Funds Accessible in Sarasota County for Hurricane Repair Work

Key Information

• Relief Amount: $411 million available for hurricane relief.
• Eligibility: Homeowners with mortgages in good standing and certain income limits.
• Funding Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Hurricanes Covered: 2022 Hurricane Ian and three 2024 storms: Debby, Helene, Milton.
• Maximum Reimbursement: Up to $50,000 based on documentation.
• Area Median Income (AMI) for 2025:
  • One person: $90,480
  • Two people: $103,320
  • Three people: $116,280
  • Four people: $129,120
  • Five people: $139,560
  • Six people: $149,880
• Program Details: More information available on the Resilient SRQ program.

Sarasota County homeowners affected by the recent hurricanes may have access to some of the $411 million relief fund available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To qualify, homeowners must have their mortgage in good standing and meet specific income criteria.

According to Sarasota County officials, there is still funding available for survivors of Hurricane Ian, which hit Fort Myers Beach as a Category 4 storm and resulted in approximately $1.25 billion in insurance losses in the area.

The county has recently reopened applications for support related to Hurricane Ian and is also inviting homeowners to apply for reimbursement related to expenses from the 2024 storms: Debby, Helene, and Milton, through its Resilient SRQ housing recovery program.

The funds can be utilized for various out-of-pocket expenses, including repairs to roofs, installation of impact-resistant windows, and necessary HVAC and electrical repairs resulting from storm damage.

“We have had quite a few homeowners that have benefited from the actual cash payments that we’ve been issuing,” remarked Steve Hyatt, division manager at Sarasota County’s Office of Financial Management. “We’ve had a number of mobile homes that have been significantly damaged or destroyed, and these homeowners are receiving brand new mobile home units. Others are eligible for the full reconstruction of their homes, meaning their existing home will be demolished and they will receive a new structure,” he added.

Hyatt also indicated that the county is resurveying homeowners impacted by Ian to expend remaining funds effectively and to broaden eligibility criteria, allowing homeowners affected by Hurricane Ian to qualify at up to 120% of the area median income (AMI).

For fiscal year 2025, the AMI figures for Sarasota County are as follows:

• One person: $90,480
• Two people: $103,320
• Three people: $116,280
• Four people: $129,120
• Five people: $139,560
• Six people: $149,880

Eligible homeowners may receive up to $50,000 in reimbursement based on the supporting documentation submitted. For more information, including a link to the application survey, visit the Resilient SRQ program.