Jacksonville, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

206. 701 states the City's primary post-disaster mission is to protect life and property, restore services and clear public streets first; private debris removal is normally the property owner's own responsibility, but the City may step in when the magnitude of a disaster creates a compelling threat. 702 defines "debris" as disaster-generated displaced, broken or discarded building and construction materials, garbage, vegetative matter, and spoiled or ruined household goods, and defines "private street" as any street not dedicated to public use or accepted for City maintenance, including streets in gated communities.

703 gives the Mayor or the Mayor's designee authority to order removal from private property when debris is found to pose an immediate threat, judged against factors including whether it blocks emergency vehicles, risks disease, blocks garbage collection, contaminates groundwater, blocks drainage in heavy rain, or is too voluminous to be cleared by owners alone. 704 notes FEMA may waive that criteria requirement for federal funding eligibility, and that commercial-property debris removal is generally ineligible for Public Assistance Program reimbursement unless found to be in the public interest; non-commercial reimbursement is discretionary with FEMA.

705 lets the City require an owner to indemnify and hold the City, State and federal government harmless as a condition of removing debris from that owner's property. 703 criteria. 707 makes clear the City is never obligated to remove private debris except where the Mayor or designee determines, in their sole discretion, that the situation is a significant, immediate threat and in the City's overriding public interest.