President Biden approves federal aid for Floridians affected by Hurricane Helene

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — President Biden ordered federal aid for several Florida counties for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene.

On Saturday evening, he declared that a major disaster exists in Florida, allowing funding for State, tribal, and local recovery efforts.

The funding is available for the following Tampa Bay counties:

• Citrus
• Hernando
• Hillsborough
• Manatee
• Pasco
• Pinellas
• Sarasota

Other Florida counties included are Charlotte, Dixie, Franklin, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla.

Funding can be used for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs. Additional assistance may be designated following assessments, the White House said in the release.

Residents and business owners can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov , by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA app.

President Biden also approved federal funding for North Carolina, as Helene tore through the state over the weekend.

For additional information and resources on FEMA, call 202-646-3272 or email FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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