Bay County – Private Property Debris Removal Program

Panama City, Florida – Bay County is now accepting applications through June 28 for a program that may help private property owners with Hurricane Michael debris removal and/or demolition if they meet certain requirements. The program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is being managed on behalf of Bay County by Tetratech, a subcontractor.

“Our goal is to assist citizens who have been impacted by Hurricane Michael but who are having difficulty fully recovering,” Bay County Community Development Director Ian Crelling said. “We hope that, through this program, we can get some federal relief for private property owners who otherwise have no means of clearing their properties.”

Removal of debris caused by the storm, such as hazardous limbs, trees, and stumps near a commonly used area or maintained space of a property may be eligible, following a field survey of the property. The demolition and debris removal of a structure that is unsafe, per Bay County Code, may also be eligible for the program.

Not eligible under the program: Debris removal from vacant lots, unimproved property, and unused or unmaintained areas of a property; debris on agricultural lands used for crops or livestock; or concrete slabs or foundations on grade.

Participants in the program will be required to sign a Right-of-Entry (ROE) that grants the county and its contractors access to the property for inspecting, removing and clearing eligible storm-generated debris and a Hold Harmless Agreement (HHA) that releases the county and others of liability from work done during the program.

Residents who have homeowner’s insurance may be eligible for the program, but FEMA may require specific documentation to avoid duplication of benefits.

To participate, property owners should download a copy of the program application, ROE and HHA at www.baycountyfl.gov, and visit one of two intake centers in the county to complete application packet by the June 28 deadline. Please bring:

• The completed program application, ROE and HHA;
• A copy of the property insurance policy, if the property is insured;
• A Proof of Loss or Statement of Loss from the insurance company, if the property was insured at the time of the event;
• A copy of the owner’s valid Florida driver’s license or identification;
• A copy of the tax statement or deed to verify property ownership.

All properties will require inspection prior to debris removal and are subject to review by the county and FEMA for eligibility. Submission of an application does not guarantee that the property owner qualifies for the PPDR program.

Property owners may visit the county’s intake locations at:

Applications will be accepted from April 8 through June 28. For questions about this program, please call (850) 704-6041 or (850) 704-0426. Please visit www.baycountyfl.gov for a list of frequently asked questions about the program and to download and print documents associated with the application packet.