Hernando County has received a federal disaster declaration for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Eligible residents may be able to receive help with housing, repairs, personal property, and other disaster-related needs.

You can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance in several ways:

• • Call the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362

  • Go online to:

    • DisasterAssistance.gov

    • www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program

  • Download and use the FEMA app (App Store or Google Play)

  • View more details in the FEMA Assistance flyer (English & Spanish)

If you previously applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Debby, or earlier storms, you must submit a separate application for damage from Hurricane Milton.

When applying for multiple disasters:

• • Be prepared to describe what damage occurred and on what date, so FEMA can avoid duplicating benefits.

  • Keep receipts and documentation for each event, including:

    • Home repairs

    • Septic system, well, or private road repairs

    • Purchase of generators or chainsaws

    • Replacement of appliances or personal property

    • Vehicle repairs or replacement

    • Insurance settlements or denials

FEMA will not pay for losses already covered from a previous disaster, but may help with new damage from Milton.
Survivors affected by multiple storms may be eligible for Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance in more than one incident.

If you already have a Login.gov account, you can use it for multiple FEMA applications. If FEMA calls you and the number looks unfamiliar, you can verify by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362.

If you receive a letter from FEMA and disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal.

Your letter will explain:

• Whether you were approved

• How much assistance you will receive

• How the funds must be used

• How to file an appeal

You generally have 60 days from the date on the letter to submit an appeal.

If you need help:

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or

• Call the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362
  (Lines are open daily and assistance is available in multiple languages.)

What to Include in an Appeal

• Any documents or information FEMA requested in your letter

• Your FEMA application number and the disaster number on every page:

  • DR-4806-FL – Hurricane Debby

  • DR-4828-FL – Hurricane Helene

  • DR-4834-FL – Hurricane Milton

If someone is appealing on your behalf, you must have a valid Written Consent on file authorizing them to represent you.

How to Submit Your Appeal

You may submit your appeal and supporting documents:

• Online: Log in at DisasterAssistance.gov and upload via the Correspondence Upload Center

• In person: At a Disaster Recovery Center (e.g., West Hernando Library Branch, open daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m.)

• 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)

Unfortunately, scams can increase after disasters. Criminals may try to use stolen names, addresses, or Social Security numbers to apply for assistance.

• • If a FEMA inspector shows up but you never applied, tell them you did not submit an application and ask that the application be stopped. Then call the FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362).

  • If you receive a FEMA letter but never applied, call FEMA immediately to report it and prevent misuse of your information.

FEMA staff and inspectors:

• • Always carry official photo ID

  • Never charge for services, inspections, or help with applications

  • Never ask for your bank account or financial information in the field

If you suspect a scam:

• • Report it to your local law enforcement or the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or myfloridalegal.com (Scam Report).

  • Report fraud, waste, or abuse to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov.

If your primary residence was made uninhabitable or inaccessible by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, or Milton, FEMA may provide rental assistance for temporary housing.

Rental Assistance can help cover:

• • Monthly rent at a temporary residence

  • Security deposit

  • Essential utilities (gas, oil, trash, sewer, electricity, water)

    Cable and internet are not covered.

The amount approved is based on fair market rent for your area, as determined by HUD. Initial awards may cover up to two months of rent.

Continuing Rental Assistance

To receive continued rental help, you must:

• • Show an ongoing disaster-related need

  • Demonstrate that you are working toward a permanent housing plan

  • Keep and submit receipts showing the assistance was used for rent (keep receipts for three years)

You may qualify for continued assistance if:

• • You still have a documented housing need; and

  • You can show progress toward a permanent housing solution, such as:

    • Contractor estimates

    • Repair invoices

    • Loan applications (SBA, bank, etc.)

    • A new lease or purchase contract

If your situation changes, you must keep FEMA informed, as it may affect your eligibility.

If you were initially approved, FEMA may mail you an application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance about 15 days after your grant is approved. If you don’t receive it, call 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

You can return the form:

• • By uploading it to your FEMA account at DisasterAssistance.gov

  • By mail: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

  • By fax: 800-827-8112