December 01, 2025 | Press Releases

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) reintroduced today the Clean Up Disasters and Emergencies with Better Recovery and Immediate Support Act or Clean Up DEBRIS Act. This bill would allow common interest communities, condominiums, and other private housing cooperatives to receive debris removal assistance from the federal government after a natural disaster or emergency.

“When a natural disaster strikes, debris and wreckage affect the public health and safety of all Americans. Back-to-back disasters pose a significant threat as vegetative and construction debris become projectiles in subsequent storms,” said Rep. Steube. “Unfortunately, FEMA and its policy guidelines have arbitrarily determined that only some homeowners may receive help in removing debris, while condominiums, multifamily properties, and manufactured homeowners are left to foot the bill themselves. That is why I am introducing the Clean Up DEBRIS Act. This bill will close this unfair gap in disaster relief and bring lifesaving services to all residential property owners.”

Rep. Steube is co-leading this legislation alongside Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.).

“Storms don’t discriminate based on race, gender, political party, or how much money you make — and everyone deserves the same opportunity to recover when a natural disaster strikes,” said Rep. Carter. “The Clean Up DEBRIS Act fixes a long-overdue inequity that left thousands of our neighbors paying out of pocket just to remove a tree from their front porch or clear debris that threatened their safety. This bill is about fairness, public safety, and making sure communities can get back on their feet quickly before the next storm comes. I’m proud to lead this effort, and I’m fighting to ensure every Louisiana family gets the disaster relief they deserve.” 

Background: Under current federal law, FEMA may deny debris removal assistance to certain types of residential property owners by refusing to reimburse counties for performing critical debris services. Condominiums, manufactured home parks, co-ops, and common interest communities are most often excluded from these vital services, leaving residents subject to special assessments levied by homeowners associations to cover costs that FEMA refuses.

This issue came to a head when Southwest Floridians were denied vital debris assistance after Hurricane Ian in 2022 when their properties were mislabeled “commercial” under the Stafford Act. Downed trees, construction materials, and hazardous waste debris became an even bigger risk in the adjacent Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton.

Residents who were informed that their homes were classified as “commercial” were rightfully outraged after having raised their families and paid personal property taxes—not commercial—for years. Rep. Steube sent a letter to FEMA asking that an exception be granted for manufactured home parks in Sarasota County after Hurricane Ian. While exceptions were granted, the Clean Up DEBRIS Act would ensure that all families are afforded the same critical debris removal services in the aftermath of natural disasters.

The Clean Up DEBRIS Act has the support of the Sarasota County Commission, Florida Association of Counties, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance (LWRBA), Community Associations Institute, Tampa Bay Chamber, and the National Association of Counties. 

“Sarasota County residents experienced significant damage because of Hurricane Ian. Parts of our community were impacted further with the confusion over FEMA guidance and the Stafford Act related to debris removal. We applaud and support Rep. Steube for his introduction again in the 119th Congress, legislation that adds manufactured home parks as an eligible property class for debris removal.” —Chair, Dr. Joe Neunder, Sarasota County Commission

“FAC appreciates Rep. Steube’s commitment to resolving these long-standing concerns. Rep. Steube’s proposed legislation, the Clean Up DEBRIS Act, provides much-needed clarity regarding FEMA’s debris removal policies—particularly those governing reimbursement for debris on private property.
 This bill takes a critical step forward by establishing clear statutory authority for counties to receive reimbursement for debris removal associated with condominiums, cooperative housing units, and manufactured home communities when debris presents a demonstrable risk to public health and safety.” —Florida Association of Counties, Letter

“Ensuring our communities can recover quickly after a storm is essential for the safety and stability of our region. The Clean Up DEBRIS Act provides a long-overdue fix that will help homeowners and associations access timely federal support when they need it most. We applaud Congressman Steube for championing a solution that strengthens resilience and protects the people and businesses that make our region thrive.” —Brittany Lamont, President and CEO, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

“Congressman Steube’s leadership is a game-changer for the more than 77 million Americans living homeowners associations and manufactured housing communities. For too long, these neighborhoods across the country have faced needless bureaucratic hurdles and frustrating red tape when seeking FEMA assistance for hurricane and storm debris removal. This bill finally corrects an inequity that has left millions of taxpayers without the same access to disaster recovery resources that other Americans receive. We are grateful for Congressman Steube’s firsthand understanding of the issue and his commitment to ensuring all communities can recover quickly and safely after disaster strikes.” —Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of Community Associations Institute

“The Chamber supports proactive policies and strategic investments that enhance community resiliency, safeguard economic stability, and protect the business community before, during, and after natural disasters. The Clean Up DEBRIS Act ensures all residential communities receive timely debris removal support which helps stabilize neighborhoods, accelerate recovery, and ultimately allow local businesses to reopen and serve our region sooner.” —Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber.

“The bipartisan Clean Up DEBRIS Act would bring long-overdue clarity and fairness to FEMA’s debris removal policies, helping counties protect public health and accelerate community recovery. By establishing clear statutory authority for reimbursing debris removal, this bill addresses a longstanding source of confusion and costly delays for local governments. Counties appreciate Congressman Steube and Carter’s leadership on this critical issue, and we look forward to working with our congressional champions to advance this much-needed reform.” —Matthew Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties

Read the full bill text here.