Learn what information to include and how to submit an appeal
Residents who experienced significant damages and even loss due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton can complete an application seeking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Once FEMA has reviewed the application, the agency will provide a letter explaining whether the request has been approved. If the request is not approved, residents may appeal the decision, which must be accomplished within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.
What to Include with the appeal
The letter from FEMA will provide information on the types of documents or information that residents may need to provide for the appeal. FEMA will also include an optional appeal form that may be used to help provide additional information. When submitting any documentation or information to FEMA, residents must include on every page:
- FEMA application number, and disaster number (DR-4806-FL for Hurricane Debby, DR-4828-FL for Hurricane Helene and DR-4834-FL for Hurricane Milton)
- For appeals by a third party, the applicant or co-applicant must also have a valid written consent on file for the third party with authorization to appeal or represent the applicant at the time of inspection
How to submit an appeal
- Residents can submit their appeal and supporting documentation through four possible methods:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Log into the account and upload supporting documents via the Correspondence Upload Center.
- In-person at a Disaster Recovery Center
- By mail: FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Center P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
- By fax: (800) 827-8112, Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program
After submitting your appeal
All appeals are reviewed and decisions are typically made within 30 days of receiving the appeal. However, it may take up to 90 days for a decision. Additional information may be requested from the resident if FEMA does not have enough information to make a decision. Residents will be notified in writing of the response to their appeal, either by mail or via the DisasterAssistance.gov account they created when they applied with FEMA.
Storm recovery resources
Information on FEMA programs such as Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, Rental and Displacement Assistance, and Transitional Sheltering Assistance can be found on the FEMA resources webpage as part of the comprehensive storm recovery resources webpage, HCFL.gov/StormRecovery.