Hillsborough County Residents Must Navigate FEMA’s “50% Rule” for Post-Hurricane Home Repairs

For residents in Hillsborough County grappling with the aftermath of this season’s hurricanes, understanding FEMA’s “50% Rule” is crucial. As outlined in a recent article by the

Hillsborough County

, those living within designated Special Flood Hazard Areas and insured under the National Flood Insurance Program need to be aware that any repair or improvement costs that exceed 50 percent of their home’s market value could trigger the need to elevate their homes or to make them fully flood compliant.

Hillsborough County’s adoption of FEMA’s regulations means that residents need to quickly educate themselves about how these rules could potentially impact their repair strategies. According to the

county’s statement

, “If repairing your home due to the damage and impacts sustained from recent storms meets the definition, the entire structure must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation or be made totally flood compliant,” which can add significantly to overall costs. Repair and reconstruction efforts are thus not merely a question of fixing damages but may involve a more transformative process of elevation or compliance with federal standards.

As participants in the Community Rating System, Hillsborough County helps residents snag some savings on their flood insurance policies. This FEMA-managed program not only aligns with National Flood Insurance Program regulations but also encourages community practices that aim to exceed federal minimums—and, most importantly, help mitigate flood damage to insured properties.

For those navigating the repair process, this information is crucial. Hillsborough County’s partnership with the Community Rating System offers an incentive structure to make homes safer and more resilient to future flooding.

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