Tampa Bay residents and others across Florida whose homes and property were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Milton can now apply for aid through FEMA's direct assistance program. Why it matters: The federal aid — which includes includes grants for temporary housing and repairs for uninsured damage — provides a financial lifeline after natural disasters.

President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Florida on Friday, directing federal disaster assistance to the state in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

When there is a major disaster and states find they need more help than they can provide, they turn to the federal government.