Milton, FL — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday that Florida has formally asked the federal government for a Major Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Isaias, a Category 2 hurricane that came ashore near Destin on October 9.

What is happening: The state filed its request with the Trump administration Thursday night, and the governor announced it at a press conference in Milton on Friday. The request asks for Public Assistance covering 15 Panhandle counties and Individual Assistance for residents in eight counties: Bay, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington. No decision has been announced yet.

Local impacts: If approved, the declaration would unlock federal money on two fronts. Public Assistance would reimburse local governments for eligible costs — especially debris removal from the mountains of downed trees — with FEMA covering 75 percent and the state and local governments splitting the rest. Individual Assistance would send help directly to residents: temporary housing, basic home repairs, replacement of essential personal property, and other disaster-related expenses.

The damage picture keeps growing. In Santa Rosa County alone, residents have reported more than $165 million in damage to private property, with 80 structures destroyed, around 300 sustaining major damage, and more than 2,000 affected overall. Pensacola officials put resident damage at about $70 million, and Escambia County's early public-damage estimate stands at $64 million. The storm is blamed for six deaths. State emergency teams have completed more than 1,600 response missions, stood up 11 supply distribution sites, and delivered over 250,000 meals, 500,000 boxes of water, 26,000 tarps, and nearly 250,000 gallons of fuel. Temporary RV housing has already been arranged for the hardest-hit families.

What to do:

- Residents in the eight counties: photograph and document all damage, and keep every receipt — you will need records if aid is approved.

- Do not assume federal aid is locked in yet. The declaration is still a request until the administration approves it.

- Watch for FEMA announcements about how to apply for individual assistance if the request is granted.

- If you see water rising around you, get to higher ground immediately.

Watch the press conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_c5CPY_gAI

Source: Executive Office of the Governor of Florida; Pensacola News Journal, October 16, 2026. Reported by TNW News.