Clean and Sanitize Assistance

If your home was damaged by Hurricane Idalia but you can live in it safely, FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup. This assistance is for eligible homeowners and renters. The links are below.

You may qualify for FEMA assistance if you meet the following criteria:

Your pre-disaster primary home must be in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee or Taylor counties.
A FEMA inspection verifies your home has disaster damage; or if you are a renter, the inspection noted cleanup actions are needed or have already been undertaken. o If you have already cleaned up, save your receipts for supplies, materials or paid help.
The damage is not covered by your insurance.
FEMA determines your disaster-damaged primary residence is safe to occupy.
Survivors who apply with FEMA may also be eligible for additional forms of federal assistance beyond Clean and Sanitize Assistance.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

There are several ways to apply: Go online to https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4734, download the FEMA App for mobile devices, or call toll-free 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Critical Needs Assistance

FEMA may provide financial assistance to Hurricane Idalia applicants who have immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling.

Immediate or critical needs are lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.

Critical Needs Assistance is a one-time $700 payment per household.

Applicants may be eligible for Critical Needs Assistance if they:

Complete a FEMA application
Provide identity verification
Note in their application they have critical needs and request financial assistance
Have a pre-disaster primary residence located in an area designated for Critical Needs Assistance. In Florida, that includes residents of Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee and Taylor counties.
Survivors who apply with FEMA may also be eligible for additional forms of federal assistance beyond Clean and Sanitize Assistance.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance