Individual Assistance (IA)
Overview:
Individual Assistance (IA) is designed to provide financial aid and direct services to individuals and households with uninsured or underinsured essential expenses and serious needs. Even if you have insurance, you are encouraged to apply.
Business Assistance:
Businesses are also advised to begin this process to access Small Business Association (SBA) loans and tools.
How to Apply for Assistance:
Required Information for Application:
- Current contact phone number
- Address at the time of the disaster and your current address
- Social Security number
- List of damages and losses
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Insurance policy number, agent, or company name (if insured)
PERMITS ARE REQUIRED; however, demolition work to remove damaged material may begin beforehand.
The City has suspended permit fees for 90 days effective Sept. 27th for repairs related to Hurricane Helene. Our teams are committed to expediting permit applications as quickly as possible.
Residents or businesses within the City of Fort Myers with any damage to their homes or businesses, including water intrusion, must obtain a building permit for all repairs. All Hurricane Helene-related Building, Permitting, and Inspection Fees are waived for 90 days effective Sept. 27, 2024.
Residents can find more information at https://www.cityftmyers.com/1645/Permits-Applications.
For questions related to the FEMA 50% Rule, City of Fort Myers property owners should call the Building Division at 239-321-7925.
Come back for Hurricane Milton aftermath info.
Hurricane Debris Cleanup
For Hurricane Helene (Hurricane Milton information available after October 9th)
Current Cleanup Schedule:
The Solid Waste Division is conducting debris collection in two phases:
- First pass: Collecting residential construction debris through Monday, October 7th
- Second pass: Begins Monday, October 14th. Items should be at the curb by 5 p.m. each day.
Types of Debris Collected:
Solid Waste will collect storm debris in three separate piles:
- Construction and demolition debris: Includes carpet, furniture, drywall, and other materials damaged by the storm.
- Vegetative debris: Includes tree branches, palm fronds, logs, and plants (should not be bagged).
- Appliances: Place appliances curbside with food removed.
Fraud & Scams Awareness
Important Notice:
Be cautious of scammers and fraudsters trying to take advantage of Hurricane Helene survivors.
How to Identify Fraudulent Activity:
- If a FEMA inspector visits and you haven’t applied, your information may have been used to file a fraudulent FEMA application.
- If you receive a letter from FEMA without applying, contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
FEMA Representatives:
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams, housing inspectors, and officials are active in affected areas. They carry official photo IDs and do not charge for services like assistance applications or inspections.
Reporting Scams:
If you suspect fraud, report it to:
- Your local police or sheriff’s department
- Florida’s Office of the Attorney General
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No matter what happens. We will get through this together. We are Florida Strong!
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