In the wake of Hurricane Debby, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has recognized the severity of the disaster in Florida, officially declaring it a major disaster in the state. According to a White House release, this declaration was made to initiate and facilitate federal aid aimed at recovery efforts, which began on August 1, 2024 and are ongoing.

The president's declaration ensures that federal funds will be allocated to support individuals across ten Florida counties, providing them with essential aid, such as grants for housing repairs and low-interest loans to cover property losses. The targeted counties benefiting from individual assistance include Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor.

Additionally, the declaration specifies the availability of federal funding for state, tribal, and local governments, and some private nonprofit organizations, promoting emergency work on a cost-sharing basis in an expanded list of counties. This financial aid includes Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor. Moreover, hazard mitigation measures are also to receive support statewide.

Overseeing this multi-faceted recovery initiative is John E. Brogan from FEMA, appointed to coordinate the crucial federal operations in the stricken regions. The White House notes that assessments are still being conducted to determine the full extent of the damage, leaving room for potentially more counties to receive assistance and additional aid forms as the aftermath of Hurricane Debby becomes clearer.