Collier County, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

Collier's disaster debris plan, Sec. 38-72, lets the County Manager authorize removal of disaster-generated debris from county-owned property, county roads, private roads and drainage easements, but only after a declared state of emergency for a major or catastrophic disaster and only where removal eliminates an immediate threat to life, health, safety, or significant property damage, or supports economic recovery. County crews first perform a cut-and-toss pass along rights-of-way to open arterial roads for search, rescue and recovery; only after that pass are residents told to place remaining debris for collection.

36(d) without it being deemed a trespass, but hazardous trees or limbs overhanging a private road remain the adjacent owner's responsibility unless they endanger county crews. Property owners must place debris with its leading edge inside the three-foot roadside shoulder, split into five categories: household/putrescent debris, vegetative debris, construction and demolition debris, white goods, and hazardous household or electronic waste with batteries segregated. Debris cannot block the roadway, signals or stormwater structures, and must stay clear of power lines, water meters, and a three-foot buffer around poles, hydrants, vehicles, mailboxes and fences.

Sec. 38-71 requires owners adjacent to private roads or gated communities to indemnify federal, state and county agencies for work performed during debris recovery. Commercial livestock and farming operations must coordinate animal carcass disposal with state agriculture and health authorities.