Biden Approves Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Florida After Hurricane Milton, Covering 34 Counties

Oct 12, 2024, 03:52 PM

President Joe Biden has approved an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Florida in response to Hurricane Milton's catastrophic impacts. This declaration, which includes Osceola, Orange, and Polk Counties, triggers the release of federal funds to assist with recovery efforts. FEMA has already delivered more than 1.2 million meals and supported over 4,200 rescues. Residents and business owners in 34 counties and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians can now apply for disaster assistance. The declaration follows a request from the entire Florida delegation, who emphasized the need for swift federal support after three storms in three weeks. More than $441 million in disaster aid funds have been distributed to survivors across six states. The federal aid aims to help communities rebuild and recover from the severe flooding and damage caused by the hurricane.