As Polk County embarks on recovering from Hurricane Milton, Polk County Emergency Management is working to connect residents to resources. Below you will find the list of residential and commercial resources, as well as, others. Resources will be added as the come available.
Residential Recovery Resources
FEMA
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.
(800) 621-3362 (FEMA)
Download the FEMA mobile app or visit DisasterAssistance.gov
Use the checklist below to make sure you aren’t forgetting important steps in the application process.
- File insurance claim
- Apply for FEMA assistance
- Schedule FEMA inspection
- Read FEMA determination letter
- Submit SBA loan application
- Use FEMA grant properly
- Save receipts and records
- Stay in touch with FEMA
Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for more recovery resources.
Disaster Recovery Center
FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Polk County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Milton.
Center location: W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 South Holland Parkway Bartow, FL 33830
This center will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The center will reopen at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Farm Recovery Center
Learn about disaster assistance programs available for farmers. Meet with representatives from USDA, Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Rural Development, FEMA, Florida Commerce, Small Business Administration and other partner agencies. All farmers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for program assistance.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 9,. 2024
Center location: W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 South Holland Parkway Bartow, FL 33830
Hope Florida
Connects residents with resources for food, household losses and home repairs.
(833) 438-4673
American Red Cross
Temporary shelter, mental health resources and recovery case management
(800) 733-2767
Operation Blue Roof
888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258)
blueroof.gov
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District has opened Operation Blue Roof through Thursday, Nov. 14. Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign up for this no-cost service.
Replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
https://www.myflfamilies.com/milton
Emergency Assistance for Livestock and Animals
To request critical assistance for your livestock and animals in urgency need please access FORM
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton and who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, D-SNAP is implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families (Department).
https://www.myflfamilies.com/DSNAP
Pre-Registration Dates: Sunday, Nov. 3 – Friday, Nov. 8
Telephonic Dates: Monday, Nov. 4, and Wednesday, Nov. 6 – Friday, Nov. 8
HOW DO I APPLY FOR D-SNAP?
- Verification is required for certain elements of the application.
- Eligibility can be determined more quickly and easily if a state driver’s license or identification number and a Social Security number is provided.
- Residents who are unable to pre-register online can visit one of the D-SNAP event locations in-person when they are open.
When selecting the disaster on the pre-registration form, please select the most recent storm that impacted your household. After an applicant completes the pre-registration process above, the applicant must complete an interview by calling the D-SNAP Call Center or attending an on-site event at a later date.
- Applicants may only call during designated dates and operating hours for their county.
- Phone interview times are designated based on the first letter of the applicant’s last name. (See Step-by-Step Guide for details.)
- D-SNAP Call Center: (888) 348-0408, Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., ET
- Applicants must report the household’s net income received from Sept. 23, 2024 through Oct. 22, 2024
- Applicants must report all liquid household assets that were available on Sept. 23, 2024, including cash on hand and money in checking and savings accounts.
Business Resources
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
FloridaJobs.org/EBL
(833) 832-4494
EmergencyBridgeLoan@Commerce.fl.gov
US Small Business Disaster Assistance
Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans
sba.gov/hurricane-milton
(800) 659-2955
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Private Non-Profit Organizations
Low-Interest Disaster Loans
sba.gov/disaster
(800) 659-2955
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Additional Resources
Price Gouging
https://legacy.myfloridalegal.com/Contact.nsf/PriceGouging!OpenForm
Disaster Scams
https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/consumer-alert-attorney-general-moody-warns-floridians-about-disaster-related-scams
Florida Rural Legal Services
https://www.myfloridalegal.com/vicitm-services-providers/florida-rural-legal-services#:~:text=(888)%20532%2D3410,legalserver.org%20(online%20intake)
Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline
(833) 514-2940