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From the Desk of
Representative Byron Donalds

Demanding FEMA Stop NFIP Cost Increases in Southwest Florida

by Congressman Byron Donalds
he Federal Emergency Management Dear Administrator Criswell:
Agency (FEMA) has recently We write regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)
T informed various municipalities recent decision to retrograde Lee County, Florida’s National Flood Insurance
throughout our Southwest Florida Program’s (NFIP) community premium discount pursuant to the Community
Rating System (CRS), effective October 1, 2024. The retrograde of the NFIP
community of their plans to eliminate
premium discount is yet another unforeseen challenge for Lee County residents,
much-needed discounts for certain National
who continue their fight to recover from Hurricane Ian.
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy In the wake of disaster recovery and skyrocketing inflation, Lee County
holders. Previously, FEMA had offered NFIP residents now face even higher living costs as a result of this decision. We urge
policyholders in Lee County a community you to immediately conduct a thorough review of this decision, honor the
premium discount of 25 percent, which will be eliminated for some original discounts and meet with local leaders to remedy any issues and keep
policyholders if FEMA moves forward with its recent decision. NFIP discounts in place.
Since Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County and caused widespread
This consequential and potentially disastrous decision for
devastation in Southwest Florida, we have fought to deliver relief to Florida
Southwest Florida residents is unacceptable. FEMA must
families and businesses and ensure a rapid recovery from this deadly storm.
immediately conduct a thorough review of their decision and it is While we appreciated FEMA’s quick response in the immediate aftermath of the
critical to the livelihoods of our neighbors and businesses alike, that storm, we are discouraged by recent actions from the agency.
FEMA does everything it can to work with local officials to ensure FEMA’s recent decision to lower discounts and raise premiums for some
further cost increases do not take effect. NFIP policyholders in Lee County is liable to create yet another unacceptable
rise in costs for Southwest Florida families and businesses still recovering from
As a result, I took action alongside Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL),
Hurricane Ian that is catastrophic for their financial stability. It is critical to
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). Together,
the livelihoods of Florida families and businesses that FEMA does everything
in a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell we called on
needed to work with local leaders to ensure further cost increases do not take
the agency to reverse its recent decision regarding the elimination of effect.
discounts for NFIP policyholders throughout Southwest Florida. It is We look forward to working with FEMA to maintain NFIP discounts in
critical that federal, state, and local authorities join together to stand Lee County as we continue to fight against higher costs for Florida families.
strongly for all members of our community. Sincerely,
Byron Donalds (R-FL) Member of Congress
Read the full text of our letter below:
Greg Steube (R-FL) Member of Congress
Rick Scott (R-FL) United States Senator
Marco Rubio (R-FL) United States Senator

CONTACT MY OFFICE
Collier County Office Washington, DC Office
3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 105, Naples, FL 34112 1719 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 239.252.6225 Phone: 202.225.2536

14 Life in Naples | May, June, July 2024