Hurricane Ian Debris Removal

The Debris Insurance Collection Program assists the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) with seeking reimbursement from FEMA for eligible debris removal costs. FEMA policy requires FDEM to take reasonable steps to collect applicable insurance proceeds for debris removal services and avoid any duplication of benefits. 

FDEM is working with property owners who participated in the Ian Debris Cleanup program to determine what, if any, insurance benefits are available for debris removal reimbursement. FDEM will only seek reimbursement for duplicate funds a property owner may have received after the removal services have been completed, the claim has been closed and the insurance policy has a stated benefit amount for relevant debris removal services.

Duplication of Benefits refers to the situation where financial assistance is provided to a disaster survivor from more than one source for the same purpose. Federal law prevents individuals from receiving federal disaster assistance that duplicates assistance they have already received from other sources. 

Property owners who participated in the Ian Debris Cleanup Program and executed a Right of Entry (ROE) Agreement agreed to file an insurance claim if coverage is available and report any compensation from any source for debris/property removal or demolition costs.  

FDEM is contacting property owners who participated in the debris cleanup program to obtain documentation to determine if all Hurricane Ian debris removal services have been completed and if a duplication of benefits has occurred.  

1. If the property owner was not insured, they will receive the following:

• Initial Outreach Email 
• Debris Completion Acknowledgement 
• Certification of Non-Coverage  

2. If the property owner was insured and has completed the claims process with their insurance company, they will receive the following:

• Initial Outreach Email 
• Debris Completion Acknowledgement 
• Receipt of Compensation 
• Self-Certification of Repairs 
• Invoice with Reimbursement Instructions, if applicable
• Confirmation of Payment Receipt, if applicable 

Property owners who enrolled in the Ian Debris Cleanup Program will receive correspondence (email, phone calls and letter via postal service) from FDEM. Correspondence will be addressed to the property owner who completed the Right of Entry (ROE) application and will include the following information in the official correspondence:  

• ROE ID # 
• Property Address 
• STRAP number (a unique property identification number given to every parcel of land) 

The initial contact will be through an email explaining the program and next steps. The property owner may also receive follow-up emails and phone calls. Anytime a property owner or insurer provides documents through electronic signatures or mail, FDEM will send out a confirmation of receipt. 

FDEM will work with property owners to ensure the benefits received during debris cleanup are not a duplication of benefits. Duplication of benefits will be determined after reviewing supporting documents submitted by the property owner to FDEM. 

Property Owners can call the Debris Insurance Collection Program hotline at 850-961-2002 or email FDEM@IanDebrisCleanup.com Additional information can be found on the program’s website: IanDebrisCleanup.com.