ORLANDO, Fla. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved and obligated more than $9 billion to assist the state and Floridians still recovering from Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby.
According to a news release issued Monday, more than 700 FEMA staff are on the ground in Florida helping survivors from the three hurricanes last fall. Officials said they are continuing to process applications, receive and manage appeals, conduct inspections, and answer questions about recovery programs.
[VIDEO BELOW: First responders perform high-water rescues in Milton’s wake]
FEMA has allocated funds to assist two categories — individuals and the public, the release said.
As of Monday, FEMA has approved more than $1.6 billion to help Floridians with losses from Milton, Helene and Debby, including:
- $818.1 million approved for Hurricane Milton
- $804.6 million approved for Hurricane Helene
- $60.1 million approved for Hurricane Debby
FEMA may provide financial assistance to help displaced survivors pay rent for temporary housing, the release stated. The rental assistance may include utilities such as gas, oil, trash, sewer, electricity, and water, but not cable or Internet.
To aid the state’s recovery, FEMA has obligated over $1 billion, including:
- Milton: Category A (Debris): $394,516,012
- Milton: Category B (Emergency Protective Measures): $675,716,879
- Helene: Category A (Debris): $183,561,706
- Helene: Category B (Emergency Protective Measures): $360,527,978
The National Flood Insurance Program, managed by FEMA, has paid $7.1 billion in claims to 74,429 claimants from Milton, Helene and Debby, according to the release.
Officials said Floridians who applied to FEMA for assistance will receive a decision letter in the mail or via email. Any questions about their letter or how to appeal a decision can be answered by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, the release said.