There are specific guidelines municipalities must follow to be reimbursed by FEMA for debris removal, as well as regulations homeowners must follow to rebuild following a catastrophic loss.
We’ve heard a lot about the FEMA 50% rule, which states that a damaged home can’t be repaired if the damage exceeds 50% of the home’s value. Now, residents in hard-hit areas along Pinellas County beaches are hearing that storm debris littering streets, front yards, and vacant lots won’t be picked up if it came from a condominium.
See FEMA fact sheet.
According to “FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.13: Removal of debris that has been placed on the right-of-way after a disaster incident occurs from commercial properties, such as industrial parks, golf courses, cemeteries, apartments, condominiums, and trailer parks due to a disaster is generally ineligible because commercial enterprises are expected to retain insurance that covers debris removal.”
“As a real estate broker for 45 years, it’s my understanding that Florida statutes show a multi-family condo is residential,” Bob Meyers, a resident of Treasure Island, told ABC Action News reporter Michael Paluska. “As far as how FEMA is interpreting it, I don’t understand their thought process, to be honest with you. It’s a little frustrating because, at this point now, most of the debris has been out since the first one, Helene.”