This week, President Joe Biden expanded the number of counties covered in federal emergency declarations as Florida recovers from Hurricane Idalia.
“President Biden approved an amendment to Florida’s disaster declaration for Hurricane Idalia approving Manatee and Sarasota Counties for Individual Assistance. Homeowners and renters in these counties may apply for federal disaster assistance,” announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Monday.
“In addition, Citrus, Dixie, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties were approved for Public Assistance for repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities. They were previously approved for debris removal and emergency protective services,” FEMA added. “Also, Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, and Wakulla counties were approved for Public Assistance for debris removal and repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities. They were previously approved for emergency protective services.”
As of the end of day on Monday, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reported almost 17,700 claims filed claiming $159,131,302 in damages.