The state sought assistance last month, saying Sandy had caused $50 million in damage in Brevard, Broward, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, and Saint Lucie counties. Miami-Dade was also included in the request.
Sandy eventually crashed on shore in the Northeast, and according to state emergency officials, FEMA says Florida can handle the damage here.
But the Florida Division of Emergency Management says the feds aren't taking lost wages, insurance, and damage mitigation into account.
State emergency director Bryan Koon said while damages totaled tens of millions of dollars, businesses and workers who depend on Florida beaches lost their incomes. So the appeal is critical to the economy and safety of the region.