Florida Rural Legal Services
1-888-582-3410
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- …
- About
- News/Events
- News Releases
- Photo Gallery
- Events
- Bench Bar Conference
- Disaster Relief Projects
- CLE Advocacy Conference
- Client Stories
Florida Rural Legal Services
1-888-582-3410
- About
- News/Events
- News Releases
- Photo Gallery
- Events
- Bench Bar Conference
- Disaster Relief Projects
- CLE Advocacy Conference
- Client Stories
- …
- About
- News/Events
- News Releases
- Photo Gallery
- Events
- Bench Bar Conference
- Disaster Relief Projects
- CLE Advocacy Conference
- Client Stories
Hurricane Disaster Resource Page
Florida Rural Legal Services is here to help victims after a disaster sweeps in and leaves residents with legal challenges in the storm's aftermath.
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Disaster Legal Services News Releases/Informational Blog Entries
Disaster Legal Services offered by FRLS
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) works to help individuals and families recover from the effects of a major disaster. The aftermath of a disaster can be staggering leaving survivors overwhelmed by the process of recovery. FRLS works closely with disaster survivors to put them on the path to recovery.
FRLS attorneys may provide FREE legal counseling, advice and when appropriate and necessary, full representation in the following types of disaster cases:
- FEMA assistance and FEMA appeals
- Help with insurance claims for property damage, and loss of personal property
- Landlord disputes
- Property ownership disputes
- Help with home repair contracts and contractors
- Questions about consumer scams and consumer protection matters
- Assistance replacing legal documents lost in a storm
- Help completing an application for disaster loans and grants and assistance
- Applying for Disaster Food Assistance
- Help with FEMA Notice of Potential Debt recoupment letters
- and other disaster related legal issues
FAQs | KNOW YOUR TENANT RIGHTS AFTER A HURRICANE
STEP 1) Take photos to document damage and keep receipts from all clean-up and repair related purchases.
STEP 2) Call your insurance company right away.
These steps may help maximize insurance and federal disaster assistance and payments.
If you’ve evacuated, you can still start a claim now and provide specifics later.
The apartment I live in needs repairs after the hurricane. What should I do?
What if the landlord does not make repairs?
Can I make the repairs myself and deduct it from the rent?
I couldn’t work during the storm and didn’t get paid. I don’t have the money for next month’s rent. What should I do?
All of my stuff was destroyed when the roof fell in on the place I rent - what help can I get?
DISASTER RESOURCES TO KEEP IN MIND
Know what aid could be afforded to you after a hurricane in Florida.
DISASTER SNAP BENEFITS
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Ian and who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Benefits will be automatically applied to EBT cards starting this week. There is no need to apply for these benefits. There is no need to come to an on-site DSNAP event, benefits will be automatically applied to EBT cards after applications are processed.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT (DUA)
Did you lose your job, or was your work or self-employment interrupted because of the hurricane?
If so, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance; if you:
are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Ian;
were scheduled to start a new job but were unable to as a direct result of Hurricane Ian;
are unable to reach your job or self-employment location because you have to travel through an affected area and Hurricane Ian prevented this;
have become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result Hurricane Ian; or
are unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of Hurricane Ian.
FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
If you live in one of the counties listed above, you may be eligible for FEMA benefits.
Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home
A temporary housing unit, when you are not able to use rental assistance due to a lack of available housing resources
Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence
Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, funeral
Funds for hazard mitigation assistance to help eligible homeowners repair or rebuild stronger, more durable homes.
How Do I Appeal the Final FEMA Decision?
FRLS can help your appeal, please call
1-888-582-3410.
- Applicants can appeal any FEMA decision. Appeals must be made in writing and sent by mail or fax to FEMA within 60 days of receiving the letter. Appeals, pictures and documents can be faxed to 800-827-8112 or uploaded to your FEMA account.
- An appeal is a written request to FEMA to review your file again, and an opportunity to provide new or additional information not previously submitted that may affect the decision.
- Appeal letters and supporting documentation also can be uploaded to your account online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or faxed to 800-827-8112.
Beware of Fraud and Scams
- Be cautious if somebody asks for your nine-digit registration number. A FEMA inspector will never ask for this information. They already have it in their records.
- Don’t give anyone your banking information. FEMA inspectors never require banking or other personal information such as a Social Security number.
- Ask the person to show you their identification badge. Federal employees always wear an official government badge to identify themselves.
FEMA Registration Process
American Sign Language (ASL)
How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance
American Sign Language (ASL)
Apply
General Public:
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Call 1-888-582-3410
Farmworkers:
8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Call 1-855-771-3077
Or Apply Online
TTY: 800-955-8771
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
Service areas: Lee, Polk, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Indian River, Highlands, Hardee, Hendry, Charlotte, Desoto, and Glade Counties.
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