Federal Assistance Available for Brevard County Residents Affected by Hurricane Milton
Here's how Palm Bay residents can apply for FEMA support and get the help they need
Palm Bay, FL -- Brevard County residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can now apply for federal disaster assistance under FEMA's Individual Assistance Program. Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Bradenton and exited through Brevard County on October 10, left a significant mark on the community, causing damages and losses for many households.
Residents who sustained damage from the hurricane are encouraged to take advantage of this support. Federal aid under FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program aims to help those whose losses are not covered by insurance. Before applying, residents are reminded to file a claim with their insurance company if they have one.
Additional Recovery Resources for Residents and Businesses
Brevard County has provided a list of additional recovery resources for residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Milton:
Resident Recovery Resources
HOPE Florida: Connects residents with resources for food, household losses, and home repairs. Call 833-438-4673.
Crisis Cleanup: Assists with muck out, tarping, debris removal, and cleanup. Call 1-844-965-1386.
American Red Cross: Provides temporary shelter, mental health resources, and recovery case management. Call 1-800-733-2767.
211 Brevard: Local recovery resources, food pantries, and mental health assistance. Dial 2-1-1 for help.
Business Recovery Resources
Florida Department of Commerce: Offers the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Call 833-832-4494 for assistance.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Provides Physical Damage & Economic Injury Loans. Call 800-659-2955 for more information.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
To apply for federal disaster assistance, residents of Brevard County can register through the following methods:
Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
FEMA Mobile App: Download the app for quick registration.
Phone: Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
When applying, please have the following information ready:
Contact Information (telephone number, mailing address, social security number)
Household Income
Address of damaged home or apartment
Description of Damage or lost items
Photos of damaged property
Insurance Details (if applicable)
Bank Account and Routing Numbers for direct deposit of funds
This information will help expedite the application process and ensure residents receive the support they need.
Important Reminders
FEMA assistance is intended to supplement insurance claims. If insurance does not cover your damages or you do not have insurance, you may qualify for federal aid. Make sure to have all the necessary documents and photographs of the damage for a smoother claims process.
Tips for Avoiding Scams
In times of crisis, it's unfortunate but common for scams to emerge. To protect yourself and your family, keep these tips in mind:
Verify Credentials: Always ask for identification from individuals claiming to be disaster assistance workers. FEMA representatives will have official identification.
Contact FEMA Directly: Use official channels such as DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 to verify any offers of assistance.
Be Wary of Upfront Fees: FEMA does not charge for processing your application. Anyone asking for money to assist you with your claim is likely a scammer.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter anyone suspicious, report them to FEMA or local authorities immediately.
Volunteer Opportunities
For those who wish to help others recover from Hurricane Milton, there are numerous ways to get involved:
American Red Cross: Volunteers are needed to assist with shelters, food distribution, and case management. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can help.
Crisis Cleanup: Volunteers are always needed for mucking out homes, tarping roofs, and helping with debris removal. Call 1-844-965-1386 to get involved.
Local Community Groups: Check with 211 Brevard to connect with local community groups that are organizing relief efforts. Dial 2-1-1 to learn more.
For more updates and a complete list of resources, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Palm Bay's website or check FEMA’s website directly for the latest details.
For more information on Palm Bay news & events, be sure to visit The Palm Bayer.