Hurricane Irma Resources

Individual Assistance from FEMA

Individual Assistance funds are available from FEMA. These funds can be used to cover medical, child care, household items, moving, and clean-up expenses. Learn more here. To apply, you will need to provide your Social Security number, financial information, gross household income, address, and insurance information. Apply online or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Assistance from the Small Business Administration

Businesses and residents in Broward and Palm Beach counties are eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans from the Small Business Administration. Types of loans include: Business Physical Disaster Loans: Any business or organization located in a declared disaster area and that incurred damage during the disaster may apply for a loan to help replace or restore damaged property. Economic Injury Disaster Loans: If you are in a declared disaster area and have suffered economic injury regardless of physical damage, you may qualify for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Home and Person Property Loans: If you are in a declared disaster area and are the victim of a disaster, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the SBA, even if you don't own a business. Military Reservists Economic Injury Loans: If you have an essential employee who is a military reservist called to active duty, SBA provides loans to help eligible small businesses with operating expenses. Learn more about SBA's resources for those affected by Irma or apply for loans.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Financial assistance is available to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Irma. This generally includes any worker who, due to Hurricane Irma, no longer has a job or place of work, cannot reach their place of work, or cannot work due to damage to their workplace. Learn more or file a claim here.

Important Tax Information

The IRS has announced that they will extend the September 15, 2017 filing deadline to January 31, 2018for qualifying businesses and individuals. This extension is available only in counties affected by Hurricane Irma and deemed eligible by FEMA for individual assistance, which include Broward County and Palm Beach County. In addition, the IRS is waiving late-deposit penalties for federal payroll and excise tax deposits normally due during the first 15 days of the disaster period. More information from the IRS is available here and here.

National Flood Insurance Program

Individuals with insurance from the NFIP can check a factsheet, the filing handbook, and important information about the claims process. Be sure to document all damage as soon as it is safe for you to do so. When you file your flood claim, ask about an Advance Payment. You may qualify for an Advance Payment before your adjuster arrives to inspect your damage.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, it’s important that we all stay aware and informed about the resources available for relief. Whether you and your home are directly impacted, or if you have friends and family impacted, please take a moment to visit our Hurricane Irma relief resources page. HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF RESOURCES >> We’re all in this together, and as long as we stay strong and do our part, Florida will come out of this stronger than ever. Our first responders, volunteers, and local charities are doing an incredible job at leading our efforts to rebuild. You can learn about the best ways to help the relief efforts at our Hurricane Irma relief resources page here >> Other Imporant Information

FEMA's Irma site: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4337 Price Gouging Hotline: 866-966-7226 or myfloridalegal.com Online Damage Assessment for Businesses: http://flvbeoc.org/ Insurance Consumer Helpline: 877-693-5236 Florida Power and Light: 800-4-OUTAGE FPL will not need to enter your home to restore power. If anyone claiming to be from FPL is on your property, ask to see identification.