Homestead, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA): Debris constituting an immediate threat to public health and safety and removed by the responsible local entity may be eligible for funding under the FEMA Public Assistance program. [...] Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): DEP must approve debris staging areas in order for the owner/operator of the staging area to receive Public Assistance funds from FEMA. Field authorizations for staging areas by DEP may be issued prior to or following a site inspection by DEP personnel for staging areas to be used for temporary storage and processing of hurricane-generated debris. Field authorizations for debris staging areas may be issued only by DEP subsequent to an Executive Order by the Governor declaring a state of emergency or an Emergency Final Order by the Secretary of DEP authorizing debris staging areas. DEP also provides assistance with the cleanup of hazardous materials that pose a threat to the environment. For assistance, call the DEP Emergency Response State Warning Point at 800-320-0519. Property Owners: Lost and abandoned vessels located on private properties are the responsibility of the property owners to reclaim and remove. Private property owners are responsible for removing debris from their own property, whether upland or wetland.