Inspectors will make an appointment with the applicant before coming
After Floridians apply for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Helene, a home inspection may be necessary to help determine whether the home is safe, sanitary, and livable.
Inspectors will make an appointment with the applicant before coming. They will already have the applicant’s FEMA application number. They carry photo identification and will show it to the applicant. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed or recorded.
Inspectors will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free. Residents should beware of fraud and scams after Hurricane Helene.
Inspectors do not make decisions regarding eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is part of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance.
The inspector will consider:
- The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside
- Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order
- Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely
The inspectors will call or text applicants to arrange to meet at the home. They will leave messages and/or texts on the phone number listed on the FEMA application. These communications may come from unfamiliar phone numbers, and it is important that applicants respond so their application can be processed.
A typical home inspection takes about 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. If they have questions about the status of their application, they can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828.
For comprehensive local storm recovery resources, including information about applying for FEMA assistance, visit HCFL.Gov/StormRecovery. Learn more about FEMA Disaster Recovery
Additionally, you can follow Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook, X, Nextdoor, and Neighbors for updates.