Volusia County is taking significant steps to address the unmet needs of its residents following Hurricane Milton, as discussed in a recent public hearing on March 25, 2025. The county is required to conduct an unmet needs assessment, a crucial process mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This assessment will gather input from various stakeholders, including data from FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA), and will involve a public comment period and at least one public hearing.

The county's action plan will allocate a substantial portion of the $133 million in funding to meet specific HUD requirements. Notably, 70% of these funds must directly benefit low to moderate-income households, which are defined by specific income limits. For instance, a household of one must earn no more than $46,400, while a household of six has a maximum income limit of $76,850. This focus on low-income assistance is a key component of the funding strategy.

In addition to addressing immediate needs, the plan includes provisions for administrative and planning costs, with 5% allocated for administration and up to 15% for planning activities. The remaining funds will be directed toward mitigation efforts and addressing unmet needs directly related to the hurricane's impact.

A critical aspect of the funding process is the "duplication of benefit" rule, which ensures that funds are used as a last resort. This means that any financial assistance received from private insurance, FEMA, or SBA must be accounted for before additional funds are disbursed. For example, if a homeowner has received $75,000 for repairs on a $100,000 project, the county will only cover the remaining $25,000.

As Volusia County moves forward with its action plan, the emphasis on community engagement and adherence to HUD guidelines will be vital in ensuring that the funds effectively support those most in need. The next steps will involve finalizing the unmet needs assessment and preparing the action plan for submission, paving the way for much-needed recovery efforts in the region.