Hurricane Recovery FAQ

Disclaimer: This FAQ provides general information only and is not a substitute for legal, tax, or other professional advice. Requirements may change, and individual circumstances may vary. Consult the appropriate agency or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

What FEMA assistance is available right now?

On October 9, President Trump approved an emergency declaration for 27 Florida counties. This provides federal help to state and local governments for emergency response efforts, such as debris removal and protecting public safety. The federal government generally covers 75% of eligible costs. This declaration does not automatically provide FEMA grants to homeowners and renters for their personal losses.

Has Florida requested additional FEMA assistance?

Yes. Florida has requested a Major Disaster Declaration to bring additional federal assistance to communities affected by Hurricane Isaias. The request includes:

• Public Assistance for 15 counties to help eligible governments and organizations recover from storm damage.
• Individual Assistance for eight counties: Bay, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington.

As of October 19, the request is pending a presidential decision. If Individual Assistance is approved, eligible residents may be able to apply for help with temporary housing, essential home repairs and other qualifying disaster-related expenses. Residents should wait for the official announcement before applying for this additional FEMA assistance.

How can I help my community qualify for additional federal aid?

Report your storm damage to your county, even if you have insurance. Damage reports help state officials understand the extent of the damage and document the need for additional federal assistance. Reporting damage does not guarantee that federal aid will be approved. Visit Congressman Patronis’s website and look for the Hurricane Recovery section to find county reporting links.

Where can I get free emergency supplies?

State and local officials have distributed free supplies, including water, shelf-stable meals, ice, tarps and other essentials, through Points of Distribution (PODs). Locations and hours can change, so check FloridaDisaster.org or your county's emergency management website for the latest information.

What temporary housing options are available?

Florida is working with Emergency RV to provide temporary housing for eligible residents whose homes suffered significant damage.

• Emergency RV: Find information and apply at EmergencyRV.org.
• Local shelters and resource centers: Check with your county for available sheltering and Multi-Agency Resource Centers, which can connect residents with recovery services.

What should I do about insurance?

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Take photos and videos of the damage, keep receipts for repairs and temporary housing, and save copies of all communications. Insurance is an important part of recovery, and FEMA assistance generally does not replace insurance coverage.

If you have trouble with an insurance claim, contact the Florida Department of Financial Services or visit an insurance assistance site if one is operating in your area. Be cautious of contractors who demand large upfront payments or promise guaranteed results.

Is there help for small businesses?

Yes. Florida has made $10 million available through its Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for businesses affected by Hurricane Isaias. Eligible small businesses can apply for short-term, zero-interest loans of up to $100,000. Eligible agriculture and aquaculture small businesses can apply for up to $150,000 through this program. These are loans, not grants, and must be repaid. Apply at FloridaJobs.org - Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

Is there help for farmers and aquaculture producers?

Yes. Florida offers a separate recovery loan program for eligible farmers, ranchers, growers and aquaculture producers affected by the storm. Eligible producers may qualify for interest-free loans of up to $500,000 to repair or replace essential property, replace equipment, remove debris or restock aquaculture. Learn more through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Check the program's eligibility requirements before applying.

What federal tax relief is available?

The IRS has extended certain federal tax filing and payment deadlines to February 8, 2027, for eligible individuals and businesses in the 27 designated Florida counties. This generally covers qualifying deadlines falling between October 9, 2026, and February 8, 2027. The IRS says it will generally apply the relief automatically to eligible taxpayers in the affected area. If you live or operate a business outside the designated counties but your necessary tax records are in the affected area, call the IRS at 866-562-5227 to request relief.

Important: Taxes owed on 2025 individual income tax returns were originally due April 15, 2026, and are not postponed by this relief. For details, visit the IRS disaster tax relief page.

Can I deduct hurricane damage on my taxes?

Possibly. Eligible taxpayers affected by Hurricane Isaias may be able to deduct certain losses that insurance or other reimbursements do not cover. The Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act was signed into law on September 11, 2026. It provides more favorable tax rules for qualifying losses from federally declared major disasters. Eligible taxpayers may be able to claim qualifying net disaster losses without itemizing deductions and without the usual 10% adjusted-gross-income threshold, subject to a $500 minimum per casualty.

Important: The enhanced tax deduction rules require a qualifying presidential Major Disaster Declaration. Florida's request for a Major Disaster Declaration is still pending as of October 19. Keep receipts, damage records and insurance documentation. While a tax professional can provide specific advice, general information may be obtained from  IRS Publication 547 and IRS Form 4684.

Where can I find official updates and more help?

• FloridaDisaster.org- State recovery updates and emergency resources.
• State Assistance Information Line: 1-800-342-3557.
• DisasterAssistance.gov — FEMA assistance information and applications when available.
• FEMA: 1-800-621-3362.
• Congressman Jimmy Patronis’s website. Look under Hurricane Recovery for local resources and damage reporting links.
• Congressman Patronis’s office: 202-225-4136.

What else should I know?

• Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space.
• Document damage and save receipts.
• Watch out for contractor, insurance and disaster-relief scams.
• Check official state and county websites regularly because assistance programs and supply distribution locations can change.
• Recovery assistance may come from insurance, state programs, local resources and the federal government.
• Report your damage, use available state resources and watch for official updates on additional FEMA assistance.