Following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic landfall, Governor Ron DeSantis has requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration to support Florida's response and recovery efforts. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and members...
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Photos: Rubio Joins U.S. Coast Guard Post-Hurricane Milton
Following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic landfall in Florida, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined the U.S. Coast Guard to survey impacted areas across the State. Photos are courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office. Senator Rubio joins the U.S. Coast Guard for a flyover...
Next Week: Rubio Staff Hosts Mobile Office Hours
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) office will host in-person Mobile Office Hours next week to assist constituents with federal casework issues in their respective local communities. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of Senator Rubio’s...
Rubio, Scott Support Seminole Tribe’s Request for Pre-landfall Emergency Declaration for Milton
Major Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida, bringing with it devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. The Seminole Tribe of Florida should have access to the federal resources required for emergency response and recovery preparations on...
Rubio, Scott to POTUS: Prepare for Hurricane Impacts to Port of Tampa Bay
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to potentially hinder or obstruct the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida’s petroleum products. It’s crucial for the federal government to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida’s economy...
Rubio, Scott Support Florida’s Request for Pre-landfall Emergency Declaration Ahead of Hurricane Milton
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to impact Florida with devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. After just being hit by Hurricane Helene, it’s crucial for the State of Florida to have the support of the federal government. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio...
Rubio Introduces Post-Disaster Fairness to States Act
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Post-Disaster Fairness to States Act (S. 1641), legislation that would place a three year statute of limitation on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) clawing back funds after the completion of a project following a federally designated disaster. The current statute allows FEMA to recoup disaster funds three years after a disaster has been closed, which can take years, sometimes decades. Rubio’s bill would protect counties, cities, towns, and individual homeowners who receive FEMA disaster funds following a federally designated storm.
“Floridians should not be subjected to permanent uncertainty about when the federal government might claw back support distributed after a disaster,” said Rubio. “Our state has experienced numerous storms since 2004, and although recovery efforts have long been completed, under current law the federal government can take back these funds, sometimes decades later—financially decimating the recipients who relied on them. Closing this loophole will give local officials and homeowners certainty and peace of mind, and ensure they are treated fairly.”
Rubio’s bill ensures entities are unable to benefit from the limitation unless the federal grant’s approved purpose is accomplished, and preserves requirements ensuring recipients of federal resources following a disaster are good stewards of taxpayer dollars. The bill is supported by the Florida Association of Counties.
Many federal disaster designations stemming from hurricanes are still open in Florida, including Frances (2004), Ivan (2004), Jeanne (2004), Charley (2004), Katrina (2005), Dennis (2005), Wilma (2005), Gustav (2008), Isaac (2012), Hermine (2016), and Matthew (2016).
The Post-Disaster Fairness to States Act would:
- Amend the Stafford Act to place a three year statute of limitations for FEMA recoupment on the completion of projects. Current law starts the clock after the state closes out the entire storm, which can take years or decades.
- Ensure bad faith actors are not captured by the statute—the purpose of the grant must be accomplished to benefit. This is in addition to current prohibition for instances of civil or criminal fraud, abuse or waste.
- This would not apply to final agency decisions already rendered, per the date of enactment.
- Apply a three year statute of limitation for homeowners under the Individual Assistance category, taking effect after January 1, 2012.