The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Florida in response to Hurricane Debby, which began on August 1, 2024. This measure is aimed at supplementing state, tribal, and local recovery efforts.
President Biden issued a major disaster declaration on August 10 for Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor counties. The declaration includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs designed to aid individuals and business owners in their recovery.
Effective immediately:
- HUD is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. A 90-day extension is also granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. This moratorium and extension are effective from the President’s disaster declaration date.
- Homeowners affected by the disaster should contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately for assistance. Conventional mortgage holders may also be eligible for additional relief through their mortgage holder.
For more information regarding FHA homeowners' disaster relief options or to contact the FHA Resource Center, individuals can call 1-800-304-9320 or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.
- HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing including closing costs.
- The Section 203(k) loan program enables individuals to finance both the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. This also applies to homeowners needing rehabilitation for existing homes if damaged.
- Information about housing providers and HUD programs will be shared with FEMA and the State regarding available units in impacted counties. Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners will be included in this information-sharing effort.
Recipients of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds among others can apply for administrative flexibility due to natural disasters by contacting their local Community Planning and Development Program Office.
Public Housing Agencies can apply for necessary waivers and flexibilities related to disaster relief by following guidance provided in PIH Notice 2021-34.
Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities can apply for administrative flexibility through regulatory waivers by contacting their local Office of Native American Programs or emailing Codetalk@hud.gov.
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are prepared to assist those impacted by natural disasters with determining assistance needs and available resources. They offer services free of charge for foreclosure prevention counseling via an online lookup tool or by calling (800) 569-4287.
Additionally, HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is available to assist those who believe they have experienced housing discrimination following a disaster. Complaints can be filed with HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or via HUD's website. Assistance is available in over 200 languages through telephone look-up services at (800) 877-8339.
