Do I Qualify 

 

 for Help? 

The Orange County Recovers Program (OCRP) provides housing assistance to eligible single-family homeowners affected by Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Milton in September 2022 and October 2024 (“qualifying storms”). OCRP assists property owners by providing funding to repair, reconstruct, or replace single-family homes that suffered damage from one of the qualifying storms. OCRP is designed to ensure that the housing needs of the low- to moderate homeowners, protected classes, and vulnerable populations are addressed to the greatest extent possible. The program’s primary objective is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to eligible applicants.

The Orange County Recovers Program is centrally administered by Orange County’s Department of Housing & Community Development and serves low- to moderate-income (LMI) households impacted by Hurricane(s) Ian and Milton in Orange County and its surrounding municipalities.

PLEASE NOTE: Luxury items, including but not limited to, high-end countertops, high-end appliances, stone flooring, security systems, swimming pools, spas, fireplaces, sheds, outbuildings, fences, and television satellite dishes are not eligible under OCRP.

Property Owner Basic Qualifications

All of the following must apply:

Hurricane Ian

R

Applicant must have owned the damaged property at the time Hurricane Ian made landfall (Sept. 28, 2022)

R

Applicant must currently own the damaged property

R

Applicant’s damaged property must have been their primary residence at the time of Hurricane Ian (property must have been occupied by the applicant for the majority of the calendar year)

R

The damaged property is in Orange County and its municipalities

R

The damaged property must not be subject to bankruptcy proceedings or in foreclosure

Hurricane Milton

R

Applicant must have owned the damaged property at the time Hurricane Milton made landfall (October 9, 2024)

R

Applicant must currently own the damaged property

R

Applicant’s damaged property must have been their primary residence at the time of Hurricane Milton (property must have been occupied by the applicant for the majority of the calendar year)

R

The damaged property is in Orange County and its municipalities

R

The damaged property must not be subject to bankruptcy proceedings or in foreclosure

Required Documents for Applicants:

Proof you owned the damaged property at the time of storm

One (1) of the following:

  • Deed
  • Mortgage statement
  • Title (for mobile homes only)
  • Probated will
  • Court order or judgement granting ownership of the property

Other documents may be considered on a case-by case basis. Applicant must still own the property to receive assistance.

Proof you occupied the home as a primary residence at the time of the storm
  • Homestead exemption at the storm-damaged property address in 2022 for Hurricane Ian or 2024 for Hurricane Milton

OR 2 of the following:

  • FEMA IA award letter for damaged property address for damages caused by Hurricane Ian or Milton;
  • SBA Disaster Home Loan award letter for damaged property address for damages caused by Hurricane Ian or Milton;
  • Driver’s license or state-issued ID card showing the damaged property address; issued prior to the date of the hurricane(s) and expiring after;
  • Utility bills addressed to the applicant at the damaged property address showing that services were provided in the month preceding or month of the disaster (must indicate household utility usage during pre-hurricanes time period);
  • Credit card bill or bank statement sent to the applicant at the damaged property address in the month preceding or the month of the disaster;
  • Insurance documentation indicating primary residence in 2022 for Hurricane Ian or 2024 for Hurricane Milton, such as a homeowner’s endorsement;
  • Employer’s statements, including pay stubs and similar employment documents (must be dated in the month preceding or in the month of the disaster)

Other documents may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Proof the property has unrepaired damage from storm

Verified by the program via a Damage Assessment;

OR

If it is impossible to verify storm damage via a program damage assessment, such as in cases where the storm damaged property has been demolished, the applicant may be required to provide proof of storm damage. Should proof be required, you will be contacted by a program representative.

Proof the storm-damaged property is an eligible structure type

Verified by the program via a Damage Assessment

Current property taxes
  • Proof from the tax assessor of property taxes paid in full at the time of application; or
  • Proof of a payment plan in good standing at the time of application
Most recent mortgage statement, if applicable
  • Most recent mortgage statement, at time of application, showing no arrearages
Proof of income for all adult household members

Proof of income is required for the application and all household members aged 18 or older. Proof of income required varies by the type of income and individual earnings. Required documents to demonstrate income for the most common sources of income are as follows: 

  • Most recent year tax return

OR, if tax return is not available:

  • Wages: Three (3) recent paystubs dated within the past three (3) months
  • Retirement/Social Security:
    • Current Social Security Benefits Letter (including benefits paid to minors),
    • Current Pension/Retirement Benefit Letter (if applicable), or prior year 1099 form,
    • Current Annuity Payment Letter (if applicable), or prior year 1099 form, or
    • Past three (3) Months Bank Statements (Social Security Benefits & Pension only)
  • Self-Employment Income: Most recent tax return (1040 or 1040A), W-2 Forms; and/or Current year profit and loss statement;
  • Rental Income: Current lease agreements;
  • Unemployment Benefits: Current benefit letter with gross benefit amount;
  • Court Ordered Alimony/Spousal Maintenance/Child Support: Copy of court order documentation;
  • Taxable Interest and Dividends (including amounts received by, or on behalf of minors);
  • No Income: Adult household members who do not earn income will be required to submit a Certification of No Income.
Orange County Government Florida logo

The Orange County Recovery Program is administered by Orange County Housing and Community Development.

Call Center Line:
321-382-3514