**President Biden Approves Federal Disaster Aid for Florida**

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has officially declared a major disaster in Florida following the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton, which commenced on October 5, 2024. This decision aims to enhance the recovery efforts spearheaded by state, tribal, and local authorities, delivering much-needed federal aid.

The declaration opens the door for federal funding to assist individuals in various counties including Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia, as well as the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.

Eligible residents and business owners may benefit from programs offering grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to address uninsured property losses. Furthermore, supplemental federal resources will support state, tribal, and local governments along with certain private nonprofit organizations with emergency work on a cost-sharing basis in the mentioned counties and tribal areas.

For up to 90 days within the first 120 days following the onset of Hurricane Milton, the federal government will cover 100 percent of eligible costs associated with debris removal and emergency protective actions under the Public Assistance program. Additionally, cost-sharing federal funds will be available statewide for hazard mitigation efforts.

Leading the federal recovery response will be John E. Brogan of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As evaluations of the destruction continue, additional counties and assistance forms might be added to the federal aid list upon completion of thorough damage assessments.

Residents and business owners in the impacted areas can start applying for aid online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those using relay services can provide FEMA with their specific service number.