Thousands of Southwest Florida homeowners are getting letters from FEMA in the mail warning that their community could be placed on probation for not building back properly from Hurricane Ian.
Those who live in a flood zone and rely on FEMA for flood insurance are receiving the letters. At first, they can be quite alarming. But local government leaders insist the letters are just a formality.
The letters warn homeowners that their community could be placed on probation and ultimately leave them paying more for flood insurance policies. Lee County Manager Dave Harner stressed last week that doesn’t mean the communities will be placed on probation, insisting the letters are a process FEMA must follow.
“Within the letter, it will state a few concerning items,” Harner said.
In short, the letter warns people that they could be paying hundreds of dollars more a year for flood insurance if communities lose their flood insurance discount and are subject to a $50 probation surcharge for one year.
“Any time you get a letter threatening potential bad outcomes from a federal agency it's going to cause a stir. We've heard from some folks about it,” said Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell.
Fort Myers Insurance Agent Doug Nellans has also heard from clients phoning his office concerned about the letters.
“Naturally, they're a bit anxious about the way the letter is worded. We've alleviated them by letting them know this is just a pre-notification letter. No action is necessary on the part of the homeowner,” Nellans stressed.
He pointed out that the pressure is on the communities of Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs and Lee County to come into compliance with FEMA by the Nov. 18 deadline.
“The responsibility to take care of the measure is solely in the hands of the city and county floodplain management office,” Nellans explained.
FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan said he appreciates communities taking the matter seriously and working to improve the identified deficiencies.
“The county is still working on all of the concerns that were outlined by FEMA. I'm confident they're going to get where they need to get,” Caldwell said.
Many residents like Judy Ramage of Cape Coral, however, fear not getting it right will cost them money many do not have.
“It's going to be extremely expensive for people,” Ramage said.
The letter warns any homeowner who may have unpermitted work from Hurricane Ian to
contact local officials or FEMA or visit the following website for more information here .