After reviewing in-depth analysis and evaluations, FEMA recognizes Special Flood Hazard Areas may be the only feasible option to place temporary housing units in Charlotte, Collier,
DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties.
Placing Transportable Temporary Housing Units
FEMA continues to work with the state and local authorities to determine the best solution for meeting hurricane survivors’ housing needs in Florida. FEMA must follow local codes and standards when placing Temporary Housing Units. Factors in determining the options may include:
- Applicant's household composition;
- The amount of time the applicant expects to require temporary housing; and
- Feasibility and cost of the available temporary housing option.
A transportable temporary housing unit is one of the forms of FEMA’s direct housing assistance in Florida. It may be
placed on a private site, such as an applicant’s private property, on a commercial park, or on a group site.
Under certain conditions, FEMA may allow the placement of transportable temporary housing units within a Special
Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). This is only after all other practicable alternatives have been exhausted within a community that has been approved for FEMA’s direct housing program.
Based on extensive analyses of multiple factors, FEMA recognizes there are likely no practicable alternatives to
placing transportable temporary housing units in an SFHA in many instances in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Lee,
Hardee and Sarasota counties.
Special Considerations in Special Flood Hazard Areas
To ensure FEMA chooses the most appropriate site for direct housing assistance, FEMA evaluates all kinds of flood risks and survivors’ needs.
FEMA also evaluates unique needs of the occupants, including seniors, children, people with disabilities or other access and functional needs.
If the inspection on the site shows that a full-sized manufactured housing unit is not practical, and the use of a temporary travel trailer is the only practicable solution, FEMA may use a travel trailer.
Restrictions and Limitation
FEMA will not house an individual or a family in an SFHA unless the site is the only practicable alternative.
FEMA will not place transportable temporary housing units within the SFHA at certain high-risk locations, where flooding is very likely to cause damages again.
As occupants complete the licensing-in process before moving into a transportable temporary housing unit, FEMA will provide a fact sheet that talks about flooding risks, safety issues, right of entry, possible unit removal, etc. The fact sheet will also include contact information for the local emergency manager. FEMA will need occupants to confirm that they have received the information.
When peak hurricane season comes, FEMA may need to relocate occupants of a transportable temporary housing unit in the SFHA. This is to protect occupants and their properties, and to minimize harm to and within floodplains. Applicants must agree to evacuate when directed by the state or local government.
More Information
Apply for federal disaster assistance if you have not done so. The deadline to apply for FEMA individual assistance (including direct housing assistance) for Hurricane Ian is Jan. 12.
For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian or Nicole, please visit floridadisaster.org/info fema.gov/disaster/4673 and fema.gov/disaster/4680; follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and facebook.com/fema.