Tampa Bay Hurricane Victims Face Potential, Costly Mandatory Rebuilding

Homeowners and businesses alike in Tampa’s most vulnerable flood zones are confronting a difficult reality after recent hurricanes, with the potential requirement to completely rebuild or substantially modify their properties to meet new flood mitigation standards. The City of Tampa is sending over 1,900 letters to property owners in high-risk areas, including Davis Islands, Palmetto…

Owen E. Richason IV

December 11, 2024

1–2 minutes

FEMA 50% rule, Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, hurricanes, News, real estate, Tampa Bay

The City of Tampa is sending over 1,900 letters to property owners in high-risk areas, including Davis Islands, Palmetto Beach, and Westshore. These notices target properties where repair costs exceed 50% of the structure’s total value, potentially mandating significant reconstructions or elevations.

Rudolph La Russa Jr., whose family home on Davis Islands suffered extensive damage, exemplifies the emotional toll of repeated flooding. “You don’t know until you’ve lost 45 years of stuff,” he said, describing the devastating impact on his 90-year-old father’s property.

The city’s Development and Economic Opportunity Administrator Abbye Feeley emphasized the importance of residents carefully completing the accompanying Substantial Damage Determination form. “If the structure is deemed substantially damaged, you may need to elevate your home or floodproof your business,” Feeley explained.

Critically, the letter is not a final determination. Residents are encouraged to submit the form, as the initial assessment could change. Some property owners, like La Russa, are considering selling their homes rather than investing in extensive repairs.

“We cannot go through that again,” La Russa said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many homeowners in hurricane-prone areas. “Once you go through it once, you’ll never want to go through it again.”

The initiative highlights the increasing challenges faced by coastal communities dealing with more frequent and intense storm events, forcing difficult decisions about property resilience and long-term habitability.

Want to win a $25 Amazon gift card?

To enter, simply follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or X between now and Tuesday, December 24th. (Psst… You can enter up to four times by following us on each! But sorry, U.S. residents only.)