Fort Myers, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

Fort Myers's debris management framework activates under the city's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and the FEMA Public Assistance Program (Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. §5170) following any Presidentially declared disaster. Routine collection of bulky storm debris is conducted by Solid Waste, but a major hurricane triggers emergency debris removal under FEMA Category A Public Assistance — typically contracted to a Disaster Debris Removal contractor (e.g., the post-Ian operation used Thompson Consulting Services and Southern Disaster Recovery among others, with FEMA reimbursement at 75-100% depending on the disaster declaration). Residents are instructed to separate debris at curbside into FEMA-required categories: (1) vegetative (tree limbs, branches, leaves, untreated wood); (2) construction & demolition (drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing); (3) white goods (refrigerators, washers, dryers, water heaters, with refrigerants drained by a licensed technician); (4) household hazardous waste (paint, batteries, fuels, pesticides); (5) electronics (TVs, computers). Mixing categories slows pickup and reduces FEMA reimbursement. Debris must be placed at the curb (in the public right-of-way) and not block sidewalks, mailboxes, drains, or fire hydrants. For private roads, gated communities, condo and HOA common areas, and any property where the city does not have an automatic right of entry, owners (or HOA boards) must sign and submit the city's Emergency Debris Removal Right of Entry (ROE) form before crews can enter. FEMA requires that submitted ROE forms be accompanied by a copy of the community's HOA or Condominium Association insurance policy. The Public Assistance Pilot Program for Private Property Debris Removal allows FEMA reimbursement for removal from private property in qualifying circumstances. After Hurricane Ian (Sept 28, 2022 — Cat 4 landfall at Cayo Costa, FEMA-4673-DR-FL), Lee County removed over 1 million cubic yards of debris in the first month alone; Fort Myers operated a dedicated Hurricane Ian Debris Removal portal with daily collection passes and a public dashboard showing crew progress.