State of Florida: State officials support a wide range of programs for survivors. They include:
- Updated recovery information: FloridaDisaster.org, Facebook.com/FloridaSERT, Twitter.com/FLSERT or call 850-815-4000.
- The Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program. This program helps businesses needing money to continue operations.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance: FloridaJobs.org.
FEMA: For information and updates go to FEMA.gov/disaster/4399, DisasterAssistance.gov or call
the Disaster Helpline, 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). For FEMA on social media, go to Facebook.com/FEMA and Twitter.com/FEMAregion4.
U.S. Small Business Administration: For low-interest loans for repairs and damage not covered
by insurance or to replace household items, go to Disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or call 800-659-2955,
(800-877-8339 TTY). For other information, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362
(800-462-7585 TTY). More business recovery options are at Florida’s Small Business Development Network.
Health: For the Federal Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), visit Phe.gov/EPAP.
Mental Health: Options include:
- The federal Disaster Distress Helpline, 800-985-5990 (text TalkWithUs to 66746; for Spanish, text Hablanos to 66746).
- Florida Mental Health Access Line, 800-945-1355, operating 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Access and Functional Needs: For a sign language interpreter, foreign language translator or other resources, visit Resources-people-disabilities-access-functional-needs or call 800-621-3362
(800-462-7585 TTY) or 470-364-7252. Other resources include:
- Disability Rights Florida, 800-342-0823 (800-346-4127 TTY).
- Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living at FloridaCILS.org or call 850-575-6004.
- Disability Resource Center at www.DRCPC.org or call 850-769-6890; (866-954-5898 TTY).
Environment and Cleanup: The Department of Ecology’s Hurricane Michael website has survivor tips and environmental updates.
Legal Services: A legal-aid hotline is now available for Hurricane Michael survivors in Florida who cannot pay for an attorney: 866-550-2929. The hotline operates through a partnership of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and FEMA.
Food: The state and U.S. Department of Agriculture run the federal Disaster Supplemental D-SNAP program to assist survivors with meals who do not receive food stamps. Visit dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/dsnap or call 866-762-2237. For a directory of Florida food-bank locations, visit Feedingflorida.org or call 855-352-3663.
Tax Assistance: Visit: irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief.
Fraud Protection: Homeowners who may suspect they are being scammed should contact the Disaster Fraud Hotline, 866-720-5721 (TTY 844-889-4357) or local law enforcement.