FEMA has activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for residents in 52 Florida counties and members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians affected by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton. The program provides temporary hotel or motel accommodations for those who have applied for disaster assistance.
Eligible applicants will be notified by FEMA through automated phone calls, text messages, or emails based on their preferred communication method. Eligibility is determined if individuals cannot return to their damaged homes and their housing needs are unmet by insurance, shelters, or other forms of rental assistance.
Under TSA, FEMA covers room costs, taxes, and non-refundable pet fees up to an approved limit. Survivors are responsible for additional expenses such as laundry and meals. Continued eligibility is assessed individually, with notifications sent seven days before checkout when eligibility ends.
The TSA program is available at participating hotels in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Applicants can find suitable accommodations using the TSA Locator at DisasterAssistance.gov. Additional FEMA financial aid may also be accessible to participants.
Floridians can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362. Due to high call volumes from recent disasters, online applications are recommended for faster processing. Those using relay services should provide their service number to FEMA.
For updates on recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828 and fema.gov/disaster/4834 respectively. Follow FEMA's updates on social media platforms X and Facebook.