In the immediate aftermath of a hurricane or major storm, the organizations and phone numbers you need are hard to find when cell networks are degraded, power is out, and you're managing multiple damaged properties simultaneously. This post is a reference guide: save it, print it, and keep a copy in your emergency binder.
State-Level: Florida Division of Emergency Management
FDEM coordinates state emergency response including shelter activation, resource deployment, and re-entry authorizations by county. During active events, floridadisaster.org is updated in real time with shelter locations, road closures, and re-entry zone status.
Federal: FEMA
FEMA assistance becomes available after a Presidential disaster declaration. Declarations are issued county by county — check fema.gov/disasters to confirm whether your county has been declared before applying. Application deadlines are typically 60 days from the declaration date.
Insurance Regulatory: Florida CFO and DFS
The FL CFO's Division of Consumer Services answers policyholder questions, explains rights, and processes formal complaints against insurers. After major hurricanes, the office typically activates expanded hurricane claim assistance staffing.
Citizens Property Insurance
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA)
FIGA handles claims when a licensed Florida insurer becomes insolvent. If your insurer is declared insolvent, contact FIGA immediately to protect your claim rights.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral (Bad Faith / Litigation)
When claims are denied in bad faith or negotiations break down, the Florida Bar's Lawyer Referral Service connects you with property insurance attorneys for a reduced-fee initial consultation.
County Emergency Management Offices — All 67 Counties by Region
County emergency management offices coordinate local shelter activation, damage assessment, debris removal contracting, and re-entry authorization. Contact your county office for county-specific status during and after a storm event.
Northwest Florida (Panhandle)
North Florida
Northeast Florida
Central Florida
Southwest Florida
Treasure Coast and Southeast Florida
Don't rely on being able to look up your county emergency management number during or after a storm. Cell data is often congested, and websites may be slow. Save the number for each county where you manage property as a phone contact labeled "[County] Emergency Mgmt" before hurricane season begins each June 1.
Keep all emergency contacts alongside your claim records in LossHQ
One system for your entire portfolio — damage documentation, insurer contacts, contractor lists, and claim timelines across every property.
Start Free — No Card Required →The Bottom Line
The organizations listed in this guide are your post-storm infrastructure. FDEM coordinates the state response. FEMA manages federal assistance when declarations are issued. The FL CFO's office is your advocate when insurers aren't responding properly. FIGA protects you if your insurer fails. County emergency management offices are your local contacts for re-entry, debris removal, and shelter information. Save these numbers before June 1 — looking them up after a storm is harder than it sounds. For a complete pre-season preparation checklist, see the Florida hurricane season property checklist.