$751 Million Hurricane Relief Package Signed by DeSantis

FORT MYERS BEACH (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that provides disaster relief to people rebuilding after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole Friday.

“We’re happy with the package,” DeSantis said.

“This will give additional resources to help people as we await efforts from Washington to get on their feet.”

The Florida House unanimously passed the bill with 116 votes Wednesday. The Florida Senate unanimously approved the bill Tuesday.

The legislation gives a total of $751 million from the general fund for housing assistance for displaced Floridians, the reconstruction of beaches, and local stormwater and wastewater repairs.

The bill appropriates $350 million to the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) to provide the full match requirement for FEMA Public Assistance grants to local governments affected by the two hurricanes.

$150 million is allotted to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to assist Floridians with the repair or replacement of housing, relocation costs, housing reentry assistance, and insurance deductibles.

$251.5 million will be used for beach erosion, local stormwater and wastewater repairs, a hurricane reimbursement grant program and a small amount for administrative costs.

The bill extends certain property tax deadlines and discounts for properties destroyed or rendered uninhabitable due to either hurricane.

It also creates a nonprofit foundation through DEM to handle donations given for people prior to and after natural disasters.

During the special session, Florida lawmakers approved a sweeping property insurance proposal.