Hurricane · 2024

Hurricane Milton

October 9–10, 2024 · FL

$35 billion (preliminary)

Total Damage

200,000+

Homes Flooded

$20 billion

Insured Losses

$1.5 billion

FEMA Grants

What Happened

Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified from Category 1 to Category 5 (185 mph winds) in 24 hours — the fastest intensification rate ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. Milton made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3, bringing 15-foot storm surge to Sarasota and devastating tornadoes spawned by the outer bands. Tampa avoided the worst of the surge, but record rainfall affected the entire I-4 corridor.

Rainfall Record

15–20 inches in Central Florida

Affected Cities & States

States

Primary Cities

Tampa
Sarasota
Orlando
Fort Myers

Key Lessons for Homeowners

1
Milton intensified from Cat 1 to Cat 5 in 24 hours — preparation must happen well before storm arrival
2
Tornadoes from outer bands affected communities 150 miles from landfall — wide impact zone
3
Florida's insurance crisis meant many homeowners had Citizens Insurance (state insurer) — claims processing was slower
4
Storm surge entered homes through windows and doors, not just from below — upper-floor damage also occurred

Damage & Recovery by the Numbers

Total Economic Damage: $35 billion (preliminary)
Insured Losses: $20 billion
Homes Flooded: 200,000+
FEMA Grants Issued: $1.5 billion
FEMA Declaration #: DR-4828

Official Resources

FEMA Declaration Number: DR-4828

Apply for federal disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov — use declaration number above to look up your eligibility.

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Hurricane Milton — Frequently Asked Questions

: Hurricane Milton (2024) caused $35 billion (preliminary) in total damages, with $20 billion in insured losses. Approximately 200,000+ homes were flooded. FEMA issued $1.5 billion in individual assistance grants to affected homeowners.
: Key lessons from Hurricane Milton: Milton intensified from Cat 1 to Cat 5 in 24 hours — preparation must happen well before storm arrival; Tornadoes from outer bands affected communities 150 miles from landfall — wide impact zone; Florida's insurance crisis meant many homeowners had Citizens Insurance (state insurer) — claims processing was slower; Storm surge entered homes through windows and doors, not just from below — upper-floor damage also occurred.
: Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage from events like Hurricane Milton. This type of damage — surface water flooding from hurricanes and storm surge — requires separate NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) or private flood insurance. FEMA disaster assistance (average $1.5 billion per event) provides limited supplemental help for uninsured losses, but is far below typical replacement costs.
: Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 within 60 days of the federal disaster declaration for your county. You will need your Social Security number, property address, insurance policy information, and a description of damages. FEMA will schedule a home inspection. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for initial determination. If denied, you have 60 days to appeal with additional documentation.

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What Happened

Rainfall Record

15–20 inches in Central Florida

Key Lessons for Homeowners

Milton intensified from Cat 1 to Cat 5 in 24 hours — preparation must happen well before storm arrival

Tornadoes from outer bands affected communities 150 miles from landfall — wide impact zone

Florida's insurance crisis meant many homeowners had Citizens Insurance (state insurer) — claims processing was slower

Storm surge entered homes through windows and doors, not just from below — upper-floor damage also occurred

Hurricane Milton — Frequently Asked Questions

Hurricane Milton (2024) caused $35 billion (preliminary) in total damages, with $20 billion in insured losses. Approximately 200,000+ homes were flooded. FEMA issued $1.5 billion in individual assistance grants to affected homeowners.

Key lessons from Hurricane Milton: Milton intensified from Cat 1 to Cat 5 in 24 hours — preparation must happen well before storm arrival; Tornadoes from outer bands affected communities 150 miles from landfall — wide impact zone; Florida's insurance crisis meant many homeowners had Citizens Insurance (state insurer) — claims processing was slower; Storm surge entered homes through windows and doors, not just from below — upper-floor damage also occurred.

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage from events like Hurricane Milton. This type of damage — surface water flooding from hurricanes and storm surge — requires separate NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) or private flood insurance. FEMA disaster assistance (average $1.5 billion per event) provides limited supplemental help for uninsured losses, but is far below typical replacement costs.

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 within 60 days of the federal disaster declaration for your county. You will need your Social Security number, property address, insurance policy information, and a description of damages. FEMA will schedule a home inspection. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for initial determination. If denied, you have 60 days to appeal with additional documentation.