JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The deadline to apply for federal assistance in the 48 Florida counties declared a disaster area after Hurricane Irma has been extended by two weeks -- to Nov. 24.
The extension agreed upon by the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency is for survivors living in disaster-designated individual assistance counties, including Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union.
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The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation said 772,934 owers of residential and commercial properties statewide had submitted claims totaling $5 billion to insurers within six week of the storm.
Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
While many FEMA disaster assistance centers in the state have closed, individuals can still register online at disasterassistance.gov. By phone, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (Voice, 711 or VS) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). Due to high demand, lines may be busy. The helpline is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Disaster assistance centers remain open in Alachua County (Cone Park Library Branch, 2801 E. University Ave., Gainesville - 9 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week) and Putnam County (Putnam County Fairgrounds, 118 Fairgrounds Road, East Palatka -- 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week).
For more information about assistance, visit FEMA.gov/IrmaFL.