This post will be continually updated as more resources become available. Click here for the Hurricane Helene policy tracker.

On October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast  as a Category 3 hurricane, less than two weeks after  Helene hit the Big Bend as a Category 4. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, and many Floridians will be dealing with the aftermath long after Milton leaves the news cycle.

As federal, state, and local governments respond to this disaster, it is critical that public resources are utilized to ensure an equitable recovery — one that rebuilds what was lost and damaged, and one that also strengthens Florida’s communities and the environment to withstand future disasters. 

Below are resources that have been mobilized by government agencies to provide relief to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Milton. As the damage is assessed and recovery efforts are implemented, agencies will respond by making changes to policies and programs, often on a daily or even hourly basis. FPI will continue to update this page to reflect up-to-date information.

At the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis, President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster for Individual Assistance purposes to impacted individuals in:

• Brevard (County)
• Charlotte (County)
• Citrus (County)
• Clay (County)
• Collier (County)
• DeSoto (County)
• Duval (County)
• Flagler (County)
• Glades (County)
• Hardee (County)
• Hendry (County)
• Hernando (County)
• Highlands (County)
• Hillsborough (County)
• Indian River (County)
• Lake (County)
• Lee (County)
• Manatee (County)
• Marion (County)
• Martin (County)
• Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
• Okeechobee (County)
• Orange (County)
• Osceola (County)
• Palm Beach (County)
• Pasco (County)
• Pinellas (County)
• Polk (County)
• Putnam (County)
• Sarasota (County)
• Seminole (County)
• St. Johns (County)
• St. Lucie (County)
• Sumter (County)
• Volusia (County)
  

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is the primary federal agency to provide assistance before, during, and after disasters. Florida is located within FEMA’s Region 4 office, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Governors make requests for major disaster or emergency declarations through the regional FEMA office. Once a declaration is made, the state and residents can access an array of assistance and services. FEMA disaster assistance is provided under three broad categories:

• individuals and households (for housing, business recovery, unemployment assistance, and other needs)
• public entities (including certain nonprofit organizations, for repair and rebuilding public facilities and infrastructure)
• hazard mitigation (to gird against future disasters and potential losses) 

This tracker will focus on individuals and households.

Note on eligibility: For most assistance from FEMA (e.g., cash assistance, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance), applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National, or a Qualified Alien to qualify. Anyone can apply for and receive FEMA-funded Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, and short-term, non-cash, emergency aid regardless of their immigration status if otherwise eligible.

Ineligible immigrants can apply for FEMA assistance on behalf of their U.S. citizen child or another adult household member.

To apply for FEMA assistance, individuals can visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Applications can also be made in person at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).  

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)

DRCs are mobile or brick-and-mortar locations within affected communities where Milton survivors can apply for FEMA assistance or check on existing FEMA applications. In addition, DRCs are often staffed with other agencies and nonprofit organizations who can provide other kinds of assistance with disaster recovery. A list of DRC locations will be posted here.

Housing Assistance

Find an open homeless shelter near you by texting SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362). (Envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra REFUGIO y su código postal a 4FEMA [43362].) Additionally, the Red Cross and Salvation Army databases can be searched for open shelters in your area. Additionally, Florida has an Open Shelter Tracker with multiple types of shelters listed in different tabs.

Homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Milton in the designated counties eligible for financial and direct services may apply for FEMA disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. 

FEMA disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses for damage and losses not covered by homeowners, renters, or flood insurance. This includes: temporary housing, damage repair not covered by insurance, funds to replace damaged homes, and grants for the construction of a new home (in very limited circumstances). The following information will be required when applying: 

• a current phone number where you can be contacted
• your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• a Social Security number (can be yours, another adult in the household’s, or a minor child’s)
• a general list of damage and losses
• proof of your household’s total income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster
• banking information if you choose direct deposit
• if insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim immediately. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses already covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance. Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair. If you are initially turned down, it is advisable to appeal the decision, as many initial claim rejections can be turned into acceptable claims with a few tweaks. To ensure that a FEMA representative inspects your home, you should call and check back periodically.

Information on filing a flood claim through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can be found here. You must have a policy through the NFIP to file a claim.

For future reference about climate hazard risks and preparation options in your location, Hazard Aware is a free service that provides in-depth analyses and practical advice.

Other FEMA Assistance

FEMA also provides financial help for necessary non-housing needs that are directly related to the disaster in the following areas:

• personal property such as clothing; household items; tools, clothing, and equipment required for employment; computers, books, supplies, etc., required for school
• transportation, including repair or replacement of vehicles, and public transportation costs
• funeral expenses 
• moving and storage expenses 
• some medical and dental expenses
• child care
• clean up items

Disaster Legal Services Advice Hotline

The Disaster Legal Services Advice Hotline is a FEMA-funded free legal aid hotline for disaster-related problems for survivors in affected counties who cannot afford an attorney. The number to call in Florida is 833-514-2940. Callers may be instructed to say that they are seeking storm-related legal assistance, indicate the county in which they are located, and state their legal problem(s). Among the many legal issues that callers may be able to get help with are FEMA benefits, home repairs contracts, insurance claims, wills, scams, landlord/tenant problems, and access to disaster assistance.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation 

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation has updated its Disaster Relief webpage to provide families with information on housing resources and assistance. This webpage will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.

• Florida Housing has ensured that all listings are up to date in the event that your family has been displaced and you need to quickly relocate. To find an affordable rental property, click here. If you do not have internet access, you may also call the following toll-free number for assistance in conducting a search: 1-877-428-8844.

• If your home sustained damage as a result of the storm, your local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) office may have recovery assistance available to help with temporary relocation, rental assistance, debris removal and/or home repairs. Please contact your local office directly for more information. You can find your local office by clicking here. 

Florida Department of Commerce (DOC) 

DOC is the lead state agency focused on economic development. DOC administers the state’s Unemployment Insurance program, among other programs aimed at business development, community development and planning, and workforce development and statistics.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides unemployment assistance to people in FEMA disaster-declared counties whose employment or self-employment has been impacted as a direct result of a hurricane if they are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI).

Although more counties may be added, people living or working in the following counties may apply for Milton DUA by December 10, 2024, unless the applicant has a good reason for filing late:

• 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
• Volusia

‍Reemployment Assistance

In most disasters, DOC waives Reemployment Assistance work search reporting, wait week, and Employ Florida registration requirements in FEMA disaster-declared counties. Check DOC’s website for announcements here.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Florida Department of Commerce (DOC) is providing federal  LIHEAP funding to Community Actions Agencies (CAAs)  to provide support to local households impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  This funding may provide survivors with home-related support such as temporary housing, utility payments, and assistance with electrical power cable connection (from the utility service point to a home), utility box replacement, and utility reconnection, including utility pole repairs and other services.

Among other eligibility requirements, applicants must meet citizenship requirements and have income at or below 60 percent of the Florida state median income or 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, e.g., $58,823 for a family of four. 

Funding is limited and households are urged to apply as soon as possible. To apply, contact your local LIHEAP provider. In many locations, you may be able to apply online.  Check with your local CAA or DOC’s website for updates, including deadlines that may be imposed for applications.

Learn more about the program here.

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)

DCF provides a range of social services to children, adults, and families in Florida in disaster situations. This includes programs to support household and family self-sufficiency through economic, medical and food support.

October 2024 KidCare Premiums are Waived

Premiums for Florida’s Child Health Insurance Program have been waived through the month of October due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Families will not be required to make a premium payment for their child’s health care until November. In addition, families who were due for an annual renewal in September or October will be given until November 30 to complete the renewal process. You can read more about it here.

‍Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is the most important safety net protecting Floridians from food insecurity. SNAP provides grocery assistance to households with low income who are struggling to put food on the table. In a hurricane, SNAP plays a pivotal role in making sure that disaster survivors can access food.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) 

D-SNAP provides one month’s worth of food assistance to households with significant disaster-related expenses who are not participating in regular SNAP. D-SNAP does not look at citizenship status, impose a work requirement, or preclude college students from participating. 

DCF will operate a D-SNAP program for both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. As described below, D-SNAP applications for Hurricanes Helene and Milton can be submitted both in person and over the phone in counties where the program is operated.

DCF will roll out D-SNAP for people who were living in the following counties as  of  September 23, 2024, for Hurricane Helene and/or October 5, 2024, for Hurricane Milton:

• Charlotte
• Citrus
• Columbia
• Desoto
• Dixie
• Flagler
• Franklin
• Gilchrist
• Hamilton
• Hardee
• Hernando
• Highlands
• Hillsborough
• Jefferson
• Lafayette
• Lake
• Lee
• Levy
• Madison
• Manatee
• Pasco
• Pinellas
• Polk
• Sarasota
• Suwannee
• Taylor
• Volusia
• Wakulla

In order to ensure adequate staffing at all D-SNAP locations, DCF’s current plan is to operate D-SNAP in three phases:

Phase One: For people living in Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties, DCF will accept telephonic applications for D-SNAP for four days beginning on Oct. 28, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2024. A pre-registration system will open one day prior. Onsite paper applications can be submitted for three days in each of the counties sometime between Nov. 1, 2024, through Dec. 9, 2024. Because this information is subject to change, people living in these counties are encouraged to check DCF’s web site for updated information about D-SNAP, including where on-site D-SNAP locations will be operating.

Phase Two: For people living in Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties, DCF will accept telephonic applications for D-SNAP for four days beginning on Nov. 4, 2024, through Nov. 8, 2024 . A pre-registration system will open one day prior. However, D-SNAP will not operate on Nov. 5, 2024. Onsite paper applications will be taken for three days in each of the counties sometime between Nov. 9, 2024, through Dec. 3, 2024. Because this information is subject to change, people living in these counties are encouraged to check DCF’s web site for updated information about D-SNAP, including where on-site D-SNAP locations will be operating.

Phase Three:  For people living in Citrus, Desoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee and Volusia counties, DCF will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Nov. 12, 2024, through Nov. 15, 2024.  A pre-registration system will open one day prior. Onsite paper applications will be taken for three days in each of the counties sometime between Nov. 16, 2024, through Dec. 15, 2024. Because this information is subject to change, people living in these counties are encouraged to check DCF’s web site for updated information about D-SNAP, including where on-site D-SNAP locations will be operating.

Applications will be considered to have been “filed” after the application has been filed and an interview completed. DCF is required to process D-SNAP applications and issue benefits not eligible households within 72 hours (three days).  If DCF must verify questionable information or suspects fraud, benefits may not be issued for seven days.  DCF will issue EBT cards on site for eligible households who apply in person.  People applying for D-SNAP  virtually will be mailed an EBT card.

DCF will mail paper denial notices to ineligible households. People who disagree with the decision will be referred to a D-SNAP supervisor to review their case.

Supplemental SNAP

Supplemental SNAP is extra SNAP for people who were receiving benefits when the disaster happened that were not at maximum amount for their household size. DCF will automatically issue one month’s worth of  supplemental benefits to bring SNAP allotments for affected households in the disaster area up to the maximum allotment for a household of their size in the following counties: 

• Charlotte
• Citrus
• Columbia
• Dixie
• Franklin
• Gilchrist
• Hamilton
• Hardee
• Hernando
• Highlands
• Hillsborough
• Jefferson
• Lafayette
• Lee
• Levy
• Madison
• Manatee
• Pasco
• Pinellas
• Sarasota
• Suwannee
• Taylor
• Volusia
• Wakulla

SNAP households that already receive the maximum monthly allotment for their household size will not be provided a supplement.

Replacement SNAP

Replacement SNAP allows households already participating in SNAP to get food replaced that has been destroyed in a disaster. As of now, for Hurricane Milton, DCF has said that  SNAP participants who lost food had to apply for food replacement by October 23, 2024, using this form. Households are urged to check DCF’s website for any changes or updates. 

Hot Foods

DCF has obtained permission from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services to allow households in the following counties to purchase hot and prepared food, such as hot deli food, food from the salad bar, sandwiches, and fountain drinks, with their SNAP assistance:

• Highlands
• Hillsborough
• Indian River
• Manatee
• Pasco
• Pinellas
• Sarasota
• Volusia 

As of now, this flexibility will only be allowed until November 15, 2024 However, DCF suggests that participants check with individual retailers before making hot/prepared food purchases.

Family Resource Centers

DCF operates Family Resource Support Centers with staff on site, including Hope Navigators, behavioral health partners who specialize in disaster recovery response, and public benefit eligibility specialists to help individuals and families. Click here for location information in the coming days and weeks. In addition, Florida’s HOPE LINE, which is available to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm, is now available 24/7 for at least the next two-plus weeks at 833-GET-HOPE.

U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

FNS has granted the Florida Department of Health’s request to allow operators in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to provide meals in a non-congregate setting and adjust meal service times, among other flexibilities through November 8, 2024 FNS has also granted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ request to permit operators of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program (SMP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP),Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) to, among other flexibilities, serve meals in a non-congregate setting through November 8, 2024.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA provides capital and business development assistance to help grow and build small businesses. In response to disasters, the SBA provides low-interest loans to homeowners and business owners to pay for damages that are not covered by insurance. The SBA provides three types of disaster loans: 1) home disaster loans to repair or replace homes; 2) business physical disaster loans, to repair or replace business property; and 3) economic injury disaster loans, to provide assistance to small businesses and agricultural cooperatives to meet their expenses during the disaster period and until they resume normal business. 

Click here for information on applying for an SBA loan.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

CMS is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). CMS administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with state governments to administer Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance program (CHIP).

State of Florida Waivers

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra used his authority in the Public Health Service Act to declare a Non-Covid Public Health Emergency (PHE), effective September 23, 2024 until December 21, 2024, giving CMS the flexibility to support beneficiaries in Florida. These flexibilities are applied through waivers that the state or individual care providers can adopt.

• Florida’s 1812f Waiver – Allows Medicare to pay for care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) without the requirement of a three consecutive day stay or the requirement of at least 60 consecutive days in a non-institutional or custodial level of care. This is useful for individuals who are evacuated, transferred, or potentially face other disruptions from the hurricane.‍

• Florida’s 1135 Waiver -  Waives a wide range of requirements under section 1135(b) of the Social Security Act that would otherwise complicate care during a disaster. This waiver allows for the following flexibilities, effective September 2, 2023:
  -Less strict conditions for participation, certification requirements, and program participation for individual providers to provide care
  -Allows physicians from other states to provide services in Florida if they have an equivalent license from another state
  -Allows the relocation of patients to receive medical screening, and relocation of patients who have not been stabilized if the transfer is necessary because of Hurricane Milton
  -Allows flexibilities for physician referrals
  -Allows certain flexibilities for HIPAA and privacy regulations
  -Allows flexibilities to modify deadlines and timetables to ensure that services are available to those who need them
  -Health care providers who need additional flexibilities specific to the effects resulting from Hurricane Milton can submit a request to CMS here.

• ‍Blanket Waivers - Do not require forms to be submitted, these are applied automatically by CMS surveyors. They include but are not limited to the following for different types of service providers (full details can be seen at the link for blanket waivers):
  -Expanded telehealth services
  -Offsite hospital screening for patients in need of mental or physical care
  -Flexibilities for Medical staff requirements in terms of credentialing within the state
  -Allowing longer times to submit medical records to care for patients during the emergency
  -Allows longer stays for certain individuals in need of care for those on Medicare
  -Flexibilities in physical environment requirements for providing care
  -Flexibilities in data reporting requirements

Medical Equipment and Supplies Replacements 

CMS will temporarily waive certain requirements to enable people with Medicare who have lost or sustained damage to their durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies as a result of the hurricane to receive replacements of such items and services. This will help to ensure beneficiaries can continue to access the needed medical equipment and supplies they rely on each day. Medicare beneficiaries can contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.

Dialysis Care

CMS is helping people obtain and maintain access to critical life-saving services by activating the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) program and working with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network 7, which is responsible under a contract with CMS for assessing the status of dialysis facilities in potentially impacted areas of the State of Florida. The ESRD Network 7 (Florida) toll-free hotline is 800-826-3773. Additional information is available here on the KCER website. Floridians in need of immediate assistance can call the KCER hotline at 866-901-3773. 

Special Enrollment Periods for Hurricane Victims

Open enrollment in Florida begins on November 1, 2024. If a qualified individual is unable to enroll in a Qualified Health Insurance Plan due to Hurricane Milton during the 60-day enrollment period, the individual and their dependents will be eligible for an Exceptional Circumstances Special Enrollment Period that allows them to enroll in health care coverage after the deadline of December 15, 2024. To request an Exceptional Circumstances SEP, FEMA-emergency affected individuals must contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 or TTY at 1- 855-889-4325 and indicate they were eligible for another enrollment window but were unable to complete their enrollment due to a FEMA-designated emergency or disaster.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. 

SAMHSA Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

The Disaster Distress Helpline is a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. 

Local and Tribal Governmental Resources

• Brevard County - Visit the county’s storm page to get the latest information on preparing for and recovering from disasters, get text alerts as well as important local, state and federal resources. This page will also connect you to the Brevard County Emergency Management page. Follow the Emergency Operations Center on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Nextdoor to get updates. Brevard County Schools are open.
  

• Charlotte County - For information on Charlotte County’s emergency management operations visit their website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram. To get text alerts on local recovery efforts and more, sign up for CharCoCares (Charlotte County Cares). Schools have reopened.
  

• ‍Citrus County – For information on current disasters (not 911), call (352) 249-2775 during the emergency period or (352) 249-2790 or visit the sheriff’s emergency management page. To get phone, text, or email alerts on weather, sign up for AlertCitrus. Follow on social media via Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).  Schools have reopened.

• Clay County - To get information on disaster preparation, shelter locations and sign up for Alert Clay notifications to your home or mobile phone, visit the county’s emergency management page. To be connected on social media, follow on Facebook, Instagram or X (Formerly Twitter). Clay County Schools are open.

• Collier County - To get information on disaster preparation and recovery, visit the county’s division of emergency management’s page. Sign up for Alert Collier to get notifications on disasters. To connect with the county on social media, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Collier County Schools are open.

• DeSoto County - Visit the county’s emergency management page for information on preparing and recovering from disasters as well as important federal, state and local resources. Sign up for DeSotoAlert to get notifications on storm and important county events. Follow the county’s emergency management department on Facebook. DeSoto County schools are open.

• Duval County - For information on planning for and recovering from a disaster or emergency and more, be JaxReady. Get notifications sent to your phone for up to date information by downloading this ap.Interact on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Duval Schools are open.

• Flagler County - Visit the county’s Emergency Management Department’s page to prepare for emergencies before, during and after an emergency. While there, sign up for AlertFlagler to get emergency notifications. Stay informed by connecting by Facebook, X and Instagram. Flagler County Schools are open.

• Glades County - Get information on preparing for a disaster and local, state and federal resources to help with recovery on the county’s emergency management page. Sign up to get critical communications from the county on AlertGlades. Follow Glades County Public Safety on Facebook. Glades County Schools are open.

• Hardee County - Visit the county’s emergency management page to get information on preparing for storms and locating a shelter. Sign up for notifications to get up to date information on severe weather events and more at AlertHardee.  Follow the county on Facebook. Hardee County Schools have reopened.

• Hendry County - Visit the county’s emergency management page to get information on preparing and recovering from storms and to sign up for Alert-Hendry notifications. Follow the county on Facebook on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Hendry County schools have reopened.

• ‍‍‍Hernando County -  Sign up for Alert Hernando to get updates and find information on shelters, making disaster plans, registering for special needs shelters, and hurricane debris removal by visiting the county’s Emergency Management website. Get updates on the county’s social media Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).‍  Schools have reopened.

• Highlands County - Visit the county’s storm page to get information on preparing for and recovering from a disaster.  Follow the county on Facebook and get information on registering for emergency alerts and other information. Highlands County schools have reopened.

• Hillsborough County - Visit the county’s storm recovery page to get assistance after the hurricane. The county’s emergency management website for information before, during and after the storm. Sign up to get voice, text or email updates on many topics including storm and flood alerts.  Connect with the county on social media including Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Schools have reopened.

• Indian River County - Visit the county’s storm center page for help recovering from the hurricane. Find out how to get notifications by text, phone or email or sign up for the county’s awareness and preparation app.  Follow the county on Facebook or X (Formerly Twitter). Indian River schools have reopened.

• Lake County - Visit the county’s storm update page to get information on recovering from the hurricane.  The county’s emergency management page provides links to get severe weather updates, as well as preparing for and recovering from disaster. Sign up for emergency notifications at AlertLake.com.  Follow the county’s emergency services on Facebook or the county on Instagram.  Lake County schools have reopened.

• Lee County - Visit the county’s website for information on recovering from the hurricane and visit the Department of Public Safety’s page for info on preparing for storms and signing up for text alerts. Schools have reopened with the exception of Fort Myers Beach Elementary and the Sanibel School.

• Manatee County - Visit the county’s emergency management page to get information on planning for and recovering from a disaster.  Sign up for emergency notifications Alert Manatee system to get alerts by phone, text or email. Follow the county’s social media on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter). Manatee County’s schools have reopened.

• Marion County - To get information on preparing for and recovering from disasters, visit the county’s emergency preparations page.  Follow the county on social media including Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Marion County schools have reopened.

• Martin County - Visit the county’s hurricane information page to get the latest storm updates, as well as information and resources to help prepare for and recover from a hurricane. Sign up for AlertMartin to receive important public safety notifications. Follow the county on social media including Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Martin County schools have reopened.

• Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida - the Miccosukee Tribe has an MOU with Miami-Dade County. (For hurricane resources - visit the county’s emergency management page to find out about, prepare for, and recover from a disaster and to connect to specific information on Hurricane Milton and how to get Miami-Dade emergency notifications.) The Miccosukee Indian School is open.

• Okeechobee County - Get information specific to Hurricane Milton on its storm page. Visit the county’s emergency page to get information on preparing for and recovering from disasters, shelter locations and more.  Sign up for ALERT Okeechobee to get emergency notifications and other important county news.  Follow the county on Facebook. Okeechobee County schools have reopened.

• Orange County - The county maintains a storm page on Hurricane Milton with the latest news and ways to prepare for and recover from the storm. Sign up for emergency notifications on the storm OCALERT system.  Follow the county’s social media to stay up to date on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and X (formerly Twitter). Orange County schools have reopened.

• Osceola County - Visit the county’s hurricane center page to get storm news as well as information on preparing and recovering from a disaster. Sign up for emergency notifications at AlertOsceola.org or text ‘alertosceola’ to 888777. Follow the county’s social media on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to get updates. Osceola County schools have reopened.

• Palm Beach - Visit the county’s storm page or  emergency management page to get information on preparing for and recovering from disasters, as well as as other important storm related information.  Sign up for ALERTPBC to get emergency notifications by phone, text or email.   Follow the county’s social media on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Threads. Palm Beach county schools are open.

• Pasco County - Visit the county’s website to get information on recovering from the hurricane. For updates and information on resources follow the county on social media on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and NextDoor.  Schools have reopened.

• Pinellas County - Get the latest storm updates and visit the emergency operations center, get the latest news and updates, information on closures, and learn how to report damage to your home or business. Connect to Pinellas County social media on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Nextdoor.  Pinellas County Schools have reopened.

• Polk County - Get information on preparing for and recovering from Hurricane Milton on the county’s storm page. Polk County residents can also call (863) 298-7500 for information related to Hurricane Milton or call toll free (866) 661-0228. Follow the county’s social media on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).  Polk County Schools have reopened.

• Putnam County - Visit the county’s storm page to get information on Hurricane Milton including disaster resources and shelter information. Sign up for PutnamAlert to get emergency notifications and other important information from the county by phone, text or email. Follow the county’s emergency management department on Facebook and follow the county on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Putnam schools are open.

• Sarasota County - Visit the county’s storm page to get updates on the storm and its aftermath and sign up to get phone, text email or push alerts visit. Get the app for 311 Sarasota County, and follow the county on Facebook and Instagram. Schools have reopened.

• Seminole County - Visit the county’s storm page to get information on preparing for the storm, shelter locations and sand bags. Go to the Prepare Seminole page to get disaster related information. Sign up for ALERTSEMINOLE to get emergency notifications and important community updates. Follow the county’s social media on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and X (formerly Twitter). Seminole County schools are open, but some bus stops have changed due to the storm.

• St. Johns County - Visit the county’s tropical activity page to get storm related news and links to the county’s emergency management page. This page provides information on preparing for and recovering from disasters.  Sign up for AlertSt.Johns to get emergency notifications on the storm and other important county information.  Follow the county’s social media on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and X (formerly Twitter).  St. Johns County Schools have reopened.

• St. Lucie County - Visit the county’s emergency readiness portal to get storm-related information to prepare for and recover from a disaster. Sign up for ALERTST.LUCIE to get emergency notifications and other important county information. Follow the county’s social media on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). St. Lucie County schools are open.

• Sumter County - Visit the county’s SumterPrepares website to learn about preparing for and recovering from a disaster. Sign up for AlertSumter to get emergency notifications and important county news. Follow the county’s social media on Facebook. Follow the county’s fire and emergency management’s Facebook page.  Sumter County schools are open.

• Volusia County - Visit the county’s hurricane page to get the latest news, information on preparing for and recovering from a disaster as well as local, state and federal resources. The county’s emergency management page also has disaster related information and a link to AlertVolusia to sign up for emergency notifications. Follow the county’s social media on Facebook and X (Twitter). Volusia’s schools are open.