Storm Debris/Waste/Sand Removal

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is subject to change based on a storm’s severity, available resources, and other evolving conditions. Readers are encouraged to check these pages regularly for updates and to exercise due diligence by researching information from local, county, state and federal agencies for more current and comprehensive information.

A significant storm event can bring and leave behind large amounts of debris, ranging from vegetation, damaged household items and construction materials. This leftover debris can create significant public safety hazards and must be addressed in a systematic and organized manner. To ensure safe and efficient cleanup, debris is collected and removed from roadways and public rights-of-ways by contracted debris removal companies. By following the established guidelines from Pinellas County and FEMA, residents and communities can help make the debris removal process faster, safer, and more efficient, ensuring that recovery efforts move forward as quickly as possible.

FEMA Debris Removal Guidance

FEMA’s debris removal guidance emphasizes sorting different types of debris into separate, loose piles placed curbside, such as one for construction materials (e.g., drywall, furniture), another for vegetation, and yet another for large appliances, as illustrated below.

Click image below to view.


Responsibility of the Property Owner

Responsibility for debris removal generally falls on property owners, especially for private residential or commercial sites. FEMA allows removal on private non‑commercial property only when debris poses an immediate threat to public health or safety, or significantly impairs community recovery; such cases require documented public interest justification and legal authority as outlined in FEMA’s Debris Removal (pdf) guide. Debris removal from commercial properties is typically ineligible, as businesses are expected to have their own insurance, unless FEMA grants rare exceptions under extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, FEMA advises documenting all damage with photos and inventories as part of the debris removal and reimbursement process. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) states "Lost and abandoned vessels located on private properties are the responsibility of the property owners to reclaim and remove. Private property owners are responsible for removing debris from their own property, whether upland or wetland." 

Mangroves

Property owners are responsible for removal of debris, including lodged debris, in mangrove areas. However, mangroves are protected under Florida law, and their trimming or alteration is strictly regulated by the Mangrove Trimming and Alteration Act. This law allows only limited trimming without a permit, such as for docks or seawall maintenance, while full removal generally requires an individual permit and may involve mitigation measures. Therefore, although property owners must ensure debris is cleared, any trimming or alteration of the mangrove vegetation itself may require authorization unless it qualifies under specific exemptions. Click Pinellas County's Homeowner Guidelines for Trimming Mangroves for more information. When uncertain, it is advisable to contact your local FDEP district office (Southwest Florida WMD: 352-796-7211) for guidance before taking action.

Embedded PDF

FEMA Debris Removal Guidance
(courtesy of Pinellas County Emergency Management)

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Sand Removal

If a storm leaves heavy sand deposits on private property or along Gulf Blvd., the State has protocols to deploy trucks and equipment to begin clearing the Barrier Islands. Property owners are responsible for removing sand from their property, and any contaminated sand, such as sand mixed with debris or chemicals, should be placed safely near the roadside without blocking traffic or right-of-ways. FDOT, Pinellas County, County Public Works, the Town, private contractors, and, if needed, the National Guard will work together to assess conditions and haul sand to designated collection sites. Sand must not be placed in the trash, pushed into the road, or dumped in the right-of-way. More guidance on handling contaminated sand will be provided after a storm, while clean sand may be returned to the beach under official direction.

Please check back on this page regularly for updates on sand removal protocols.

Illegal Dumping

It is important to note that it is strictly prohibited to illegally dump debris on any other private or public property pursuant to Indian Shores Code Section 62.6:

"It shall be unlawful to deposit garbage or trash upon the premises of another or upon any street, alley, parkway or other public or private property or on any canal, ditch, wetland, water, waterway, gulf, bay, rock bed, sand bed, pool, pond or the like, within the town, or in the can or receptacle of another who has paid the collection service fee as provided in this chapter, except that tenants of multiple dwellings or businesses, where authorized, may deposit garbage in cans or receptacles upon which the owner or manager of the multiple dwelling or business building shall have paid the collection service fee provided in this chapter and which cans or containers shall be authorized for the use of the tenant by the owner or manager thereof."