Did Hurricane Ian damage your home, vehicle? Disaster victims may apply to FEMA for financial help.

TALLAHASSEE — President Biden declared much of Florida a major disaster area on Thursday following Hurricane Ian's destructive rampage through the state.

The declaration means people in those counties affected by the monster storm can apply online for financial assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov, by telephone or in person at federal processing centers that will soon be set up in Florida.

Biden's declaration gives the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authorization to directly help individuals pay for temporary housing and home repairs, offer low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and fund other federal programs to assist individuals and business owners recover from one of the state's biggest ever storms.

According to FEMA's most recent statement, the declaration provides 100% federal funding for debris removal, emergency, life-saving measures, and up to 30 days of support in these counties.

The following counties were declared disaster areas: Charlotte Collier, DeSoto and Hardee. Hillsborough, Collier, Collier, DeSoto and Sarasota.

The White House said it was assessing damages elsewhere in the state and may add more counties.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said he spoke with Biden Thursday morning, thanking him for the declaration but telling him more counties would need to be added.

"We do expect more," DeSantis said.

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday that the Biden administration "is ready to help the people of Florida in every way possible.

She stated that "And, when the hurricane passes, we will still be there to help Florida rebuild" "We are committed in seeing this through.

Senator Marco Rubio (Republican from Florida) announced that Floridians will be eligible to receive financial assistance through FEMA and the Small Business Administration. FEMA provides immediate financial assistance to applicants. Loans are processed through the SBA.

“I spoke to the FEMA director [and] they have simplified their process coming into the hurricane season to make it easier for people to access it,” Rubio told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Wednesday.

“There are going to be people left without homes [and] without access to money and food for a substantial period of time,” he said. “We want them to know we'll be out there helping to make those resources available after the storm has passed and conditions are safe.”

Floridians who are eligible for the FEMA application must gather important documents and information before they can begin online submission. This is available in English and Spanish. Here’s the “Disaster Survivor Checklist”:

Social Security number. FEMA demands that the applicant, another adult member of the household or a minor child have a Social Security Number. Other requirements: At least one household member must either be a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or have a U.S. citizenship.

Insurance information. FEMA requires an applicant’s current insurance coverage. This could include coverage for policies such as homeowners, flood, automobile or mobile home insurance.

Damage information. The FEMA requires that you describe the damage to your property (e.g., a condo, mobile home, house, or car) after a disaster.

Financial information. FEMA asks applicants to provide their total household income before taxes at the time of the disaster.

Contact information. FEMA needs the address and telephone number of the property where damage occurred, and the address and telephone number of the place where the applicant can be reached immediately.

Information about direct deposit. FEMA can deposit funds directly into your bank account if you are approved. FEMA will need the following information to deposit your funds: Bank name, bank routing number, bank account number, and applicant's bank account number.

FEMA offers help by phone for any application. Toll-free: 1-800-621-3362.

FEMA also publishes a wealth of information online, including a helpful page of “Frequently Asked Questions” at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs#before-you-apply-3

Keep track of the dates, passwords, application registration numbers and other important information for disaster relief applicants.

Douglas Soule, USA Today Network-Florida's government accountability reporter, is based in Tallahassee (Fla.). You can reach him at DSoule@gannett.com. Twitter: @DouglasSoule

Sergio Bustos serves as Enterprise/Politics Editor at Florida's Gannett/USA Today Network. He is based in South Florida. Email: floridapolitics@gannett.com