Fort Myers Beach residents face higher flood insurance after losing FEMA rebate

FORT MYERS BEACH, FL. Families in Fort Myers Beach are bracing for higher flood insurance bills. The city lost the 25% FEMA rebate that has helped neighbors save money since 1999. FEMA placed the city on probation, meaning the rebate is no longer available.

WATCH FOX 4 FORT MYERS BEACH COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENT ANVAR RUZIEV AS HE TALKS TO NEIGHBORS ABOUT INCREASING COSTS:

‘Can’t catch a break’: Fort Myers Beach residents face higher flood insurance bills after losing FEMA rebate

On Thursday, the city learned that FEMA had decided to eliminate the community rating system rebate. Even though the city tried to fix the problems before the November 18 deadline, FEMA canceled the rebate anyway.

“Insurance is already very expensive,” said George Kormos, a Fort Myers Beach resident. “Without that 25% discount, I just can’t justify the cost. “I even decided not to get flood insurance because it’s too much for what you’ll get if there’s a flood.”

For many people like George, losing the discount could mean paying an extra $2,000 every year. A big burden, especially for those still renovating their homes after the hurricanes, like Ian.

“It will displace people who can’t afford it,” George added. “Flood insurance was already expensive. Losing the discount makes the situation even worse.”

City Manager Andrew Hyatt said he was disappointed but would continue to work with FEMA. Fort Myers Beach has participated in a rebate program to protect homes from flooding for over 25 years.

“It doesn’t seem fair,” George said. “In some places you have to pay more, in others you don’t.”

Neighbors now face a difficult choice: pay more for insurance or risk not getting it.

The city shared correspondence with FEMA on its website.