FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

Seminole County residents eligbility period for financial and direct services from FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) and Transitional Shelter Assistance Program (TSA) has ended. If you have questions about your existing claim, a denial, or status:

• Visit the disasterassistance.gov.
• Call FEMA at (800) 621-3362.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• WHAT IF I RECEIVE A DENIAL LETTER FROM FEMA?: Submit an appeal letter with supporting documentation online, via mail, or in person at the Disaster Recovery Center (see below).
• HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE A DECISION AFTER SUBMITTING AN APPEAL? Decisions can take up to 90 days once the appeal letter and documentation has been received.

HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM

The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management is accepting project proposals for the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. This is a competitive program through FEMA.  Individual homeowners who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian or prior flooding may submit a home mitigation project proposal and apply for this federal grant funding.

Types of Mitigation Projects
Residents may consider rebuilding in a way that mitigates, or prevents damage from, future flooding. Projects include:

• Elevating the home
• Relocating the home
• Home acquisition and demolition
   

Flood Mitigation Assistance Program Process

1. Residents submit a project proposal and documentation to the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management for review. 
2. If selected, Seminole County will submit a grant application to the State of Florida on behalf of the resident.
3. If approved, the State will make a recommendation to FEMA for final review and approval.
4. When approved, homeowners may begin the project. They will receive reimbursement from FEMA via the State and local government. Generally, about 75% of the total project costs are reimbursed, although it may be more.

How to Submit a Project Proposal 
Interested homeowners may contact the Office of Emergency Management at EM@seminolecountyfl.gov or (407) 665-5102 to notify them of intention to submit a project proposal. County representatives will work with residents on a case-by-case basis. 

• Homeowners then email the project proposal and required documentation to EM@seminolecountyfl.gov. Documentation should include:
  • Proof of flood insurance
  • Insurance claims
  • Proof of past flood damage
  • For elevation projects: a quote for the cost of elevating the home
  • For acquisition/demolition projects: an appraisal of the home's pre-damage value

INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE GRANT: HURRICANE DISASTER RECOVERY

Seminole County is seeking to repair homes that have sustained hurricane damage caused by Hurricane Ian. Applicants may be eligible for an insurance deductible grant for up to $20,000. The Hurricane Disaster Recovery program is designed to provide funds in the form of grants to qualified applicants whose homes have sustained damage from a storm event or other natural disaster. Grant assistance that homeowners are eligible for, include, but are not limited to:

• Repairs required to make the unit habitable and avoid further damage, including the removal of trees and/or debris, roof replacement/repair, etc.
• Repair or construction of wells where a public water system is not available.
• Payment of insurance deductibles and depreciation allowance calculations determined by the insurance company for an eligible housing unit insured by the homeowner.
• The home must be owned and occupied for a minimum of one year by the applicant as documented by homestead exemption status.
• Home must be located in Seminole County.
• The home must be site built or a post-1994 manufactured home on land that is owned by the applicant.
• Property value cannot exceed $254,000.
• Applicant must be current on Seminole County property taxes.

Learn more by caling 407-665-2300. 
 

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) ASSISTANCE

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration covers Seminole County. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations may be eligible to apply for SBA's low-interest disaster loan program to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

SBA loans are not only for businesses. Homeowners and renters who suffered loss from a disaster can apply for SBA loans.

To learn more about eligibility criteria and apply:

• Visit the SBA's Disaster Loan Assistance website.
• Call the SBA at (800) 659-2955.

 Last Updated: February 6, 2023 12:46pm

PPE FOR BUSINESSES

Seminole County Economic Development has compiled a list of potential personal protective equipment distributors to assist businesses as they reopen. 

Printable 8.5 X 11" Sign for Businesses: COVID Stops Here (Wear a Face Covering, Practice Social Distancing)

FDA Advisory: Do Not Use Eskbiochem Hand Sanitizer

SHORT-TIME COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYERS

• Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity offers a Short Time Compensation Program for Employers, which assists employers with workforce retention in times of temporary slowdown. For eligibility and application information, click here. DEO is also providing guidance with respect to Reemployment Assistance benefits, which can be found here.
• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is also offering guidance for Reemployment Benefits. 

NEW LAW: EXTENDED COVID TAX CREDIT FOR EMPLOYERS WHO KEEP WORKERS ON PAYROLL

• The Internal Revenue Service urges employers to take advantage of the newly-extended employee retention credit, designed to make it easier for businesses that, despite challenges posed by COVID-19, choose to keep their employees on the payroll.
• The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted December 27, 2020, made a number of changes to the employee retention tax credits previously made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), including modifying and extending the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), for six months through June 30, 2021. Several of the changes apply only to 2021, while others apply to both 2020 and 2021.
• As a result of the new legislation, eligible employers can now claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security tax equal to 70% of the qualified wages they pay to employees after December 31, 2020, through June 30, 2021. Qualified wages are limited to $10,000 per employee per calendar quarter in 2021. Thus, the maximum ERC amount available is $7,000 per employee per calendar quarter, for a total of $14,000 in 2021.
• Employers can access the ERC for the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2021 prior to filing their employment tax returns by reducing employment tax deposits. Small employers (i.e., employers with an average of 500 or fewer full-time employees in 2019) may request advance payment of the credit (subject to certain limits) on Form 7200, Advance of Employer Credits Due to Covid-19, after reducing deposits. In 2021, advances are not available for employers larger than this.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

• Business Consulting: No cost one-on-one business consultation
• Meet with a consultant in a confidential setting to discuss your current business issues. One-on-one consulting is provided by professionally trained, experienced consultants. Private and public-sector professionals are utilized to address specialized and complex client needs. Consulting sessions are personalized, confidential, and no-cost to the client. Click here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Florida Disaster Division of Emergency Management here
• Orlando Economic Partnership Online Business Resource Center here
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Interim Guidance for Businesses here
• The National Entrepreneur Center resources here or call 407-420-4848
• Florida Small Business Development Network resources here
• Career Source Central Florida program opportunities here
• Governor DeSantis’ COVID-19 Executive Orders here

 Last Updated: September 23, 2022 11:24am

STATE OF FLORIDA EXECUTIVE ORDERS 

Read the State of Florida Executive Order: State of Emergency Extends

Read the State of Florida Executive Order: Suspending All Remaining Local Government Mandates and Restrictions 

Read the State of Florida Executive Order: Invalidating All Remaining Local Emergency Orders 

Read the Frequenty Asked Questions Regarding Suspension of Local Emergency Orders (Individuals) (Businesses) 

Read the Department of Health Public Health Advisory in Response to COVID-19

 Last Updated: June 15, 2021 3:58pm

SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES

• Seminole County Sheriff's Office offers a robust list of assistance programs for substance abuse on their website, including websites for Narcotics Anonymous and SmartRecovery.org; these organizations offer online resources for substance abuse and mental health during this time of social distancing. Available tools include online communities with 24/7 chatrooms, Skype and Zoom virtual meetings, recovery journals and more.
• If you or someone you know has questions about opioids or is in need of treatment assistance, please call our non emergency line at (407) 665-6650 or email score@seminolesheriff.org.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

• National Alliance of Mental Illness of Greater Orlando
  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness, a non-profit service organization offering mental health-related resources and information, has a local chapter.
  • Find programs, services, events and community resources at NAMIGO.org or contact 407-253-1900, information@namigo.org.
• Hispanic Family Counseling 
  • Hispanic Family Counseling offers mental health services tailored to the specific needs of the Hispanic community.
  • Telehealth services are available.
  • Visit HispaFam.com or call (407) 382-9079 for more information.
• True Health
  •  Visit MyTrueHealth.org for any assistance.

CRISIS COUNSELING

• Heart of Florida United Way 211
  • Heart of Florida United Way 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line can connect residents to information about available resources in the community.
  • Whether it’s finding out the location of the nearest food pantry or seeking information related to the virus, 211 Call Specialists are there to help navigate these uncertain times with Seminole County residents. 
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • Call 800-273-8255 if you or someone you know is in crisis – considering suicide or not – call and talk confidentially with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.
  • You’ll be connected with a local crisis center in the Lifeline network.
  • Counselors listen empathetically and without judgment, work to ensure callers feel safe, help identify options and offer information about local mental health services.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  • Call 888-333-2377 to connect with support groups, mental health professionals, resources on loss and suicide prevention information.

 Last Updated: March 22, 2021 2:25pm

Seminole County general population shelters are now CLOSED.

 Last Updated: October 11, 2024 4:07pm

FLOODING SAFETY

• Turn Around, Don't Drown: Do not drive or walk through flood water. Vehicles will not protect you. They can be swept away or may stall.
   
• Keep Out of Flood Water: It can be contaminated with waste or chemicals that can cause health hazards. Dangerous objects and debris or animals (rodents, snakes) could also be hidden in the water. Do not play or float in flood water. Plus, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet.
   
• Prevent Electrical Hazards: Turn off electrical power, gas, and propane. NEVER touch a fallen power line. If you believe someone has been electrocuted, call 911.
   
• No Wake: Motorists should not drive through water fast enough to create wake. Please drive slowly. Motorized boats are not safe to operate on roadways. If you need assistance to pass through flooded areas, first responders stand ready to assist with appropriate vehicles.

RESOURCES

• Little Wekiva River near Altamonte Springs 
• St. Johns River at Lake Monroe (Sanford)
• Little Econ River near Oviedo
• Residents can visit msc.fema.gov to find out if their home is in a flood zone.

HOW TO READ HYDROGRAPHS

Hydrographs show how the river levels have changed over time at a specific location. Check the time along the bottom to see the current river level and predicted levels.

LEVELS:

• Action Stage: Time to prepare
• Minor Flooding: Minimal property damage
• Moderate Flooding: Some property damage and evacuations
• Major Flooding: Damage to structures and roads, significant evacuations
• Record Flooding: The highest level on record

 Last Updated: October 13, 2024 10:53am

UNMET NEEDS

An unmet need is a gap between verified disaster-caused damages and obtainable aid (such as insurance assistance, Federal and State assistance, and personal resources). Non-government agencies and volunteers can assist those incapable of making homes livable or passible with muck out, dry wall repair/replace, tarp roof, debris removal, fence repair, wheelchair ramp repair, basic other home repairs, minor roof repair, and similar projects. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Eligible individuals who may receive assistance with these types of projects include residents of Seminole County with special needs, disabilities, seniors, and low- to fixed-income households. 

MAKE A REQUEST

Call the Office of Emergency Management at 407-665-5102 or the Citizens Information Hotline at 407-665-0000 to register the unmet need. 

 Last Updated: October 15, 2024 10:26am

MOSQUITO CONTROL

AERIAL SPRAYING

After Hurricane Milton, standing water left by flooding has caused a significant increase in mosquito breeding. With over 800 mosquito service requests currently in the system for Seminole County Mosquito Control, aerial spraying is a critical step in reducing high mosquito populations and protecting public health. Aerial spraying quickly and safely reduces the number of adult mosquitoes in large geographic areas, when conducted according to regulation. The risk of a mosquito-borne disease outbreak is greatly decreased when mosquito populations are reduced.

The State of Florida, under the Mosquito Control Incident Response Team (MCIRT), which is a specialized unit within the Florida State Agricultural Response Team (SART), conducted aerial spraying over the highlighted areas on Wednesday, October 30. The Seminole County Mosquito Control team continues to respond via ground, with fogging and spraying methods. 

For a mosquito spray request, please visit: www.seminolecountyfl.gov/mosquito

Additional Information:

• PDF: Aerial Treatment Infographic
• PDF: Insecticide FAQ
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Naled for Mosquito Control, www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/naled-mosquito-control
• Florida State Agricultural Response Team (SART), https://flsart.org/resource/vectorcontrol.jsp 
• Florida Mosquito Control Programs, www.FDACS.gov, search "Mosquito Control Program"

 Last Updated: October 31, 2024 9:37am

STAY INFORMED

• EMERGENCY ALERTS: Register for emergency alerts through AlertSeminole and get alerts via text, email, or voice call about weather events, evacuations, and more.
   
• GENERAL TEXT ALERTS: Text "Storm2024" to 888-777 for storm-specific information.
   
• PHONE: Call the Seminole County Citizens Information Line at (407) 665-0000 with storm-related questions. Hablamos español.
   
• SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Seminole County on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and Nextdoor.
   
• TV: Watch Seminole Government Television (SGTV) at seminolecountyfl.gov/SGTV, on Spectrum Cable Channel 498, or on YouTube.
   
• EMAIL NEWSLETTER: Subscribe to the Seminole County Newsletter for email updates.

 Last Updated: October 11, 2024 10:05am

• Seminole County Environmental Services reminds its customers that quality potable water is available through the tap.
  • Seminole County received the 2019 Florida Section - Region 3 American Water Works 2019 Best Tasting Drinking Water in Central Florida Award.
• UF/IFAS Seminole County suggests residents fill reusable containers with tap water to freeze. Fill large containers (buckets, bathtubs, etc.) for other uses, such as toilet flushing.

• More tips available at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/SS/SS43900.pdf.

 Last Updated: March 26, 2020 5:56pm