FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Today, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced the opening of the Broward County Rebuild Florida center to help Florida homeowners repair and rebuild homes that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Irma.

Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera said, “I'd like to thank Governor Scott for his leadership in Florida's rebuilding and recovery from Hurricane Irma. I have seen first-hand the destruction Irma left behind for our homes, our businesses and our communities. Even one year later, there are still those here in Broward county who need help. I am proud to work with DEO to launch Rebuild Florida to ensure our families and communities can recover fully from the devastation Hurricane Irma left behind.”

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Countless families were impacted when Hurricane Irma ripped through our state, and although the hurricane has passed, its devastating effects remain. Through this program, we will work with federal and local partners to ensure that Floridians have the assistance they need to rebuild their lives and homes.”

Rebuild Florida, a program of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, will connect eligible Florida homeowners with federal disaster recovery funding to repair and rebuild homes. The program will initially serve those in the federally designated most impacted counties.

In these hardest-hit communities, funding will prioritize the most vulnerable populations including low-income households with seniors age 62 and older, households with children age 5 or younger, individuals with disabilities, and those displaced from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands who are permanently resettling in Florida. Owners of rental properties also may qualify if they are renting to low or moderate-income Floridians.

The Broward County Rebuild Florida center will serve as a local resource for homeowners to begin the disaster recovery process. The center will be open Monday through Saturday so case managers can help homeowners complete the 15-30 minute registration process. Homeowners have until December 23 to begin the registration process. The center is located at 2680 W. Oakland Park in Ft. Lauderdale. Homeowners may also visit RebuildFlorida.gov or call the Rebuild Florida call center at 844-833-1010 to receive assistance with registration.

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