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Charlotte Waters and Kathy Grunewald explain how FEMA disaster assistance works and why it is not automatic after a storm. They describe the legal process under the Stafford Act: states must request help, put together a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA), and the President issues a disaster declaration before most federal assistance becomes available. They outline the “sequence of delivery,” emphasizing early support from voluntary groups, the need to file homeowners or flood insurance claims first, and FEMA’s role in filling gaps without duplicating benefits. They break down FEMA assistance types, focusing on Individual Assistance, which provides funds to make housing safe, sanitary, and livable, plus Other Needs Assistance. They discuss SBA disaster loans as low-interest options and stress documenting damage, taking photos, keeping receipts, using 211 and local emergency information, and seeking legal aid for long-term recovery issues. Support the show

In this episode of Legally Yours with Legal Services of North Florida, hosts Charlotte Waters and Kathy Grunewald explain the FEMA appeal process for disaster survivors after a presidentially declared storm. They discuss 2024 changes, including that a signed appeal letter may no longer be required when submitting requested documentation, and that FEMA determination letters now include an appeal form. They cover helpful evidence such as licensed contractor estimates, proof of ownership and occupancy, and heirs-property documents, and recommend including identifying details on every page. They outline key timelines, how to appeal late with an explanation, multiple submission methods, and that survivors can appeal more than once with new information. Support the show

Charlotte Waters and Kathy Grunewald of Legal Services of North Florida discuss common scams that surge after storms, including fake contractors, fraudulent charities soliciting donations, water treatment pitches, and impersonators posing as FEMA or other government officials via door-to-door visits, calls, texts, and social media. They stress trusting your gut, refusing high-pressure tactics, avoiding sharing sensitive information, verifying contractor licenses through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, checking charities with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, seeking vetted resources through 211 and local emergency operations centers, getting multiple estimates, and using written contracts. They explain how to report scams to DBPR, the Florida Attorney General (including the No Scam app), the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and local law enforcement, and share LSNF contact information for post-disaster legal support. Support the show

Charlotte Waters and Kathy Grunewald of Legal Services of North Florida explain Florida’s current rules on liability for fallen trees, emphasizing that responsibility depends on the tree’s condition when it fell. If a healthy tree falls due to a storm (an “act of God”), the person whose property is damaged generally pays for cleanup and repairs, typically through their own homeowners' insurance. If the tree was dead, diseased, or visibly unsafe and the owner knew or should have known, the tree owner may be responsible, though proving notice can be difficult; documentation, prior communications, and arborist opinions can help. They discuss how HOA/common-area trees may involve similar notice issues, note that the proposed 2024 “Fallen Tree Act” did not pass, and share preparedness tips like inspecting and trimming trees, communicating with neighbors, and checking insurance coverage. Support the show

In this episode of Legally Yours, Charlotte Waters and Kathy Grunewald of Legal Services of North Florida explain how FEMA fits into disaster recovery, emphasizing that FEMA help requires a presidential major disaster declaration and is meant to make a primary residence safe, livable, and accessible. They break down FEMA Individual Assistance, who can apply, how to apply, what information to gather, and why documenting damage with before-and-after photos and keeping receipts matters. They describe the inspection process, fraud cautions, and appeal rights, including deadlines, the need for new documentation like licensed contractor estimates, and FEMA’s 90-day appeal response window. They also discuss how legal services can help with FEMA appeals and common issues like proving ownership and occupancy and note SBA disaster loans as another recovery option. Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of Legally Yours! This episode is a special behind-the-scenes look at the recent Florida Disaster Collaboration Conference, featuring interviews with attendees. Hosted by Legal Services of North Florida and made possible through funding from the Legal Services Corporation, this biannual conference series has brought partners from across the state together over the last six years. In this episode, we explore how legal services and a wide range of community partners support people before and after disasters, and how collaboration helps deliver the best possible services to the community. Support the show

Charlotte Waters and Kathy Grunewald discuss disaster preparedness during Florida’s Hurricane season, noting recent storms in LSNF's service area and urging planning for both sheltering at home and evacuating with a go bag. They recommend stocking at least a week of food, water, medications, and supplies for cooking without power, plus keeping gas and cash on hand. They stress mapping evacuation destinations, informing others where you’re going, planning for children and pets, and knowing flood and mandatory evacuation zones using emergency management or library help. For legal and recovery readiness, they advise photographing/videoing your home and belongings pre-storm, safeguarding IDs and key documents in waterproof storage, and using 211, shelters, public information officers, radio, and Florida’s special needs registry for vulnerable residents. Support the show

Legally Yours: Who is LSNF? Charlotte Waters and Kathy Grunewald introduce “Legally Yours,” a civil legal education series by Legal Services of North Florida, serving a 16-county North Florida Panhandle area from Pensacola to Tallahassee. They explain who may qualify for free civil legal aid, how to apply for services, and that they do not handle criminal, personal injury, or traffic cases. They preview upcoming episodes focused on disaster-related legal issues and describe services ranging from advice and brief services to full representation, plus outreach through clinics, community education, partnerships, and two accessible mobile offices used to reach rural communities and libraries. Support the show