Hurricane Milton Disaster Assistance
FEMA
Palm Beach County has received a major disaster declaration from the President authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to release federal funds to people and communities recovering from Hurricane Milton. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover. To learn more about the county's comprehensive Hurricane Milton recovery efforts, visit discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Hurricane.aspx.
FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will go door-to-door to help disaster survivors in tornado impacted communities beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Additionally, Palm Beach County is anticipating a multi-agency resource center, led by the State of Florida, for the impacted areas of Wellington, Loxahatchee Groves, Acreage, Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter Farms. Logistics are being finalized for a location, and we'll notify you as soon as the details become available.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App.
To view a list of resources, visit discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/hurricane-recovery.aspx. Please check back for developments and updates to these resources.
Business Support
Florida has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton, including Palm Beach County. Florida small business owners needing assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the program.
Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses, and loans of up to $150,000 are available for citrus and cattle operations. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between when a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Milton. Interested applicants can apply through Dec. 4 or until all available funds are expended.
Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County
The SWA plans to mobilize a debris contractor to start collecting storm debris, which includes vegetation, construction and demolition debris and bulk items, in the tornado impacted areas of the unincorporated parts of the county only.
Price Gouging
If you notice unusually high prices on items like food, water, gas or hotel rooms, you can report them to the state attorney general. The number to call is 866-966-7226.
United Way Palm Beach County
In light of the recent tornadoes caused by Hurricane Milton, United Way of Palm Beach County is mobilizing efforts to support those affected in the community.
Palm Beach County Building Division
To ensure life and property safety within our community in the built environment through efficient and effective administration of the enacted building codes, and by taking a leadership role in code development and education.
Insurance Resources
When a covered disaster damages your home and personal property, your homeowner's insurance may help pay to repair or rebuild your home and replace damaged or stolen personal property.
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