Oct 22, 2024
Flood-prone Twin City Mobile Home Community in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been left in ruin following a devastating series of storms in recent years, and neighbors are desperate for relief.
"We may be poor and live in here, but we're people, too," resident Erin Roth told ABC Action News after Hurricane Debby swept through in August. "We're 100% neglected."
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Since Debby, hurricanes Helene and Milton have hammered the region as well.
Roth's neighbor, James Lawson, gave a harrowing account of the community's flooding in recent years.
"[Hurricane Ian] flooded out to the top of the hood of that truck and killed my Durango," he said of the 2022 storm. "Then, [Hurricane] Idalia [in 2023] ... the water was up to my chin, and I'm 6-foot-1."
Insurance compliance
Pinellas County officials sent letters to residents of the park last fall stating they must elevate their homes approximately 10 feet to be in compliance with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. The NFIP is a U.S. government program that provides flood insurance to property owners, and to qualify communities must adopt control measures to reduce damage caused by flooding.
But raising a home can be a challenge to those on low or fixed incomes. One Twin City resident told WFLA News Channel 8 they were quoted $41,000 to do the job.
Residents had until June 1, 2025, to comply with regulations, according to a statement from county leaders sent to ABC Action News, or they must vacate the park.
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However, leaders met in September and laid out plans to help. New state funding has opened the door to provide eligible Twin City residents up to $30,000 to help raise or relocate mobile homes, or rent elsewhere, according to ABC Action News.
"We understand the condition that many of those residents are living in, and the reality is, it's not by choice," assistant county administrator Tom Almonte told the local broadcaster. "We have a responsibility as a county [to help]."
Some residents were concerned about exactly how much aid they could receive.
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Flood insurance pricing
Homeland Security states 90% of natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. But despite how common it is, coverage is not standard in most homeowners insurance policies.
Most residential flood insurance policies are sold through the NFIP, according to Forbes Advisor. Pricing for NFIP policies is set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and as of April 2023 all policies were subject to an updated pricing formula based on different risk factors.
Some Florida residents may experience dramatic price increases. According to the Miami Herald, citing FEMA estimates, flood insurance premiums in one Palm Beach County zip code may increase by an average of 342%, while another zip code in South Florida could see premiums averaging north of $7,000 annually.
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Not every homeowner, though, would see a premium increase, and FEMA actually estimated a decrease in price for about 20% of Florida policyholders. In addition, premiums wouldn't immediately skyrocket — hikes are capped at 18% a year until they reach the new price.
As of 2023, flood insurance in Florida from the NFIP cost on average $853 per year, according to ValuePenguin. This figure may seem more reasonable compared to the ones mentioned above, however, for low-income residents in areas where prices are going up, or where they need to make home upgrades for compliance reasons, the added costs can be a challenge. Especially considering the rising cost of home insurance in the state.
How homeowners can mitigate flood risks
Preparation is key for mitigating flood risks. Sandbags and flood barriers can help redirect water from your home. During extreme weather events, some local authorities distribute sandbags at little or no cost.
Elevating appliances, such as washers and dryers, on cinder blocks or using flood pans can potentially protect them from flood waters. Placing smaller electronics and important paperwork in plastic bins can prevent them from being soaked. The U.S. government offers resources on how to build a basic disaster supply kit, which can help residents survive after a flood.
Floridians like Roth can also access community resources. For example, FloridaDisaster.org offers information about individual assistance for households recovering from natural disasters, including mental health support. FEMA also allows you to apply for individual assistance online. The Red Cross often works with communities following an emergency by offering resources as well.
Also, keep an eye out for announcements from municipal government officials, such as your mayor, on social media. They will often point residents in the right direction and keep you informed in real time during natural disasters.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
