Hurricane Idalia Recovery Information for Hernando County

Government & Public Information

By Florida's Original NatureCoaster™ • Posted on September 4, 2023

Federal Individual Assistance Comes to Hernando County for those affected by Hurricane Idalia

Hernando County has met the threshold for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA).  Local, State and Federal damage assessment teams worked diligently into Friday evening and submitted their assessments to the State of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management. 

Hernando County’s Emergency Management officials were notified Saturday morning, shortly after 8 a.m., that Hernando County was added to the original seven declared counties.  Hernando County was also approved for FEMA Public Assistance (PA) for categories A and B, debris management and emergency protective measures respectively.  

Hernando County residents who were affected by Hurricane Idalia may apply for federal assistance and check their application status by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or you may also download the FEMA mobile app through both Google Play and the App Store.  You may also apply for Federal IA disaster assistance by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

If you use a video relay service, or captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA with the specific number assigned for that service.   FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Teams began visiting the affected residential areas Sunday afternoon to help homeowners register for FEMA IA assistance.  FEMA DSA Team members will be clearly identified by a blue FEMA vest or FEMA shirt with a FEMA photo identification badge.  DSA Team members will have a presence within Hernando County for the foreseeable future as we continue our recovery process. 

Hurricane Idalia Victims Have Resources Available for Aftermath Cleanup

Need help with Hurricane Idalia cleanup? Crisis Clean Up, vetted through Volunteer Florida, can assist with cutting fallen trees, drywall, flooring, appliance removal, tarping roofs, and mold mitigation. Crisis Clean Up has opened a toll-free hotline for the public to request cleanup assistance: 800-451-1954.  For more information visit www.volunteerflorida.org. 

Hernando County Hurricane Idalia Survivors Encouraged to Report Unlicensed Contractors

Hernando County Emergency Management official wants to remind residents affected by Hurricane Idalia to be cognizant of unlicensed contracts doing repair work on their homes.  Please be mindful of who you are hiring to perform hurricane damage repairs to your home or structure.  You are encouraged to report unlicensed contracting.  Report Unlicensed Contracting to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 

Unlicensed contracting becomes a felony during a state of emergency. The state of Florida and Hernando County are currently under a state of emergency as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia.  Hernando County Emergency Management and DBPR want to remind you:

  • Contact your insurance company first to verify that your insurance will cover the repairs before you find a licensed contractor or sign a contract.
  • Always verify a professional’s license online at MyFloridaLicense.com, by calling (850) 487-1395, or by using the DBPR mobile app.
  • Be wary of individuals who only produce an “occupational license,” or corporate filing. An “occupational license” only means that a person has paid a tax receipt to the local municipality.
  • Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors to compare costs before you hire one. Make sure the estimates include the work the contractor will do, materials involved, completion date, and total cost.
  • NEVER pay cash in full before the work is completed. Be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.
  • Report unlicensed contracting by calling the DBPR Unlicensed Activity Hotline:
    • (866) 532-1440.

Hernando County Hurricane Debris Removal Scheduled

A storm debris contractor (not Republic Services) will be starting Hurricane Idalia debris removal on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023.  Storm debris pickup will include private roads, however, only storm-generated debris will be collected.  If you choose to dispose of your storm debris before the scheduled pick-up date, residents should dispose of the material at the Northwest Solid Waste Facility (Main Landfill) located at 14450 Landfill Road as the convenience centers do not accept construction and demolition debris and cannot accommodate the quantities generated from this event. Call (352) 754-4112 for more information. 

To meet the needs of those impacted by Hurricane Idalia over the Labor Day Holiday Weekend, Hernando County Government will be extending the hours of:

  • West Hernando Convenience Center located at 2525 Osowaw Blvd. Spring Hill, FL.  It will be open on Sunday, September 3, 2023, and Monday, September 4, 2023, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Northwest Solid Waste Landfill facility located at 14450 Landfill Rd., Brooksville, FL 34614. It will be open Sunday September 3, 2023, and Monday, September 4, 2023, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

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