Hurricane Ian Recovery Information

Hurricane Ian was a Category 4 hurricane (on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale) that made landfall first in Cuba; then Cayo Costa in southwestern Florida, continuing over the Florida peninsula where it weakened to a tropical storm before moving back out over the Atlantic Ocean. Brevard County Emergency Management is still deeply involved in Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.


Disaster Recovery Center Established for Those Impacted by Hurricane Ian

Brevard County residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Ian can get information about disaster assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily.

The Disaster Recover Center is located at: Cuyler Community Building, 2331 Harry T. Moore Ave. Mims, FL 32754. The location was selected because the majority of damage due to Hurricane Ian is in the north area of the county.

Representatives the State of Florida, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and other resources are at the centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center. To register, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in multiple languages and phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Please have the following to apply online or in-person at the Disaster Recovery Center:

  • Contact Information (telephone number, mailing address, social security number)
  • Household income
  • Address of damaged home or apartment
  • Description of damage/lost items
  • Photos of your damaged home and belongings
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids.

Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for survivors who want disaster assistance, but the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and registration assistance.

Services may include:

  • Status of FEMA application
  • Disaster recovery guidance
  • Clarification of any written correspondence received
  • Housing assistance and rental resources information
  • Answers to questions, resolutions to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance

FEMA Individual Assistance

Brevard County residents may now apply for federal disaster assistance for losses resulting from Hurricane Ian.

To be eligible for federal aid under FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Ian.

If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company first. If you do not have insurance, or insurance does not cover your claim, begin applying for FEMA assistance.

Those who suffered Ian-related damages are encouraged to register with FEMA using any of the following methods:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • On the FEMA Mobile App
  • Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA)

Individuals and households in Brevard who have sustained losses as a direct result of Hurricane Ian can apply for federal assistance. Please have the following information ready when you apply:

  • Contact Information (Telephone number, Mailing address, Social security number)
  • Household Income
  • Address of damaged home or apartment
  • Description of damage/lost items
  • Photos of your damaged home and belongings
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.

The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Multilingual operators are available. Press 2 for Spanish and press 3 for other languages.


Post Storm Inspection and Permitting Requirements for Properties in Flood Zones

In accordance with Florida Building Code and flood damage prevention regulations, all properties in FEMA designated flood zones that are damaged due to an incoming storm event must be inspected to determine whether the damage meets the definition of “substantial damage” before building permits can be issued for repair, reconstruction, or other improvements. 

Inspections are required to assess the condition of the building and determine the work required to repair the building to its pre-damage condition. Brevard County Planning and Development Building Permits Department may be contacted to set up inspection for properties established above.

For more information on the Post Storm Inspection process and what is considered "substantial damage," please download the Brevard County Flood Zone Post Storm Inspection and Permitting Requirements PDF.