster to create and achieve recovery goals.

Why should I opt in?

Disaster Case Managers are the driving force behind recovery, guiding individuals and families every step of the way. They connect clients to vital resources, coordinate services, and create tailored plans to rebuild lives and restore normalcy. 

How ill it benefit me?

Disaster Case Managers ease the burden of recovery by guiding you through the complex recovery process. They will simplify the journey by creating clear, realistic plans and connecting clients to the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

For more information and intake, call 352-340-2571.

Click here to download flyer. 

Hernando County received FEMA Federal Disaster declaration for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance from Hurricane Helene & Milton.

To apply for Federal Assistance:

• Call FEMA’s hotline at 800-621-3362
• Visit FEMA Website:
  • www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  • www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program
• Download the FEMA app (Available from the App Store or Google Play)

Click here to download flyer for English and Spanish.

When Applying for FEMA Assistance in Multiple Disasters

Floridians who applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Helene, Debby or previous storms must apply separately for assistance after Hurricane Milton.

When applying for FEMA assistance after multiple disasters:

• You will need to describe what damage occurred and on what date, to ensure federal disaster assistance from storms is not duplicated.
• Keep all receipts for expenses associated with each disaster, including:
  • Home repairs
  • Repairs to a septic system, water well or private road
  • Purchase of a generator or chainsaw
  • Replacement of personal property items such as appliances
  • Vehicle repairs or replacement
  • Insurance settlement or denial
• FEMA assistance will not cover losses already covered from a previous disaster but can help with new damage caused by Hurricane Milton.
• Eligible survivors affected by multiple hurricanes can receive Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance in multiple incidents.
• If you already created a Login.gov account, you may use that same account in accessing both applications.
• FEMA is reaching out to applicants who may have been affected by multiple storms to provide necessary support for their recovery. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. If you are concerned about verifying that FEMA is trying to reach you, call the helpline at 800-621-3362.

How to Apply:

Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 any day. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision:

If you receive a letter from FEMA and you disagree with FEMA’s decision about your eligibility, you can appeal the decision. FEMA might need more information to continue processing your application. Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and documentation you provided, you will receive a letter explaining:

• Whether you are approved for assistance.
• How much assistance you will receive.
• How the assistance must be used.
• How to appeal FEMA’s decision.

If you are initially not approved for assistance, you may appeal within 60 days of the date of the decision letter. If you have questions regarding the letter or how to appeal, you may visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you choose to call the helpline, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages.

What to Include When You Appeal
The letter from FEMA will provide additional information on the types of documents or information that you may need to provide. FEMA will also include an optional appeal form that may be used to help provide additional information.

When submitting any documentation or information to FEMA, you must include your FEMA application number and disaster number (DR-4806-FL for Hurricane Debby, DR-4828-FL for Hurricane Helene and DR-4834-FL for Hurricane Milton) on every page.

For appeals by a third party, the applicant or co-applicant must also have a valid Written Consent on file for the third party with authorization to appeal or represent the applicant at the time of inspection.

How to Submit Your Appeal

You can submit your appeal and supporting documentation:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Log into your account and upload supporting documents via the Correspondence Upload Center.
• In-person at a Disaster Recovery Center. (West Hernando Library Branch open daily from 9am-6pm) 
• By mail: FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Center P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• By fax: (800) 827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806 . Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

Be Alert to Fraud After Florida Hurricanes

Floridians should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by a disaster.

If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If this happens, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop further processing of that application.

If you do want to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the recent hurricanes. They carry official photo identification. FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Their services are free.

Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact Florida’s Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (myfloridalegal.com).

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse, you can report these tips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report a tip.

 FLORIDA HURRICANE SURVIVORS

FEMA experts offer advice on building back stronger and safer.

While disasters are inevitable, the damage they cause is not.  Help is available to all homeowners, not only those affected by the recent storms.

If you have questions about how to make your home safer call 833-336-2487

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday Central Time (or leave a voicemail any time) or email  FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV

For information on Florida’s disaster recovery.

More information: 

• Residential Mitigation Program
• Avoiding Hurricane Damage
• FEMA Protect your home flooding
• FEMA Protect your Property Severe Winds
• Selecting and Working Contractor

FAQs on Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvement (50% Rule)

Necessary Items for Restoration Permit Application Submittal

FEMA Group Flood Insurance Policy information

Renewal Period for Flood Insurance Policyholders in Florida

FEMA News Release   

Updates to the National Flood Insurance Program Make Flood Insurance More Accessible in Florida 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA, which administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), announced program updates that were created to help enhance access to flood insurance. These changes make it easier for homeowners and renters to select and pay for a flood insurance policy.

Getting a Flood Insurance Quote

It is now easier than ever for those interested in NFIP flood insurance policies to learn about the options available to them. The new Direct to Customer (D2C) Quoting Tool allows users to get a personalized quote based on their home address and the coverage and deductible choices that work best for them. The tool then connects users to three insurance agents that sell flood insurance locally. Users can then share their quote with an insurance agent, or they can download, print or email it to themselves.

Paying for a Flood Insurance Policy

FEMA will soon allow NFIP policyholders - both new customers at the time of application and existing customers at the time of renewal – to pay their flood insurance premiums in monthly installments rather than one upfront annual payment. This move will help reduce barriers to purchasing flood insurance.

Installment plans will be offered to all new and existing policyholders who are not required to escrow their premiums. To be eligible to participate in a monthly installment payment plan, policyholders will need to opt in to authorize automatic, electronic payments (e.g., via a credit card or bank account) through their insurer. Paying in installments does not change the policy term, just the payment terms. FEMA is working with all NFIP insurers to offer this new payment option as soon as possible. Learn more: Installment Plan FAQs | FEMA.gov

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit //fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit //fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit //fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

FEMA may provide financial assistance to rent alternate temporary housing if you are displaced from your primary residence due to Hurricanes Debby, Helene and/or Milton.

FEMA Rental Assistance is intended to cover the monthly rent amount, which may include a security deposit, at a place other than your damaged home. Your rental can be near your job, home, school and place of worship. The assistance may include essential utilities such as gas, oil, trash, sewer, electricity, and water, but not cable or Internet.

The approved rental amount will be based on fair market rates for your area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The initial award for Rental Assistance may cover up to two months of rent.

To continue to be eligible for Rental Assistance, you must prove an ongoing need, which may be that suitable housing is not available or that your permanent housing plan has not been completed through no fault of your own. If you intend to seek continued assistance, you’ll need receipts to show you used the assistance for rent. Survivors should keep receipts for three years.

You may qualify for continued assistance if you:

Demonstrate your disaster-related financial need; and

Show you are developing a permanent housing plan or demonstrate progress toward one. A contractor’s estimate of repairs can point to progress.

A permanent housing plan is one that would put you back into a permanent, safe, sanitary, and functional housing within a reasonable time frame. You must continue to work toward obtaining permanent housing to remain eligible for continued Rental Assistance.

If your housing situation or circumstances change, it’s important to stay in contact with FEMA, as this could impact your eligibility.

If you were initially approved for Rental Assistance, an application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance may be mailed to you 15 days after the grant is approved. If you do not receive one, please contact FEMA by calling
800-621-3362 or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

Return the form to FEMA by either:

Uploading it to your FEMA Disaster Assistance account, available online at DisasterAssistance.gov,

Mailing the completed form to: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055, or

Faxing it to 800-827-8112.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit //fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit //fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit //fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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For detailed tips on cleaning mold safely, please review the guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC Homeowners and Renters Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters.  It is highly encouraged that residents hire a commercially licensed and insured certified mold remediation company.  However, homeowners and renters may do this themselves, however, please follow the CDC guidance.

The Small Business Administration has instituted a grace period for disaster loan applications. The disaster loan application filing deadline has been extended to April 27^th.

 2025_02_26_FL_20699_Helene

2025_02_26_FL_20759_Milton

Below are helpful resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration regarding Disaster Loans.

1. Helene Fact Sheet – English Updated(deadlines approaching soon)*
2. Helene Fact Sheet – Spanish Updated
3. Debby Fact Sheet - English Updated (still accepting applications)*
4. Debby Fact Sheet – Spanish Updated
5. Locations to Receive Assistant (Helene) – Last Update 11/19/2024*
6. Locations to Receive Assistant (Milton) – Last Update 11/19/2024*
7. EIDL Flyer (English & Spanish Updated)
8. Home Flyer (English & Spanish Updated)
9. Businesses & Non-Profits Flyer (English & Spanish Updated)
10. Milton Fact Sheet – English Updated*
11. Milton Fact Sheet – Spanish Updated

Emergency building permit forms are available on the Hernando County Government website by visiting www.HernandoCounty.us.

Applications must be complete and notarized, if applicable. Please submit completed applications for emergency permitting due to Hurricane Helene using the following email: EmergencyPermits@HernandoCounty.us 

On the website you will find the following information:

• Emergency Building Permit Application
• Electric Meter Request (Owner)
• Electric Meter Request (Contractor)
• Hernando County Storm Damage Guidelines

For City of Brooksville emergency information, visit their website at http://cityofbrooksville.us or call 352-540-3810.

• @HernandoCountyEM
• @HernandoCoGov
• @HernandoCountyFire

Stay tuned as more information becomes available. Visit the Hernando County Emergency Management website at www.HernandoCounty.us/EM for all storm-related notices.

For questions or more information, please contact
Hernando County’s Public Information Center at (352) 754-4083.

• Bring your own appropriately sized crate (County resources are limited)
• Bring all your dogs required medications
• Bring several days’ worth of your animals’ food
• Ensure your dog is current on all vaccinations
• Bring your own leash and collar. Ensure your dog is trained to walk on a leash
• Bring any toys and/or bedding that will make your animal comfortable.
• If your animal is fearful or shy, bring sheets to cover the crate while still allowing airflow.
• If you bring a crate place something unique on it to distinguish it from others.
• Understand that your animal will not be housed in the same section as you; however, you will have access to your animal.
• Do not buy different snacks or food for the animal that they are not accustomed to, this will often cause the animals to have digestive issues; particularly when they are already stressed.
• If your animal has any propensity to bite animals or humans, please obtain and utilize a muzzle.
• Bring spray cleaner, paper towels etc., to be able to clean your animal’s crate.

*If you are needing the Special Needs Shelter and have a pet, transportation from either your house or shelter location for your pet is done through Animal Control with Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Please call Hernando County Public Information Center (PIC) at 352-754-4083 to arrange pick up. 

Click here to read the Cold Weather Media Release.

Emergency shelters help communities provide a safe and secure place for individuals and families to stay before, during and after a disaster.

What to Expect

What You Need to Know

• There is roughly 20 square feet of personal space per person. That is about 3.5 feet wide and 6 feet long
• You will be asked to show identification when you arrive
• Shelters are usually school gyms. Bring an inflatable mattress or mat, otherwise you will be sleeping or sitting on the floor
• Cots are not provided
• Eat before you arrive. Food may or may not be immediately available
• Doors will close when winds reach sustained speeds of 40 mph
• Shelters may lose electricity. Bring a hand fan or battery operated fan, and a flashlight with batteries
• If you are sheltering with your pet, you must go to a pet-friendly designated shelter. Remember to bring a crate, vaccination records, collar with name and contact number, food and water

What To Bring

• Identification
• At least 7 days of prescription and non-prescription medicine
• Eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids
• A few changes of clothes, extra socks
• Supplies for babies (formula, diapers)
• Non-perishable food and water
• A cot, sleeping bag, blankets, pillow
• Flashlight and batteries
• Brush, comb, towel, wash cloth
• Toothbrush, deodorant, soap
• Books, games, magazines, cards, toys and quiet electronics

Personal Preparedness

Emergency Management encourages everyone to make a Personal Disaster Plan that includes sheltering in-place and evacuation. Your Personal Disaster Kit should include food, water, medicine and important papers. Staying Informed and letting others know you are OK, is just as important.