How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Idalia

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Florida homeowners and renters in Charlotte and Hillsborough counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Idalia may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

FEMA may be able to help with temporary lodging, basic home repair costs or other disaster-caused needs. The two counties join 16 others previously approved for FEMA Individual Assistance.

Homeowners and renters in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties may apply. 

Call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The telephone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube. The deadline to apply is Oct. 30, 2023. 

When you apply for assistance, please have the following information ready:  

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your Social Security Number
• A general list of damage and losses
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit 
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

Residents with homeowners, renters or flood insurance should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If the policy does not cover all disaster expenses, policy holders may be eligible for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.