#FLORIDASTRONG- Rights, Resources and Relief during Hurricane Recovery

The recent back-to-back hits by Helene and Milton left a path of destruction. While a hurricane is over in a matter of hours, the effects can be felt for years to come. Here, we tried to flag common issues faced by consumers following a natural disaster and list various resources helpful in the weeks and months following a storm.

Following a disaster, many financial institutions will provide greater flexibility regarding fees, deadlines, etc.  The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) has issued a statement encouraging lenders to take into account the unique circumstances facing disaster survivors. You should call your bank or credit card company and inquire about forbearance, fee waivers, or refinancing if you were affected.

Foreclosure Moratorium: Borrowers who are delinquent on their FHA loan

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has implemented a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures for FHA-insured mortgages in Florida in response to Hurricane Milton. Borrowers delinquent on their FHA loan should contact their mortgage lender or loan servicer for assistance.

Insurance: Be sure to (1) contact your insurance company to begin the claims process, (2) Submit your damage photos/videos, along with your list of damaged items and lastly (3) keep receipts for anything you buy to help with cleanup & recovery.

Make sure you are aware of your policy and educated about what is covered.  For instance, does your homeowner policy have windstorm/hurricane coverage? 

According to Florida Statute 627.4025, “Hurricane coverage” is coverage for loss or damage caused by the peril of windstorm during a hurricane. The term includes ensuing damage to the interior of a building, or to property inside a building, caused by rain, snow, sleet, hail, sand, or dust if the direct force of the windstorm first damages the building, causing an opening through which rain, snow, sleet, hail, sand, or dust enters and causes damage.

However, typically flood damage is excluded from your homeowners policy and any hurricane coverage. Instead, seperate flood insurance is necessary to cover damage causing by rising storm waters and storm surge.  Most mortgage lenders require additional flood insurance if the property is within a flood zone, however, even if you do not live in a flood zone, an inch of two of water intrusion can end up costing >$25,000!

Visit National Flood Insurance Program for more information and to find a policy.

Home Repair Protections. Make sure that any contractors are licensed and report those who are not at the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.  Also, be skeptical if the offer is “too good to be true” and get several written estimates. Run a simple google search to read online reviews and verify the legitimacy of the company. Finally, never make a final payment until the work is complete

Price Gouging: Unfortunately, bad actors often use emergencies and disasters as an opportunity to exploit consumers when they are most vulnerable. Florida Statute 501.160 prohibits the rental, sale, or lease of essential goods, housing, or self-storage units at exorbitant prices during a state of emergency. A price is considered exorbitant if:

1. there is a significant difference between the price charged during the emergency and the average price from the 30 days prior, or

2. the price greatly exceeds the average for the same or similar goods in the area during the 30 days before the emergency declaration, unless the seller can justify the increase with evidence of higher costs or market trends. Essential commodities during storm events include food, water, ice, gasoline, lodging, and lumber.

For more information and to report incidents of price gouging visit the Office of the Attorney General.

Scammers & Fake Charities Scammers commonly set up fake charities or pose as emergency relief representatives to take advantage of peoples’ generosity during natural disasters and other tragic events to collect financial and personal information from unsuspecting-well intentioned- victims.  It is suggested that you use the IRS’ Tax Exempt Organization search to confirm the charities status as a non-profit and whether the donation will be tax-deductible.

FTC Warning

Tips from Florida Attorney General

A little due diligence can save you big time! Take the extra time to do some research or consult with an expert.

RESOURCES & RELIEF

ABA (American Bar Association) Free Legal Answers is a project of the ABA which provides free legal answers to specific legal questions, to those who qualify.  

CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) provides information to help protect your finances both before and after a disaster.

City of Tampa (Office of Emergency Management) Tampa residents can submit a self-reporting of any damage, this will help local, state and federal agencies assess the areas hardest hit and allocate additional resources.

*This does not replace submitting claims to your insurance provider or applying to FEMA for assistance.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance If you lost your job or had a break in your employment, self-employment, or business as a direct result of Hurricane Milton, you might be able to get benefit money from DUA. You can apply here.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides aid to individuals and families who have lost their homes as a result of a presidentially declared disaster. If you are a renter or homeowner, you may qualify for assistance. For more information about assistance and resources available to you following a hurricane, and to apply for assistance visit www.DisasterAssitance.gov.

*FEMA only applies to your primary residence, not businesses or additional property. Additionally, by law, FEMA assistance cannot double the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance. 

Florida Legal Aid If you think you need to consult an attorney, you may qualify for free legal representation.  This link provides of list of legal aid programs offer specific, hurricane-related legal assistance.

Additionally, you can call the free Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline 833-514-2940.

HUD (U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development) provides disaster resources. Additionally, HUD participating housing counseling agencies are available to helpregardless of what type of mortgage you have. There is never a fee for foreclosure prevention counseling. Search online for a housing counselor in your area or call 1-800-569-4287.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) created by Congress in 1968, the NFIP provides insurance to help reduce the socio-economic impact of floods. The NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses, and having this coverage helps them recover faster when floodwaters recede.

SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) provide low-rate interest loans for businesses and homeowners to recover from declared disasters.

As we navigate the challenges of hurricane recovery, staying informed and vigilant about consumer protection is essential—empowering ourselves to make smart choices can help ensure that our rebuilding efforts are safe, fair, and effective.

Reach out to us today for a consultation and to learn more about your rights!