Creation of the Unite Florida Portal & Update On FEMA Deadline

Unite Florida Portal

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the creation of a new program to assist those affected by Hurricane Ian. The Governor made the announcement on Tuesday, November 22, that the Unite Florida Portal is now active and that it is the “first-ever-state-led” sheltering and housing program. 

The portal is available through IanRecovery.fl.gov, and provides temporary housing options such as recreational vehicles and travel trailers. The program also provides temporary and permanent repairs for households whose needs are not met through insurance or FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Residents who were impacted by the hurricane can also report unmet transportation needs, household items, and social services.

FEMA Extends Deadline

At the request of the State of Florida, residents impacted by Hurricane Ian will now have more time to file for FEMA assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline to January 12, 2023 for residents in the following counties: Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia.

For more information on FEMA programs within Southwest Florida, please read SWFAA’s blog post here about the Multifamily Lease and Repair Program. Some sheltering and housing assistance programs may require you to register for FEMA Individual Assistance. Hurricane Ian survivors can apply for FEMA assistance and continuously update their applications by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling (800) 621-3362, using the FEMA app or visiting one of more than 20 open Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).