Volusia and Flagler counties were among the hardest hit when hurricanes Ian and Nicole hit back-to-back.A federal disaster declaration for Ian has been in place but now a declaration for Nicole has been issued, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide much-needed assistance. "We have responder costs with law enforcement, fire service," Jonathan Lord of Flagler County Emergency Management said. Flagler County was reeling in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian when Nicole blew through.More properties flooded, the beach lost more sand and parts of the busy State Road A1A broke apart.Nicole cost Flagler more than $24 million, so officials are grateful for a federal disaster declaration."Our local governments, the county, the cities as well as our special districts can get reimbursements for a decent percentage of the costs that we incurred responding to Nicole and repairing our infrastructure," Lord said. In Volusia County, damage estimates from Nicole soared much higher — over $500 million — as the storm undermined several dozen hotels and condominiums.Homes flooded and others collapsed as relentless wave action hit the coast."This is going to be great for so many of them," Krista Goodrich of Salty Dog Vacations said. Goodrich manages about 140 coastal properties for owners.FEMA eligibility could now help put so many of those damaged by Nicole on firmer ground. "There is insurance usually on the buildings, but you can't insure land. Normally, that's not an issue because you don't need to insure land except when it completely disappears," Goodrich said. FEMA has been operating a disaster recovery center at the main health department offices in Volusia County since Ian hit.It's been the same in Flagler County, where they are at the fairgrounds.Now they will stay put and open for those who had Nicole damage.Many are still displaced in the aftermath of Nicole, some uninsured or underinsured.FEMA may now be able to offer financial assistance for what was lost, and help with the expense of temporary housing."If they found somewhere to live it's probably at a much higher cost than what they were paying for their primary residence," Goodrich said. Storm victims can apply for assistance online or in person.It's important to note if you got FEMA assistance following Hurricane Ian but incurred more damage in Nicole, you may still be eligible for more assistance.