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Hurricane Idalia

Hurricane Idalia caused damage across Florida and other states in the Southeast. Learn about federal agencies' response to the hurricane and get information to help with recovery.

Beware of scams

Scammers take advantage of people during emergencies. Some pretend to be government employees. Others may try to cheat you on cleanup or repairs. Get tips from the FTC to avoid Hurricane Idalia scams.

Disaster safety and shelters

  • Find the latest Hurricane Idalia information from FEMA, including safety tips and how to find a shelter.
  • People with disabilities, access and functional needs, medical conditions and/or older adults in Florida who may need additional assistance and care have the option to register at a Special Needs Shelter.

Financial assistance

Food assistance

  • USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced temporary changes to food programs in response to Hurricane Idalia:
    • People in the 49 Florida counties affected by Hurricane Idalia who would typically receive SNAP benefits between September 1 and 14 can receive them earlier. 
    • Child nutrition programs impacted by Hurricane Idalia in Florida will be permitted to temporarily change how and when meals are served and what food items make up a meal. Parents will also be allowed to pick up food.

Health and safety

  • Mental health - Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. The national hotline provides free 24/7, crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Deaf and hard of hearing ASL callers can use a videophone or ASL Now.
  • The HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) deployed medical providers and disaster management professionals to Florida in response to Hurricane Idalia. Visit ASPR’s Hurricane Idalia page for:

    • ASPR press releases related to the deployment
    • The HHS Public Health Emergency declaration and the Waiver or Modification of Requirements Under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act
    • Technical assistance materials to help health care facilities prepare for and respond to hurricanes
    • Overview of ASPR deployed staff and assets

Military and veterans

Documents and vital records

Business and consumer 

  • Find out if you are eligible for an SBA Disaster Loan. These low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration can help homeowners, small businesses, and non-profits recover from a declared disaster.

Taxes

Agriculture and food safety

Idalia weather updates

Communications

Government facilities

LAST UPDATED: September 4, 2023

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