Duval Times

Florida communities are working to recover from the significant damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The back-to-back nature of these emergencies has created an urgent need for clear guidance on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) debris clean-up policy.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis, along with other members of the Florida delegation, have reached out to President Joe Biden in a letter seeking written direction on debris clean-up operations.

"Many of these local governments need FEMA to implement precedented emergency policy flexibilities to facilitate a seamless federal response…. [W]e ask that you issue additional guidance for these hurricanes that will further help facilitate recovery efforts," they wrote.

The full text of their letter highlights the hardships faced by Florida's local governments as they attempt to address various needs following the hurricanes. It underscores the necessity for FEMA to apply existing emergency policy flexibilities to aid a coordinated federal response.

After major disasters, FEMA can waive certain program requirements related to debris removal, demolition, and waste disposal. The delegation notes that FEMA has previously provided disaster-specific guidance helping local communities comply with regulations while taking advantage of program waivers.

The letter acknowledges FEMA’s correspondence dated October 13, 2024, which offered necessary flexibility by waiving the requirement to identify specific damages caused by each hurricane. In light of this communication, the delegation urges further written guidance to assist recovery efforts.

They specifically request formal confirmation that FEMA will fully reimburse debris clean-up activities conducted between the two hurricanes and call for additional flexibility in post-Milton debris clean-up efforts to expedite recovery work.

The signatories express gratitude for attention to these matters and express willingness to collaborate with federal authorities on behalf of Floridians affected by these disasters.