Millions of Americans living in condos, HOAs, and manufactured home parks face a hidden financial threat after natural disasters: a federal policy that effectively labels their neighborhoods as “businesses,” denying them the same cleanup aid granted to other homeowners.
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) reintroduced the Clean Up DEBRIS Act today to close what they call an “arbitrary” loophole in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Under current FEMA guidelines, private communities are often classified as “commercial” entities. This means when a hurricane creates mountains of wreckage, FEMA may refuse to reimburse local governments for clearing it from private roads or condo grounds.
READ: Lost In Florida: Visiting UK 7-Year-Old Rescued At Lake’s Edge After Tense Search In Poinciana
The result? Residents who already pay taxes for disaster relief are forced to pay again—often thousands of dollars in special assessments—to hire private haulers.
“FEMA and its policy guidelines have arbitrarily determined that only some homeowners may receive help in removing debris, while condominiums… are left to foot the bill themselves,” said Steube. He noted the issue reached a boiling point after Hurricane Ian in 2022, when widespread damage in Southwest Florida was initially ineligible for federal cleanup support.
The legislation would mandate that FEMA treats residential common-interest communities the same as other neighborhoods when debris poses a risk to life, public health, or economic recovery.
READ: Florida Sen. Rick Scott Pitches ACA ‘Fix’: Ditch Subsidies To Insurers, Send Cash To Americans
Rep. Carter, a Democrat co-leading the effort, emphasized that the current red tape hits vulnerable communities hardest. “Storms don’t discriminate based on race, gender, political party, or how much money you make,” Carter said. “This bill is about fairness.”
The proposal has garnered backing from major coalitions, including the National Association of Counties and the Community Associations Institute, which represents over 75 million residents in managed communities. If passed, the bill would codify the definition of “Residential Common Interest Community” to ensure these neighborhoods are automatically eligible for aid without needing special waivers.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
