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Helene: RE License Renewals Extended

Unemployment assistance is available to those who lost jobs or self-employment due to the hurricane. The Florida Realtors DRF donated to NAR’s Realtor Relief Fund.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Real estate agents, brokers, corporations and others that had a September deadline for licensure renewal now have until the end of October due to Hurricane Helene, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations said.

The deadline extension to Oct. 31 applies to the following Division of Real Estate licenses: sales associates, broker sales associates, brokers, corporate brokers, partnerships, corporations and branch offices. Any existing renewal conditions related to the completion of hours of continuing education are also suspended, the department said. Licenses renewed on or before Oct. 31 will be considered as timely renewals and not assessed any late fees.

Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Taylor County with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The total estimated insurance losses as of Sept. 30 are $507,534,581, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation said.

Of the 48,341 claims so far, 24,858 are for residential property damage. The number of claims and estimated losses are expected to increase in the coming weeks. For now:

  • Claims under private flood insurance policies: 918 (most flood policies are through FEMA’s Flood Insurance Program, not private)
  • Claims closed with payments to policyholders: 1,329
  • Claims closed without payments to policyholders: 1,234
  • Commercial property claims: 404
  • Percent of claims closed: 5.3%

Additional disaster aid available

FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Helene.

DUA-eligible Floridians (those who are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits) can submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

FloridaCommerce is accepting applications for DUA from residents and businesses in Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla Counties. Individuals must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster
  • Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as a direct result of the major disaster
  • Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster
  • Has become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster
  • Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster

In addition, work search reporting, waiting week and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians in FEMA disaster-declared counties. By waiving these requirements, eligible Floridians will be able to quickly apply and receive Reemployment Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits.

The state also announced it is providing at least $250,000 in funding to 11 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to provide services and resources to help low-income individuals and families.  

“Community Action Agencies serve a critical role before, during and after major disasters, providing essential support to Florida’s families and communities,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “These funds will ensure that Hurricane Helene-impacted CAAs have a more flexible array of home-related support, because many of these immediate, wrap-around services can be the difference maker for a family that is seeking stability and is a first step in their path toward recovery.”

Florida Realtors® donates to NAR’s Realtors® Relief Foundation

The Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund trustees approved a $100,000 donation toNAR’s Realtors Relief Foundation to assist Realtors and residents recover from Hurricane Helene. Florida Realtors will work with NAR to assist Florida families.

Florida Realtors® Disaster Relief Fund accepting applications

The Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is available to Realtors, Realtor boards/associations and staff whose primary residential home or real estate office sustain damages due to the storm. Business and individual damage applications for Hurricane Helene will be accepted until March 26, 2025. The DRF is accepting applications for other severe weather events as well.

In addition, the DRF is accepting donations from those who can. Donations may be completed securely online with a credit card. Or, if you prefer to mail in a tax-deductible donation, please 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

© 2024 Florida Realtors®

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