FEMA

Florida is a magnet for retirees — not just for those who can afford exclusive gated communities, but also for those on fixed incomes. Now, many face a wrenching reality: rebuilding is not an option.

The federal rule prohibits improvements to hurricane-damaged homes exceeding 50% of their market value unless the entire structure is updated to meet current building codes.

Southwest Florida has already answered the immediate question after Hurricane Ian slammed into the coast, killing dozens of people and destroying thousands of homes with record-high storm surge: Will we rebuild?

The program provides options for people whose homes are no longer livable because of Hurricane Ian.

Applications are open for those needing help removing debris from their property or for those needing to report missing property.

As federal agencies and local governments reassess flood zones and incorporate new technology, data on sea-level rise and the fact that the concrete jungle doesn’t absorb as much water as the natural environment, they’ve concluded that vast swaths of South Florida — particularly inland areas — are vulnerable to crippling storm surge and flooding from rain.

Sometimes a disaster brings out the best in people, and sometimes it brings out the worst. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s office is warning residents of the potential for scammers who might appear as federal officials knocking on your door.

The assistance is available in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties, those hardest hit by Hurricane Ian

Hundreds of Lee County residents remain in a shelter more than three weeks after Hurricane Ian swept through the region. Some are hopeful of getting jobs and places to live, but those who were homeless before Ian face an even tougher recovery.

The properties affected includes real property, homes or businesses destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by Ian's impacts.

FEMA has opened locations across the state, including six in the greater Tampa Bay region.

State Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said it could be three weeks before flood water from the St. Johns River recedes in Central Florida counties.