Florida Realtors DRF Open for Post-Debby Help
Officials expect more Hurricane Debby-related flooding, especially in north Florida. Realtors, boards/associations and staff can apply to the DRF for help.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis warned of ongoing Hurricane Debby-related flooding, particularly in north Florida, in the coming days as rivers and tributaries rise. In response, the Florida Realtors® Disaster Relief Fund began accepting applications to assist affected homeowners and business owners.
Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund: There When You Need It
The Disaster Relief Fund – or DRF – is available to Realtors®, Realtor boards/associations and staff whose primary residential home or real estate office sustained damages due to the storm. Business and individualdamage applications will be accepted until Feb. 5, 2025, and should include:
- Color photos showing damage (digital preferred) and insurance summary page showing deductible and coverage information; and
- A written assessment from your insurance company and estimate to replace or repair damaged areas; include qualifying repair receipts to date and any additional information which may assist with describing your disaster and subsequent damage.
- Qualifying repair receipts to date and any additional information which may assist with describing your disaster and subsequent damage.
DeSantis, at a press conference on Tuesday, said it could take days to assess the statewide damage from the Category 1 hurricane that made landfall Monday in Steinhatchee, about 70 miles west of Gainesville. He said flooding will continue to be a problem.
“You’re going to see the tributaries rise. That’s just inevitable. How much? We’ll see,” he said.
“It may be that it’s not flooded today, and it could be flooded tomorrow.”
Other disaster relief available
DeSantis said the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is offering zero-interest, short-term loans for storm-damaged businesses. Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant.
The DRF is also continuing to accept applications for other severe weather events:
• Flash flooding in South Florida on June 11, 2024; applications close December 12, 2024.
• Tornado events in North Florida on May 10, 2024; applications close November 11, 2024.
Those interested in helping disaster victims can donate to the DRF securely online. If you prefer to mail in a tax-deductible donation, make your check payable to "Florida Realtors Disaster Fund, attention Dave Garrison," and send the check to:
Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 725025
Orlando, FL 32872-5025
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