Tampa Republic

FEMA announced on Sunday that federal disaster assistance has been approved by President Joe Biden for residents of Hillsborough County as recovery efforts continue in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

The President's action makes federal funding available to individuals in Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties. 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 from the effects of the disaster.

The City of Tampa has been completing private property damage assessments following Hurricane Helene. Preliminary numbers show dozens of properties have been destroyed and nearly 2,000 private properties have sustained major damage. Within city limits alone, the assessments estimate private property damages at just over half a billion dollars.

As residents seek contractors to assist with damages, Mayor Jane Castor reminded the public about potential fraud and scams common after a disaster.

"Following a momentous storm like Hurricane Helene," Mayor Castor said. "Qualified contractors are in high demand so I want residents to be on the lookout for scammers who prey on Floridians in need of expert service."

Residents approached for work on their homes can check if an individual is licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or myfloridalicense.com.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others give FEMA the number for that service.